P-CEP Threats Spur Changes in Football Game Admission Policy

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools' officials were planning for what is, without question, the biggest high school football game on the schedule. Cross-campus rivals and will face-off at 7 p.m. for Plymouth's homecoming game.

The schools share a campus with ; many of the 6,200 students who attend Plymouth-Canton's educational park are expected to be at tonight's game.

School officials said extra security measures are being taken to ensure safety for — including ending free game admission after halftime — after found on campus this week led to semi-lockdowns and, on Monday, .

"We consulted with to put our plan together well ahead of the events this week, just knowing we'd have a large crowd," said Phil Freeman, the district's new assistant superintendent for facilities and operations. Freeman said he's worked with Canton Township Police to address potential crowd control and traffic issues.

New game admission policy

"Typically ticket sales were suspended at the end of halftime and the gates were opened and people could walk in for free," Freeman said. "We are going to be collecting money for entrance all the way through the game. We're hoping it keeps people from coming to the games not to watch a football game but to do other things."

The new admission policy is permanent, Freeman said.

"We want them to recognize they are there to see the game and not do anything else," Freeman said. The new policy also means that people who arrive late may miss seeing the game if tickets are sold out.

Another change: The Salem-Livonia Stevenson varsity game set for today is bumped to 11 a.m. Saturday to reduce traffic today as well as allow room for a larger Salem crowd. Saturday's pre-game festivities include a ceremony for parents of senior players.

General PCEP security boosted

Freeman said other general security measures include surveillance cameras in and around the schools, but he declined to give specifics. District spokesman Frank Ruggirello Jr said cameras are not in restrooms or locker rooms.

Administrators met with teachers Wednesday afternoon and reviewed lockdown procedures, including cell phone policies.

Ruggirello said social media fueled some concerns for parents and students alike this week, because unsubstantiated rumors quickly gained traction.

"Facebook and Twitter and all the 600 other social media sites are not a source for news," Ruggirello said. He said some of the rumors sparked calls to district offices. While social media has a purpose, he said, "I have a problem with people who read and post it as gospel."

Communicating with parents

The district reached out to parents during the two incidents using an existing phone tree as well as posting notes on the district's website. On Wednesday, the messages included a 3-minute video featuring Canton Township Police Lt. Scott Hilden and principal of the three school campus, Bill Zolkowski.

The video was broadcast to the students during classes and included Zolkowkski's praise for the "intelligent and mature" response to the incidents on the part of students and staff.

"Everything we have done since the beginning of the week has been based on our best information at the time and what we believed was the safest thins we can do for everyone here at the Park," Zolkowski said in the video before introducing Hilden.

Tips still needed

Hilden said investigators continue to work diligently to identify who is behind the notes.

"For anyone involved, we will prosecute to the full extent of the law," he said, noting that the felony charges could result in up to 20 years' prison time.

Canton Police Detective Sgt. Dave Schreiner said tips continue to come into the department and that anyone arrested on suspicion of being responsible could face domestic terrorism charges.

"We need everybody to stand up and say they've had enough," Hilden said, adding that anyone with information should alert an adult.

A $2,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to an arrest. Anonymous tips can be shared through Crime Stoppers three way ways:

• Texting 274637
• Calling 1-800-SPEAK UP
• Sharing online at www.1800speakup.org