Denver Police Ready For Big AFC Championship Crowds
DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver are preparing for the big crowds for the AFC Championship game on Sunday.
The New England Patriots take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Officers have been undergoing training on how to handle big crowds for a while leading up to this game. They will be especially alert after a recent stabbing near the stadium.
Three men were stabbed outside the stadium in a private parking lot last month. They have been banned from attending any Broncos games for one year.
Police said they can draw from years of experience covering large-scale events in Denver.
Officers say they're prepared to handle the crowds no matter how rowdy they get. The game strategy is pulled from past experience like the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
"We learned a lot about how to handle large crowds, we learned a lot about all the planning and preparation that goes in to these large-scale events," said Denver Police Detective John White.
Officers both in and out of uniform will team up with stadium-hired security staff to watch out for anything amiss.
"Not only monitoring the crowds as they leave but monitoring what's brought in to the stadium, monitoring what's inside those vehicles as they enter the stadium," said White.
Police are hoping to create a fun atmosphere where everyone is safe and can have a good time.
"Our goal is to create an environment that is safe for patrons, safe for players and hopefully the Broncos will win the game," said White.
Police said fans might notice extra officers on bicycles keeping an eye on tailgaters in the parking lot.
Watch the AFC Championship Game on CBS4 on Sunday, Jan. 19. Coverage begins at 1 p.m.
