On game days, Auburn erupts in a sea of orange and blue, cheering on the Tigers.
However, some people clad in navy blue are not cheering. They are the Auburn Police Division officers, as well as members of other agencies such as the Opelika Police Department and Lee County Sheriff's Office.
"We become one of the largest cities by population in the state," said APD Police Chief Paul Register.
According to Register, 15-16 agencies come together on game days. He said officers are assigned to many points, including on the field, along Tiger Walk, in the student section and in parking lots.
"We plan for all these things based on past experience," Register said.
Register said every APD officer works on game day in some capacity, whether on regular duty or at the game.
Register said many of the incidents are alcohol-related, such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication and DUI charges. However, he said thefts are also prevalent, both in parked vehicles and from tailgating spots.
"A lot of crimes we have are crimes of opportunity," Register said.
Register said APD works closely with the University on game days. He said if a student is caught bringing alcohol into Jordan-Hare Stadium, they are kicked out of the stadium but not arrested. He said they notify the Division of Student Affairs so they can take further action. However, if a student caught with alcohol in the stadium is "a danger to themselves or others," Register said they have no choice but to arrest them.
Susan McCallister, director of public safety information and education, said there are occasionally physical altercations, but violent crime is rare and often alcohol-fueled. She said many of the incidents are public intoxication and minor in possession of alcohol, with some thefts on campus.
"[Theft is] usually a crime of opportunity, so when there's people tailgating and drinking, it does lead to more thefts," McCallister said.
Register said high-intensity games between rivals can lead to more fights. However, he said the Iron Bowl is generally peaceful.
"The Iron Bowl is one of our better games," Register said. "People are very well-behaved. People have families with Auburn and the University of Alabama in the family."
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