When did East Lansing PD become the Gestapo?

WOOD-TV photo

Last night, Kathy Gray of the Detroit Free Press reported that there was a heavy police presence in East Lansing after the Rose Bowl ended and that the city and MSU campus were quiet – even in the infamous Cedar Village Apartment complex.

No rowdiness. No fires. No couches burning. I found that rather astounding -- even though the students are on holiday break and the weather was nasty -- until I read this press release (below) posted on Facebook by Kelly Dyer of Lansing.

An arrest following Big Ten title game

It’s a warning to the public – highlighted by several (possibly) unconstitutional attempts at law enforcement -- that was posted on the city’s website on New Year’s Eve.

Apparently, the ELPD has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for rowdiness and revelry after things got pretty wild after the MSU win in December's Big Ten conference championship game.

Here's the release (bold type is my emphasis):

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Spartan fans are encouraged to keep the following in mind for the Rose Bowl Game:

*         If a large gathering occurs, plan not to attend or leave the area immediately. Large gatherings are dangerous and oftentimes result in assaults, fires, destruction of property and large/blunt objects being thrown (in the case of the civil disturbance in early December, rocks, bottles, frozen beer cans and other items were thrown at police and people in the crowd).

*         Those who fuel fires, destroy property or remain within 300 feet of a fire are subject to arrest. The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) will also actively arrest individuals for indecent exposure, MIPs (minors in possession of alcohol), open alcohol and other illegal behavior.

*         If a large gathering is declared an unlawful assembly, anyone in attendance can be arrested, whether they are inciting or just observing.

“We wish the MSU football team the best and encourage everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly,” said ELPD Capt. Jeff Murphy. 

ELPD Continues to Investigate Post Big Ten Championship Civil Disturbance; To Date, 24 Warrants Issued, 21 Arraigned    

ELPD is continuing to investigate the Post Big Ten Championship Civil Disturbance.

To date, warrants have been issued on 24 individuals and 21 have been arraigned. ELPD will be seeking charges on several additional individuals who have been identified. ELPD has turned the names of all MSU students who have been charged with a crime over to the university to be reviewed through its judicial process.

ELPD is still seeking tips and distributing reward money. Several informantshave already come forward and ELPD is in the process of distributing $500 in reward money to each individual. If anyone has information regarding criminal behavior during the civil disturbance, call …