CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr released a document via Twitter on Tuesday, February 24th, 2020 that indicates security shortages during Cheyenne Frontier Days compared to other major events and concerts in places like Las Vegas and Denver.
The document released by Mayor Orr also points to how the promoters in these other markets help financially contribute to the security during their events, compared to CFD, which does not.
The data goes on to contrast the limited number of officers to total crowd capacity that CFD has in comparison to the other events listed. For example, it suggests where the Pepsi Center in Denver Colorado has a ratio of 1 to 250 officer to potential event attendees, CFD has a a much higher ratio of 1/1700.
This Tweet from Mayor Orr comes as tensions between the City and CFD have been increasing as the two entities have been publically arguing over who should be paying the overtime costs for police during Frontier Days.
The document provided by the Mayor’s Office goes on to list the liabilities and impacts that CFD causes the city of Cheyenne.
• Unable to investigate serious crimes; such as, sexual assault, child molestations, homicide.
• Takes one of the five fire engine companies out of service, leaving 20% of the city unprotected.
• Lack of consistent emergency medical service.
• Above data highlighted that CFD does not meet industry standards – currently all liability assumed by the City, despite CFD
being a private event (CFD is currently unsafe). WARM coverage questionable
• Critical that police officers focus on homeland security threats following the Las Vegas mass shooting.
In addiction, the document signals that CFD should have enough revenue to help financially contribute to security during Frontier Days by listing the revenue it makes during it’s ten day run.
Near the end of the document the City offers it’s recommendations for how to move forward with its partnership with Frontier Days. It’s recommendations are as follows:
• Decisive and immediate action must be taken to protect CFD visitors, the Cheyenne community and contract acts.
• Control and responsibility for CFD security will be transferred to CFD
• CFD has full authority to do what it wants on its property and may sell liquor within its licensed building.
• However, the City will assess CFD’s security plan if it chooses to apply for catering permits for concerts and rodeo events
• Minimum staffing levels for police and fire
• ICS system and location for command post (CFD part of unified command)
• Security training / first contact required
• Liquor management and self-compliance – eliminate need for liquor enforcement if CFD becomes proactive
• Limit permits if minimum staffing is not met
Beer gardens
One beer per customer
Emergency suspension of permit
In closing Mayor Orr says that her proposal is the cost of doing good business and well worth the investment.
For more information on the document released by Mayor Orr please follow this link.
