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‘Zero-Tolerance’ policy will greet fans at Dodger Stadium

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LOS ANGELES, Calif.–Police Chief Charlie Beck announced a litany of strict security measures today that will go into effect at Dodger Stadium during the next home game, saying there will be a zero-tolerance policy for misbehaving fans.

The announcement came eight days after an attack in a stadium parking lot left San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow, a 42-year-old Northern California paramedic and father of two, in a coma.

Among the measures announce by Beck were:
* Off-duty police officers who are normally hired by the Dodgers for security will be in uniform.
* LAPD officers will be stationed at stadium entrances and exits.
* The stadium’s long-standing no-tailgating policy will be strictly enforced.
* A new data-based accountability system akin to LAPD’s Comstat system will be used to track potential problems.
* Law enforcement debriefings after each home game.

“When you go into Dodger Stadium, you’re going to meet a Los Angeles police officer. When you leave Dodger Stadium, you are going to bid farewell to a Los Angeles police officer,” Beck said at a news conference.

Beck, joined by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, reconfirmed that the Dodgers will pay for the increased police presence at the stadium. But they declined to comment on how much the new enforcement might cost.

“I will respect the fact that the Dodgers are willingly paying for this safety. But I will deploy the resources necessary to keep fans safe,” Beck said.

The Dodgers will next play at Dodger Stadium Thursday.

Security at Dodger Stadium was increased in 2005, including the first deployment of LAPD officers in the history of the stadium, which opened in 1962, after fans in outfield seats littered the field with debris in response to the arrest of two teenage boys who had gone onto the outfield during a short-lived “$2 True Blue Tuesdays” promotion.

Police have received 80 tips in the beating of Stow and interviewed some witnesses, according to Deputy Chief Jose Perez Jr., the lead investigator.

The clues have not led to any suspects “that we can identify and arrest,” he said.

The reward is $150,000 after radio personality Tom Leykis told The Times and other media outlets Thursday that he was adding $50,000.

The Giants will dedicate today’s home opener at AT&T Park in honor of Stow and pay tribute to him in pregame ceremonies.

The team will collect donations at Monday’s game against the Dodgers to benefit a fund established to support him and his family. The Giants will make an initial $10,000 contribution to The Bryan Stow Fund and encourage fans to give what they can.

The Giants Community Fund will hold a silent auction during Monday’s game with all proceeds benefiting The Bryan Stow Fund.

“Bryan is a father, paramedic and lifelong Giants fan who has dedicated himself to caring for others,” said Giants managing general partner and Chief Executive Officer Bill Nuekom, who visited Stow in his hospital room Saturday.

“Now he needs our support as he fights for his life following this brutal and unconscionable act of violence.”

The Dodgers and American Medical Response plan to collect donations on behalf of Stow at a drive-through collection event at Dodger Stadium on Monday.

By Richie Duchon | City News Service

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