Many LSU students enjoy a night out after a long week of school. Because of the dangers that can accompany a late night in Tigerland, the Baton Rouge Police Department is increasing its presence there. 
Sergeant George Perkins of the BRPD is one of the officers who has volunteered to work extra shifts in Tigerland.
“We have increased presence on Monday nights, on Thursday night, on Friday night, and also on Saturday night,” said Sgt. Perkins.
On these nights, the BPRD officers arrive at 11 p.m. and remain in Tigerland until 3 a.m. Increasing police presence in Tigerland has become an annual event for the Baton Rouge police department. The purpose of putting more officers directly in Tigerland is to allow other officers to remain at their stations in case of an emergency, and to make police response quicker. 
“When we’re not handling an incident, we would possibly be walking the parking lot,” said St. Perkins. “Just basically deterring anyone who may consider vandalizing one of the vehicles in the parking lot, or burglarizing the vehicles in the parking lot.”
The officers assigned to these positions are done so on a volunteer basis, and so far there has been a positive response from the many within the LSU Student Body. 
“There are a lot of fights breaking out,” said Public Relations Sophomore Chloe Kingston. “It might be better to have some people there ready to help on hand in case they need to call 911 or an emergency ambulance.”
Despite the increased number of officers, the BRPD still recommends caution when you venture out into Tigerland at night.
“It’s only six officers normally, so we can’t watch everything,” explained Sgt. Perkins. “But, for the most part, we have been able to deter a lot of the crimes and a lot of the criminal activity in the area.” 
The BRPD wants to make students aware of their presence, so they know the police are there to help them in the case of an emergency.