Students and residents around DeKalb will see an increase in police presence throughout the city this weekend.

“We have always had an increased presence during homecoming weekend,” said DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen.

Feithen said DeKalb has “significantly increased” police patrol during homecoming over the last six years. He also said assistance from Sycamore, Cortland, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and State Police will also be present in the city over the weekend.

Cortland police will patrol the east side of the city, Feithen said, and there will be a Sycamore police presence on the northern part of the city around Route 23 and north of Hopkins Park, 1403
Sycamore Road.

State Police and the Sheriff’s Office will be concentrated on the northwest side of town as well as the downtown area, he said.

“You’ll see us,” said DeKalb Police Lt. Gary Spangler. “We’ll be out there patrolling and making sure everyone is safe over the next two days.”

Feithen said homecoming sees increases in large parties and several businesses get overwhelmed with traffic, so the increased patrol helps keep traffic moving.

The city was hoping to decrease the amount of patrol this year, but because of the events planned at the Convocation Center, it was necessary, Feithen said.

“Last year went very well, and we hope this year everyone will be safe,” Feithen said. “Our goal is for everyone to have a fun, safe and legal weekend.”

He said in past years, Lincoln Highway has become gridlocked with cars and emergency vehicles had to drive on sidewalks.

“We can’t have that,” he said. “Police will be stationed at local businesses that see increased volume to make sure a manageable amount of people are in the establishment at all times and to
keep traffic moving around those areas.”

Feithen said parking along Greenbrier Street will close on Friday at noon and remain so through Sunday.

“This is because when you add cars parked on both sides and pedestrians crossing, it makes it hard for emergency vehicles to get through,” he said. “Parking will be available on the west side of Russell Road.”

Calls to NIU Police were not returned as of press time.

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