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Troy Police Chief Danny Barron said the Troy Police Department will have an increased presence this week during Troy University’s Homecoming. 

Barron said the weekend activities will begin on Friday night with a live band performing on the square in downtown Troy at 6 p.m. On Saturday morning, the annual Troy University Homecoming Appreciation Day Parade will be held at 10 a.m. followed by The Trojans’ homecoming game against Coastal Carolina. Kick off is slated for 3 p.m. 

Barron said because so many people will be coming to Troy for Homecoming, visitors and locals would need to take some extra preparations and precautions this week. 

Barron said because traffic around Troy will be heavier than usual, motorists should plan for extra travel time to their destination. He said delays will be expected around town and especially in the university area. 

Barron also said motorists should obey all traffic regulations as well as being aware of pedestrian traffic. He urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and be aware of pedestrians, especially on game day on Troy University’s campus. 

Barron said local law enforcement was aware of shooting incidents that had happened on other campuses during homecomings this season and was prepared to deal with any incidents that arise. A shooting left one dead and five injured during homecoming weekend at Albany State University in Georgia and four people were shot in two active shooter incidents during North Carolina Central University’s “Ultimate Homecoming Experience.”

“To those coming from out of town with intentions of causing trouble: consider this your warning,” Barron said. “Any attempts to disrupt festivities or engage in criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Law enforcement is fully prepared. We have the full backing of local, state and federal agencies, and the district attorney’s office is ready to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law. If you are coming here looking for trouble, you will be met with zero tolerance.”

Barron also said the following streets will be closed during Troy’s homecoming parade on Saturday, Nov. 2:

• South Three Notch Street from U.S. Highway 231 to West Madison Street will be closed from 8 a.m. and remain closed until the parade ends
• West Madison Street from Hanchey Street to South Three Notch Street will be closed from 8:30 a.m. and remain closed until the parade ends
• South Three Notch Street from West Madison/Montgomery Street to Elm Street will be closed at 9:30 a.m. until the end of the parade
• The streets around the downtown square and interior parking area will be closed the morning of the parade.