State Police Deploy ‘Numerous’ Assets to Curb Super Bowl Crowds

DARTMOUTH — As millions tune in Sunday night to watch the New England Patriots take on the L.A. Rams in Super Bowl 53, the Massachusetts State Police will be deployed in large numbers across the state, including at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

According to the official media blog of the state police, “numerous Massachusetts State Police assets will be deployed,” in the effort to curb large crowds gathering in public places after the Super Bowl.

State Police say its mission is to prevent crime, maintain order, and ease traffic congestion, as well to gather and disseminate intelligence relevant to the event.

Locally, troopers will be assisting university police in maintaining order at UMass Dartmouth. Troopers have also been assigned to assist in the western part of the state at UMass Amherst.

In Boston, assets from the MSP Division of Field Services, including patrols, tactical units, and teams specially trained in crowd control will assist the Boston Police Department.  As in previous years, troopers will be responsible for a zone that includes Boylston Street and feeder streets in the Kenmore Square/Fenway Park area.

Additionally, Troopers and analysts assigned to the MSP DIvision of Homeland Security will be on duty in the Commonwealth Watch Center at General Headquarters. They will monitor intelligence and maintain situational awareness of threats or critical incidents across the state and coordinate the deployment of additional assets if necessary.

Massachusetts State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin asks that citizens celebrate responsibly, designate a sober driver or make other arrangements for safe travel, and to call 911 to report any suspicious persons or objects.

State Police also encourage the public to follow the MSP Twitter feed for any urgent safety announcements during and after the Super Bowl.