SHREVEPORT, La. - KTBS is On Your Side and Answering the Call.
As high school football season gets underway across northwest Louisiana, law enforcement officials are reminding fans that safety rules at the stadium are much like the rules on campus.
Shreveport police Cpl. Chris Bordelon said football games should be treated as an extension of the high school campus.
"Every football game we have is an extension of the high school campuses," Bordelon said. "No guns, no smoking. Keep the same rules on the school campus to the football stadiums."
Those rules also apply at Independence Stadium, where high school football games are held throughout the season.
Bordelon said law enforcement officers will be working games, including deputies and plainclothes officers. He urged spectators to contact law enforcement if they see a problem rather than trying to handle a potentially dangerous situation themselves.
"Never confront an armed individual," Bordelon said.
Parents encouraged to have a plan
Bordelon also encouraged parents dropping children off at games to make a plan before leaving.
Many younger students may be dropped off at games without their parents. Parents should make sure children know where to meet if they become separated and have a way to contact them.
"Make sure they have a meeting time and place, a way to contact you, so they can't be wandering the streets," Bordelon said.
Officials remind fans to keep games alcohol-free
Bordelon also addressed the role adults play in keeping high school football games safe.
Alcohol is not permitted at high school settings or facilities, he said, and bringing alcohol around young people can create additional safety concerns.
"Alcohol is not OK at a high school setting or facilities," Bordelon said. "It really opens the doors to chaos we don't want."
Shreveport police will be monitoring games, and Bordelon encouraged residents to contact the department with questions or concerns.
"We want it to be a great, but safe, time," he said.
As football season continues, officials are asking players, parents and fans to follow stadium rules, make plans for children and contact law enforcement when problems arise.
The goal is to keep Friday night football enjoyable while making safety a priority.