MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Friday marked the start of high school football season in the Memphis area.
After violence broke out following a couple of high school sports events last year, WREG looked into the security measures that were put in place this year.
“I enjoy going to the football games, because all my friends are there and I like watching football,” said Houston Middle School student Nicholas Armstrong.
But with excitement and big crowds can come security concerns.
WREG saw it last year when a mob of teenagers attacked a woman’s car near Central High School.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Chip Washington explained that agencies reviewed violent situations to improve safety measures in the future.
“Okay, this happened here. Let’s see if we can be more prepared for this situation. We have a ready response unit, as well,” Washington explained.
SCSO handles security on school property with the help of school officers.
WREG was told Memphis Police handle security on the street within the city.
“There will be coverage in the area of the games and officers will assist with traffic control,” Memphis Police told WREG in a statement.
“Each week, they go through a planning session to determine what games, as you say, probably need more attention than other games,” Washington said.
Sometimes that means upping security at big games where tensions could run high.
“Metal detection checks are conducted at games to make sure prohibited items aren’t brought into any stadiums,” SCS said in a statement. “We also work closely with local law enforcement to ensure additional officers are on campuses and patrolling neighborhoods leading up to and following games.”