Security changes implemented at Wauwatosa football games following fights, arrests

2022-09-17 02:24:28 By : Ms. Penny Huang

Police said they arrested four people, three of them kids, at last week's varsity game.

Police said they arrested four people, three of them kids, at last week's varsity game.

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Police said they arrested four people, three of them kids, at last week's varsity game.

New safety guidelines are being instated at Wauwatosa East and Wauwatosa West football games.

The new measures come after police were called to a fight last Friday, September 9th at Hart Park.

Wauwatosa Police said officers responded to a report of a fight at the football game and someone with a gun in the stands.

Police said they arrested four people, three of them kids.

Varsity Wauwatosa East players told WISN 12 News the incident rattled them.

"I mean, we were definitely winning and then after all that stuff happening, after the second quarter, we went to the locker room and they had to lock the doors," said Mateo Martinez. "I honestly wasn't that worried, I was more worried for my mom."

Wauwatosa East lost to Milwaukee Lutheran 18 to 13.

"We were on a roll, then we got to the locker room, heard all the stuff that was happening, it affected us emotionally. We were just not in the moment anymore, we were distracted and it transferred over to the second half," said Jack Kirchner, another varsity player for Wauwatosa East.

The school district told families this week moving forward, new safety measures will be in place at all Wauwatosa East and Wauwatosa West football games at Hart Park and Trojan Field.

In a letter to families, the district said its high school athletic directors will ensure additional spectator supervisors, identified by fluorescent yellow vests and/or T-shirts, will be present, both in the bleachers and at the concession stand during halftime.

The district said the spectator supervisors will work to ensure spectators remain on the appropriate side of the stadium, home vs. away, for the duration of the game and that crossover between home and guest spectators is limited.

The district said one or two additional School Resource Officers will also be on site to provide additional support.

In its note to families, the district said spectators will no longer be allowed to bring backpacks or bags larger than 9” x 5” x 2” into the stadium. Exceptions will be made only for diaper bags, medical bags and for students performing at the event.

The district also said after exiting the stadium, spectators will not be allowed to re-enter for any reason and all spectators must exit the stadium within 15 minutes of the completion of the game.

The district is strongly recommending all pre-high school students be accompanied by an adult at events.

District officials said Wauwatosa students are expected to behave in accordance with their school’s student handbook, including demonstrating respect for people, property, and the learning environment; showing kindness and courtesy to others by treating them with dignity; demonstrating effort by listening carefully and following instructions and following all school rules.

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