October 22, 2019
There have been many questions as to our participation with Lincoln University Homecoming Concert event. The Cole County Sheriff’s Department (CCSD) sent approximately twenty deputies each night. There were many fights during this event and CCSD personnel did use Pepper Spray in some instances, in accordance with our policy. We react to aggression in protection of others and ourselves.
There were many fights, some because of people stealing tickets, some because people were breaking in line and some due to inebriated people. During the fights, a metal barricade was broken, a metal trash can crushed and the main doors to Jason Gym were broken.
We stand with Lincoln University on the decision to shut down this event. While it was the actions of the few that caused this, we cannot ignore safety risks to all of the people attending the event. It is also important to note that during these events, predominantly, we do not have issues with Lincoln Students themselves.
The Cole County Sheriff’s Department will continue to support LU anyway we can in the future. We are already talking about next year and how we can make these events safer and more enjoyable for all.
Authority: Sheriff John Wheeler
Cole County Office of Sheriff
