Send VIDEO REPORT: Mifflin Street Block Party Smaller This Year

Posted: 8:19 PM May 5, 2012

VIDEO: Mifflin Street Block Party 6pm 5/5/2012
VIDEO: Mifflin Street Block Party 10pm 5/5/2012

UPDATED: Saturday, May 5, 2012 --- 7:30p.m.

Release from Madison Police:

There were no reported serious incidents at the Mifflin Street event. Madison Police officers and Dane County Sheriff’s Office deputies were able to keep the roadway open to traffic throughout the day. From a safety standpoint, this was a much safer and less violent event compared to last year. Officers took a balanced approach, spending time interacting with participants, having photos taken with celebrants, but also being proactive in the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Prior to the event, MPD staff members worked hard at educating potential party goers, by offering advice on hosting responsible manageable parties and letting prospective attendees know what they legally can and cannot do. We made sure people understood they would be held accountable for their behavior. In an attempt to help manage the size, scope and behavior of the private parties, Central District officers also spent time educating interested Mifflin St. landowners and residents on the benefits of posting their properties with “no trespassing” signs. Combined, the strategies proved to be successful as the event was not marred - as it was last year - by stabbings, sexual assaults, or batteries to civilians and law enforcement officers. The number of attendees was greatly reduced: an estimated 5,000 this year as compared with 20,000 to 25,000 in 2011. Although significantly smaller, the level of intoxication and the number of attendees still far exceeds the capacity of the neighborhood. As of 7:00 p.m. there were 393 who had been arrested or cited. Most citations were for open intoxicants, followed by underage drinking violations, glass containers in ban area, trespass, and depositing human waste. The MPD will compile final statistics regarding the party over the next few days.


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Posted: Saturday, May 5, 2012 --- 5:40p.m.

Information from Madison Police Dept.:

As of 5 p.m. there have been 282 arrests. Most people were cited and released. Most of the citations were for trespassing, underage drinking, or open intoxicants.

That compares to 118 arrests at this point last year because things were so busy they couldn't really make the arrests they needed to last year. They expected more arrests this year because of the emphasis they were placing on trespassing, underage, and open intoxicants.

As of 5 p.m. they are considering the event a success because of no major incidents or violence.

Madison Police estimate about 5,000 people attended.

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