City and campus police officials say they are prepared for the party-heavy Halloween weekend, especially in the University Heights where police have been cracking down all semester.
"Halloween weekend has traditionally been one of the greater party weekends, and we're ready for it," said Mark Antonio, police chief of the E district that includes the Heights.
Antonio declined to say whether Buffalo Police would have a greater presence than usual for this coming weekend.
"We're going to be out there and we're going to be observing," he said.
Antonio added that although Halloween weekend is known for its rowdiness, it remains a routine weekend for his officers.
"(It's) the same precautions we've been taking every weekend," he said. "If we find large parties, we're going to break them up and make arrests."
"They'll just be partying with outfits on," he added.
As usual, working with the Buffalo Police will be UB's campus police.
According to John Grela, director of Public Safety, Halloween is just another weekend, but students tend to do more stupid things.
"This year it's on a Sunday night and I don't know what kind of specials the bars are offering," Grela said, "but I'm sure they're going to want to celebrate Halloween."
Grela also said campus police will be working closely with Residence Halls and Apartments this weekend, though he doesn't plan to put any extra officers on patrol for calls from the Heights or on campus.
Although it's supposed to be a rainy, cold weekend that could keep away partygoers, Antonio said that's no reason to let their guard down.
"If kids want to party, they're going to party rain or shine," he said.
Antonio said the community has responded well to the job police are doing this semester in the Heights.
"The residents and neighborhood have been very positive with the outcome," he said. "They can't thank us enough to get their neighborhood back, and now they can get some sleep at night."
"Because of that we're going to continue this crackdown all year long," he added.
Since it's impossible to stop all the parties in the Heights, Antonio said he urges students to keep their parties smaller.
"The law is on the residents' side, not the students' side," he said.
Grela said no matter what the situation, students should not be afraid to call campus police at 645-2222 if there is a problem.
"People should go out and party responsibly," he said. "Go out and have a good time, but still look after one another."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
