UPD and VPD prepare for D-Days

Dakota Days is a large-scale celebration which frequently leads to a large increase in the Vermillion population; and as a result, an influx in public safety concerns.

     “Dakota Days is one of the busiest and most exciting weeks of the year at USD. From a public-safety perspective, it means preparing for a large number of events and activities across campus while welcoming alumni, families, students and visitors to Vermillion

     Our focus is on being visible, accessible and prepared so everyone can safely enjoy the traditions and activities that make Dakota Days special,” said University Police Chief Bryant Jackson.

     While D-Days only comes around once a year, lasting one week, public safety preparations begin months in advance.

     Vermillion Police Chief Crystal Brady stated that communications between VPD and UPD regarding Dakota-Days preparations start as early as the summer months, with meetings leading up to the week of events.

     “We all get along really well. We have meetings weeks before, and then during that weekend, we have them in the evenings as well, just to kind of touch base and see how things are going,” said Brady.

     While D-Days heightens the communication between UPD and VPD, both departments work together on a regular basis.

     “The fundamentals of our partnership do not change. We already work very closely together. What changes during Dakota Days is the scale. There are more people, more events and more activity throughout Vermillion, so communication and coordination become even more important,” said Jackson.

     According to Brady and Jackson both departments take on a joint initiative to ensure the overall safety of all those looking to enjoy D-Days.

     “The biggest challenge is simply the volume of activity happening across campus and throughout the community. There are a lot of people, events and moving pieces throughout the week. That requires good planning, communication and coordination among all of our partners. We encourage everyone to make smart and safe choices, look out for one another and contact us whenever they need assistance,” said Jackson.

     The departments’ main focus is clear, to accommodate for the influx in people, while simultaneously looking out for their wellbeing.

     “From the standpoint that we have, we want to just make sure everybody has a safe weekend. Yeah. And obviously, our officers have to go out and look for violations and address those violations. Often they’re alcohol related, but it’s in an effort just to make sure that people are having a safe weekend and you know getting home safely,” said Brady.

     The main public safety concern during homecoming week stems from the party aspect that D-Days attendees typically choose to engage with. 

     “We definitely have a larger amount of underage drinking that happens, and fake IDs down at the bars. The problem with that is sometimes it brings in crowds from outside of town, and they tend to start problems outside of maybe the Char Bar,” said Brady.

     Brady also expressed that the increase in alcohol consumption, especially underage alcohol consumption often leads to more public safety violations.

     “We’ve had a lot of assaults that happen outside of the char bar, and sometimes, well, oftentimes we find that the people involved in them are underage and shouldn’t be down at the bar drinking. Yeah, and maybe don’t do it in a responsible way. People that are 21 and older sometimes don’t have something to prove, and don’t have to drink as much,” said Brady.

     While D-Days expands the duties of both UPD and VPD officers, Jackson and Brady emphasized that public safety is the forefront of their departments every day of the year.

     “Public safety is a shared responsibility and a whole-community effort. Our law enforcement, fire and EMS partners, university departments, students, employees, alumni and visitors all contribute to making Dakota Days safe and successful. Our message is simple: make smart and safe choices, Protect the Pack by looking out for one another, and call us when you need us. We are here to help,” said Jackson.