DETROIT (WWJ) Crime statistics show Detroit can be a dangerous place, and many expect downtown to be packed Thursday as the Tigers play a game that could potentially put them in the World Series.
But don’t expect to see burning buildings and overturned cars — because police are calling in reinforcements to make sure the town stays safe even if the Tigers sweep the best of seven series in Thursday’s game four against the New York Yankees. The game begins at 4:07 p.m.
Michigan State Police will help keep the area safe after the game.
“What we’re doing is ramping up our security to make sure nothing happens out here,” said Lt. Michael Shaw with MSP. “(The area) it is perfectly safe, the officers, this is a good detail for them, they have a good time down here as well.”
Shaw said despite jokes from the likes of late night TV host Jay Leno , Stephen Colbert and others, Detroit does have a professional police force, and the area will be a safe place to spend the evening.
With a day game scheduled on the lead-up to a weekend, many expect downtown bars, restaurants and other hot spots to be filled with revelers. The spotlight will be on Detroit, and Shaw predicts the city will shine.
‘This is great national coverage for us, with the Tigers doing this, this is an opportunity for us to show Detroit in a positive light instead of maybe the Jay Leno jokes that say Detroit may not be a great place to be,” Shaw said.