While the Cyclones were busy winning against Troy State inside Jack Trice Stadium, ISU Police officers were busy maintaining safety outside.

Daily reporters followed Capt. Gene Deisinger, Sgt. Aaron Delashmutt and officers Justin Gatewood and Nick Grossman as they patrolled the parking lots of the stadium from pre-game to well into the third quarter.

“Twenty-five to 30 ISU police officers arrive every home game at least three to four hours before kickoff,” Delashmutt said.

They set up at a Department of Public Safety tent where they worked from a makeshift station. There they formed teams of two and began patrols.

Students, as well as community police officers and county deputies, also arrived at the stadium to help monitor the atmosphere.

“Our role in being out here is for people to have a safe experience,” Deisinger said.

The officers agreed their goal was to prevent a situation from escalating into something more serious, such as a drunken-driving fatality or alcohol poisoning. Throughout the night the teams canvassed the lots to ensure public safety as well as enforce the law.

Tailgating is often associated with alcohol. The officers said they wanted students to have a good time, but still have a duty to enforce the legal drinking age. There is also concern for those who have reached the point of public intoxication, Deisinger said.

Gatewood said he looks for people who look young, who don’t make eye contact, or people who drop their hands down or hide their beverage.

“As long as they’re behaving and not drawing attention to themselves, we’re not concerned,” Delashmutt said.

One student blew a whistle to warn his fellow tailgaters of the officer’s arrival. The student was warned on more than one occasion by several officers that his behavior was disruptive and he was in danger of being arrested for public intoxication. Not heeding the advice, the student was later arrested.

“There comes a point when fun no longer becomes fun,” Gatewood said.

Students charged with possession of alcohol under the legal age will receive a ticket of $145, Grossman said. The student has a choice to pay the fine or go to court. If he or she does neither, an arrest warrant is issued.

When a student is cited for public intoxication, they are arrested and immediately taken to the DPS tent. There they are loaded into a paddy wagon and are patted down for weapons. The students’ personal belongings are also removed. Finally, they are taken to jail where they will sit for at least four hours in order to sober up, Delashmutt said.

The officers said most of their interactions with students were positive. Throughout the evening they stopped to talk to students, posed for pictures, passed out stickers and even played a game of catch.

For the most part, ISU Police officers were well received by the students. Several students said the officers did not interrupt their tailgate experience.

Jeff Rodrian, graduate student from Purdue, said ISU Police officers had kept things at the right level and they hadn’t been overbearing. “I’ve been very impressed,” he said.

Some students didn’t agree that ISU Police were simply trying to ensure safety, and others just wanted to be left alone.

“Let the kids play,” said Eric Martinson, sophomore in pre-business.