Pop-up parties in Springfield: How they happen and what's being done to prevent them
Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette is vowing to take "every measure possible" to stop late-night illegal pop-up parties, one of which drew several hundred people to the city recently.
Organizers could be civilly or criminally charged and partygoers could find tickets in their mail if they have violated ordinances, like blocking roadways, having open containers of alcohol in public or disturbing the peace.
"I want to be sure we're uncovering every stone in trying to bring these parties to a conclusion," Scarlette said, in a recent interview.
Several city council members have voiced their displeasure over the antics at the last two meetings. They also commended police for some proactive tactics in dealing with crowds, though called on other community leaders to help snuff out the problem.
The parties, Scarlette noted, often are announced on social media, meaning they can bring in crowds from areas outside of Springfield.
At the center of the discussion was a pop-up party that drew 300 to 400 people to Madison Park Place on March 30.
Typically, parties don't gain traction until warmer weather settles in, but the combination of unseasonably high temperatures and the holiday weekend made it ripe for the gathering, Scarlette said.
For Ward 5 Ald. Lakeisha Purchase, the situation was personal because she has a family member living in the area who helped pick up bottles and other debris left by the crowd.
"I think this becomes a security issue if something happens to a senior in that area or anyone," said Purchase, noting that firetrucks, police vehicles and other emergency responders wouldn't be able to get through the streets.
"It is about public safety," said Scarlette, who has been brought up to speak at both meetings, "but it's also about respect, respect of our citizens who live in our community and ultimately when those two things can come together, then things will be much more harmonious.
"To me (the pop-up parties) are a slap in the face of citizens of the community who go to bed at a decent hour and try to live normal lives in neighborhoods (partygoers) are trying to take over."
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Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory said the city isn't going to be able to "police our way out of this thing (but) we definitely need community leaders to step up with us, to help us get across the message that we need this to stop.
"We're not trying to stop anybody's fun... but the ultimate thing is public safety, and we have to keep the community safe, and it's unfortunate that a few people mess up the various good times we have."
Scarlette said police officers can use their body cameras to identify lawbreakers. Other video surveillance and license plate readers will also be employed.
Officers would then write citations "when it's safe to do so," he said.
Officers write tickets frequently after events, Scarlette added, and the citations, which start at $100, are sent through certified mail.
Scarlette said he also anticipated meeting with Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser and City Attorney Gregory Moredock about holding party organizers accountable.
"My message again would be don't bring those (illegal pop-up parties) into our community," Scarlette said. "Law enforcement is ready to address those and deal with those proactively and as quickly as possible."
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Pop-up parties in Springfield: What leaders are doing to prevent them
