Police Security In Evidence At Oklahoma State Fair

The first weekend of the State Fair is in the books. It's drawing huge crowds from across the state and that has kept the Oklahoma City Police Department busy.

Sunday, September 18th 2011, 11:59 pm

By: News 9


Jamie Oberg, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The first weekend of the State Fair is in the books. It's drawing huge crowds from across the state and that has kept the Oklahoma City Police Department busy.

Officers say they are on a mission to keep families safe. When they do make arrests, they say alcohol is almost always to blame.

"If someone is out her to cause trouble, they're going to get out of here. They are not going to have a good time," Captain Wade Gourley of the Oklahoma City Police Department said.

Now more than ever, officers say, missing child reports are keeping them busier than anything else. They say they are thankful that, so far, kids have known to come to them for help. Gourley said he wants families to have a good time, but to be sure to keep an eye on their children.

"When they're smaller, they just aren't as aware of what's going on around them," he said.

In the crowds thronging the fairgrounds, it is easy to see how someone could get turned around or lost in the sea of people.

Gourley said that lost or missing child reports are keeping them busier than crime.

A father himself, Gourley urged caution and vigilance, but said families should feel safe with the Oklahoma City Police Department on patrol

"I can promise you if I didn't think it was safe, I wouldn't let them come out here," Gourley said.

Even so, Gourley said he wouldn't even let his 16-year-old wander far at the fair.

"They need to be watched at all times," he said.

Officers made seven arrests Saturday for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

The police department also has undercover officers on the lookout for underage drinkers.

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