CULLMAN, Ala. – Officers of the Cullman Police Department, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and Cullman Fire Rescue met Tuesday afternoon and again on Wednesday to finalize plans for Rock the South 2024. The event will draw together resources of the three agencies along with Cullman EMS, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (State Troopers), multiple volunteer fire departments from across the county, Guntersville Police Department and the sheriff’s offices of Jackson, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties.
Cullman’s resources include:
- Multiple officer teams at the venue while fully staffed regular city patrols continue
- Tactical teams prepared to disperse crowds and respond to serious emergencies
- Sniper/observation units that can direct officer teams quickly to the location of an emergency
- CPD aviation to get people into and out of the venue quickly despite traffic issues
- 11 Gator ATVs to help CFR paramedics get help inside quickly, and get patients out
- Cullman County Juvenile Probation staff on-site to deal with matters involving underage guests
- Cullman city magistrates, many arrestees’ first contact with the court system, on-site throughout the event, along with an onsite booking facility
- Metal detectors at entrances
The following items are listed as prohibited from the venue:
- Aerosol cans
- Cameras or video cameras with removable lenses and flashes
- Umbrellas
- Coolers
- Outside food, beverages or alcohol
- Gifts for performers
- Laser pens or pointers, fireworks and flashlights
- Noise making devices or musical instruments
- Backpacks, strollers or seat cushions
- Poles, sticks or selfie sticks
- Skateboards, inline skates, scooters, bicycles or hoverboards
- Balls, frisbees or balloons
- Weapons, firearms, pepper spray, knives, pocket knives or mace. A specific note was made that not even law enforcement officers can enter the venue armed unless they are working at the event.
According to the instructions given, “The items will have to be returned to your car or thrown away at the front gate.”
Law enforcement officers were alerted to watch for and respond to prohibited behavior, including:
- Intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behavior
- Foul or abusive language, or obscene gestures
- Interference with the progress of the event presentation or performance
- Failing to follow instructions of venue personnel
- Smoking
- Entering or attempting to enter restricted areas without proper authorization or credentials
- Banners or signs that obstruct the view of guests, obscure advertising, contain objectionable subject matter or are commercial in nature
According to the instructions, “Event guests who violate these provisions will be subject to ejection without a refund.” Removal of wristbands and other credentials, followed by ejection, will be the primary response to improper behavior, but law enforcement officers are authorized to make arrests at their discretion, if a particular situation requires it. They were instructed to review departmental policies concerning use of force and deployment of tasers.
Personnel were also warned to be prepared for sudden noise during the sets of Hardy and Jelly Roll, as those sets are slated to include pyrotechnics.
Rock the South will take place July 18-20, at York Farms, 1872 County Road 469, Cullman, AL 35057. Parking opens at noon each day, and concert gates open at 3 p.m. each day. Buy tickets and get more info at www.RocktheSouth.com.
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