UTAH - Law enforcement preps for Labor Day

OFF THE WIRE
CEDAR CITY — The upcoming Labor Day weekend will see an increased presence of law enforcement not only to deal with the normal increase of vehicles, but also with the Bandidos Motorcycle Club rally taking place near Todd’s Junction on state Route 14.

Sgt. Jimmy Roden, public information officer for the Cedar City Police Department, said there will be an increased number of vehicles on the roadways and drivers are encouraged to ensure all occupants of the vehicle are wearing seatbelts. Drivers should limit distractions, should not drive while fatigued and, as always, plan to have a designated driver when alcohol is being consumed.

While the Bandidos rally will take place in Kane County, Bandidos members are expected to visit and lodge in Cedar City. Roden said more than 1,000 members of the Bandidos may visit Southern Utah over the weekend.

Roden said the Bandidos club is recognized by the FBI as an “Outlaw Motorcycle Gxxg” and individual members of the Bandido Motorcycle Club have a “history reflecting criminal conduct.”

But while criminal history may hold true for some members, Roden said it should not be a stereotype placed on all club members.

Roden added local residents who may feel intimidated by the presence of motorcycle club members should know public safety and order will be maintained and criminal conduct will not be tolerated.

“Cedar City Police Department has taken necessary steps to ensure public safety during the Labor Day weekend,” Roden said in a press release. “Our residents will see a significant increase in the number of police officers patrolling our City this Labor Day weekend, to include police officers from other jurisdictions providing us with additional manpower and resources.

Other agencies are teaming together to beef up security in preparation for the holiday weekend and biker rally.

“We’ve called in some assistance from the state troopers and surrounding law enforcement agencies,” Kane County Chief Deputy Tracy Glover told The Spectrum and Daily News earlier this month. “We’re ready for this and we will have plenty of law enforcement out.”

Washington County Sheriff Cory Pulsipher also confirmed his department will be assisting Kane County during this time.

“I’ve been putting my guys through some additional training to prepare for this event.” Pulsipher said.

Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower told The Spectrum and Daily News his office will be fully staffed over the weekend. Gower said while people should be aware of their surroundings, there is no reason to panic or to change holiday plans.

http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20130827/NEWS01/308270014/