City of Boston prepares for Series

THE ISSUE: BPD tightens security for World Series WHAT WE THINK: Be safe and smart in light of past tragedy

After a stirring comeback victory against the Cleveland Indians in the American League Championship Series, the Red Sox took the field last night in hopes of securing yet another World Series. Each year, the World Series is a time of excitement for millions of baseball fans, which sparks nationwide celebration. This is especially the case in Boston, where the Red Sox have experienced a unique and tumultuous postseason history. As the Sox inch closer to victory, students should celebrate with caution, be wary of the Boston Police Department's protocol, and be ever-mindful of previous tragedies.

Yesterday afternoon, Mayor Thomas Menino held a press conference in which he outlined the precautions and pre-emptive strategies that will be implemented by the BPD.

"This may be a long series and public safety is our number one priority," Menino said.

This year, police officers will be conducting "walk-throughs" in areas such as bars and specific streets that attract a high concentration of college students. A no-tolerance policy toward public drinking will also be in effect; the city will strongly enforce DUI offenses and has officers set aside to specifically deal with these occurrences. These precautions are a necessity given Boston's recent history with sport-related celebrations.

In 2004, Victoria Snelgrove, a 21-year-old student from Emerson College, died following Boston's triumph over the New York Yankees when a shot from an officer's pellet gun struck her in the eye. The following year, after the Patriots clenched a Super Bowl win, an alleged drunk driver drove into a crowd, killing Northeastern University student James Grabowski, 21.

As the Sox proceed to Game 2 of the series and closer to victory, be safe, be respectful, but more importantly, be smart. Avoid highly populated areas - like Cleveland Circle - where police officers will be in full force. Obey the police at all times to avoid further problems. And, as always, cheer the Sox on to victory.