Expect extra safety precautions at DJ dance party

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By Roy York

The arrival of Girl Talk on Thursday night will carry an added pressure on the Student Activities Board to ensure student safety.

Girl Talk’s concerts are often unpredictable and have encountered such mishaps as stage collapses and police intervention for disorderly conduct.

The SAB will be employing a combination of steel barriers, UK Police and volunteers to control the audience and maintain a safe environment.

Interim Police Chief Joe Monroe said six to 10 officers will be stationed inside and outside the ballroom. Officers will be performing bag checks to prevent illegal substances from entering the venue and will also be screening attendees to prevent disorderly conduct.

Duncan said tickets will be checked by SAB board members at the door to prevent those with fake tickets from entering the venue.

Shaun Cooper, a secondary education senior and fan of Girl Talk, said DJ Gillis’ shows have components that incite many concertgoers to use party drugs, such as Ecstasy or LSD.

“I won’t be on drugs for the show, but I know my friends are definitely planning on it,” Cooper said.

Lacey Hehl, a sociology senior, will be experiencing Girl Talk for the second time Thursday night. Hehl attended Girl Talk’s show at the music festival Bonnaroo this summer and said the audience was full of people dancing, waving glow sticks and some using drugs.

“I don’t think that Girl Talk is about Ecstasy,” Hehl said. “I think this concert would be like any concert at UK — kids will get wild.”

Monroe said the police presence is merely a precaution and he is hopeful that police involvement will not be necessary.

“We encourage students to have fun and be responsible. We will leave them alone if that happens,” Monroe said. “Students found in possession of illegal substances or under the influence will be removed from the event and may be cited, arrested or referred to the dean of students.”

Duncan does not expect any mishaps Thursday night, but said SAB decided to increase security after speaking with other colleges who have hosted Gillis as a performer.

Even with the added security, Duncan said Gillis will be given a certain degree of freedom and will be allowed to move into the crowd if he wishes.

SAB maintains they are prepared for the concert and have taken every possible measure to avoid accidents.