Event organizers could get billed

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) - If large parties or events get out of control in Greenwood, organizers could soon get more than a ticket from police. They could also get a bill.

Assistant Chief Matt Fillenwarth said the proposal is aimed at special events and large-scale parties involving hundreds of people. He said it’s part of an effort to make sure organizers apply for a permit to begin with.

“We're not running around looking for the birthday parties,” said Fillenwarth. “It's larger events like that that cause a problem to public safety and are a threat to public safety.”

He mentioned an incident earlier this year when a crowd got out hand at the local mall as people waited for the release of limited-edition shoes. Police say the store hadn't properly planned for the crowd despite officers' warnings.

Police responded to get things under control.

“We had to call for backup from every police agency in this county and surrounding it to try and get the crowd under control. And that's where you're talking a substantial law enforcement cost and extra cost for the city.”
 
Fillenwarth also cited under-21 parties involving hundreds of teens that have turned dangerous.

“We've had shootings and we've had fights and we've had officers hurt responding to these things."

To put a stop to it, the city is considering a proposed ordinance that would require a permit for special events and large-scale parties.

“(Applying for a permit) gives us the opportunity to go 'okay, you have to get a permit if you want to do something like that. And then if you don't want to follow some basic safety preparations for this, you won't get a permit,’” he said.

The proposed ordinance says when a large event happens on private property and a police officer at the scene determines there's a threat to public peace, health, safety, or general welfare, those responsible will get a warning the first time.

If officers have to come back, organizers can be held liable for the cost of providing police services.

The cost: up to $500.

The ordinance still needs approval from the city council.