Local police, federal agencies team up for Winthrop forum security
Six law enforcement agencies – including local police, state authorities and the U.S. Secret Service – will coordinate public safety measures at Winthrop University as Democratic presidential candidates visit Rock Hill on Friday.
Officials haven’t released an estimate of how many visitors are expected, but at least 3,400 attendees will be inside Byrnes Auditorium for the 8 p.m. presidential forum. Event and security planning has been ongoing for at least two months as the South Carolina Democratic Party and MSNBC have worked with the host university and other local agencies.
“Our whole goal ... is for the candidates, the guests, the news media and the Winthrop community, as well as the Rock Hill community, to have fun, have a safe event and everybody enjoy themselves,” said Executive Officer Mark Bollinger, the Rock Hill Police Department spokesman. Bollinger is coordinating public information this week for all emergency services at the event.
York County’s Emergency Management Office, along with police officers and deputies, will run a central command center on Winthrop’s campus from an undisclosed location.
South Carolina Constables appointed by the governor, local firefighters and EMS workers will also be on hand. Dozens of police officers in uniform and some undercover will be on and near the campus, Bollinger said.
The police department also will continue regular Friday night patrols and investigation work, as well as work extra duties such as sending officers to work security at Manchester Cinemas.
Police also will provide security at Northwestern High School’s football game with Gaffney at District Three Stadium – located less than half a mile from where Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley will take the stage.
Service for Rock Hill outside of the Winthrop campus, Bollinger said, won’t change Friday night. Residents “will see business as usual ... It’s just going to be a huge law enforcement effort.”
Agencies working together include the York County Sheriff’s Office, Winthrop University Campus Police, the State Law Enforcement Division, the S.C. Highway Patrol, the U.S. Secret Service and the Rock Hill Police Department. Specialized SWAT and bomb squad units also will be available.
“We look forward to the challenge, and we just hope people appreciate the level of service and protection they’re going to get on Friday,” Bollinger said.
What you need to know about roads, parking and campus security:
Traffic: Some road closure plans remain tentative surrounding the campus but a few streets were shut Tuesday in preparation for the forum. Those roads are:
▪ Winthrop Memorial Circle surrounding Byrnes Auditorium and Barnes Recital Hall on campus
▪ Winthrop Park Avenue, a connector campus road from Byrnes Auditorium to Cherry Road
Officials say other roads on campus and surrounding the campus may be closed or have restricted access on Friday, including Oakland Avenue and Alumni Drive which run around the campus front and rear. Visitors should follow traffic detour signs and obey police officer directions as more road closures occur. Traffic barricades also may be used.
All roads should reopen late Friday night or early Saturday morning, officials said.
To avoid event traffic, officials recommend using Cherry Road to move north and south in Rock Hill, and Charlotte Avenue to move east and west. Constitution Boulevard and East Main Street near District Three Stadium may experience congestion from game traffic.
Parking: Ticket holders for the forum must park at the Winthrop Coliseum between noon and 6 p.m. Friday to ride a free shuttle bus from the parking lot to Byrnes Auditorium. The bus will return to the parking area after the event. Some Coliseum parking will be restricted for a Winthrop volleyball game Friday.
On-campus parking will be limited and the university requires parking passes to avoid getting a ticket.
Officials say visitors are discouraged from parking on streets in neighborhoods surrounding Winthrop. Illegally parked cars will be towed. “VIP” parking passes will be distributed and access to those lots on campus will be restricted by on-duty officers.
Parking will not be allowed at the old city operations center on Columbia Avenue. Organizers may also block off other parking areas, such as a designated media parking area, on campus on Friday.
Access: Tickets for the event have already been allocated. The line will begin forming at 4 p.m. in front of Kinard Hall, near Byrnes Auditorium. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Those with tickets who haven’t already picked up their pass from the South Carolina Democratic Party should obtain their pass from the will call tent or office set up at the Coliseum, near parking for the shuttle bus. Photo ID is required to pick up tickets.
Doors close at 6:30 p.m. No one will be allowed in the auditorium after that.
Security for the auditorium will be “airport-like,” according state party officials. No weapons, sharp objects, food, drink, umbrellas, or posters/signs will be allowed inside. Metal detectors will be used. Bags and purses will be subject to search and it’s recommended visitors not bring them to the auditorium.
Questions should be directed to the South Carolina Democratic Party at 803-799-7798 or info@scdp.org.
This story was originally published November 3, 2015 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Local police, federal agencies team up for Winthrop forum security."