Police Warn Halloween Party-Goers

The Corner Bar in downtown Minneapolis is one of many planning costume parties. Management has the establishment decorated for the season and is expecting a huge turn-out Saturday night. Jeremy Nordeen, one of the bar managers explained, "It's gotten bigger and bigger every year we've had this Halloween party. It's been more and more fun."

The last time Halloween fell on a Saturday was 1998.

While people were busy finalizing their outfits on Friday, police were finalizing their strategies to make it a safe Halloween for everyone. "We just want people to enjoy themselves," said Sgt. Garcia of the Minneapolis police department. "But please keep it all in perspective and don't get out of hand."

Lt. Troy Buhta of the U of M Police Department added, "Anyone at the U who can work for this department, will be working tomorrow (Saturday) night." At the U, the police department was getting ready for a sell-out crowd for a Saturday night football game at the new, on campus TCF Bank Stadium.

"We'll start at noon," said Lt. Buhta. "And we will be working the tailgate lots and surrounding neighborhoods straight through midnight."

Other law enforcement agencies will be stepping up DWI patrols. Some compare Halloween to New Year's when it comes to drunk driving.

Sgt. Garcia had a warning for all those planning to drink this weekend, "Remember, you don't want your lasting picture to be you in a costume at the Hennepin county jail in a booking photo."

According to law enforcement statistics, between 2006 and 2008, there were 15 traffic deaths on Minnesota roads during Halloween weekend festivities. Seven were alcohol-related.