Cooperation among the Ames Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, the Story County Sheriff’s Office, and Veishea Security Aides will mean a larger security effort and new safety implementations during Veishea weekend.

Ames Police Commander Randy Kessel said the Ames Police has formed an “atypical teaming” with other area law enforcement groups.

“We have been working more closely with DPS and the Story County office to develop a more team approach,” Kessel said.

The commanding post, where arrests, bookings, logistic tactics and collaborative efforts will be housed, will be moved to the Armory this year instead of the Ames Fire Station No. 2 on Welch Avenue, where it has been during previous years.

Kessel said any arrests made on or near the events during Veishea weekend will go to the command center instead of the Ames Police Department.

Kessel said all security forces will be cracking down on alcohol-related crimes.

“After 10 p.m., 85 percent [of crimes] are alcohol-related, no matter what crime is committed,” Kessel said.

He said more police officers from both Ames and DPS will patrol the Welch Avenue area, including the foot teams who enter the bars.

Shawn Koehler, co-chairman for Veishea Security, said the alcohol policy will also be strictly enforced on campus.

Koehler, senior in agronomy, said alcohol consumption is banned beginning noon Friday through 5 p.m. Sunday.

Koehler said several new security aspects were added for this year.

For one, over-the-shoulder or large bags will not be allowed into the Lied Recreation Center for any event. Smaller purses and handbags will be allowed, but will be checked by a gloved security aide.

“All aides covering the rec have been trained by DPS in how to search bags,” he said.

A task force of about 100 students will be patrolling parties as well during the weekend.

“We’re not out to bust people,” Koehler said. “We just want to make sure they’re safe.”

Koehler said security aides will be enforcing Veishea policies, but they are not law enforcement officials.

“They have been trained in first aid, self-defense, and conflict management,” Koehler said. “If they see a big fight or a really bad injury, they have been instructed to call for help before trying to address the problem themselves.”