Overview
- Organizers added fenced entrances, metal detectors and bag checks at the Spree to screen for weapons and better manage crowds, measures that began before the festival opened Friday.
- Officials say they spent nearly $50,000 on extra paid security this year to staff the screening points and control entry and exit flow.
- Anyone under 17 must be with a parent or guardian after 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and unaccompanied minors who violate the rule will be asked to leave.
- The Livonia Police Department posted a public 'zero tolerance' warning that disorderly behavior could result in removal, citation or arrest if necessary.
- Organizers and many parents described the steps as necessary to preserve the Spree’s family atmosphere, and the coverage reports no confirmed major incidents at the start of the weekend while noting recent regional teen takeovers, including incidents in Detroit, prompted the response.