Cooperation needed from students, public to ensure safety in Starkville

With college back in session, Starkville police are working to ensure students follow safety guidelines.

Starkville police department is working to eliminate private parties on mississippi state's campus -- in hopes of stopping the spread of the coronavirus... wtva's rhea thornton talked with the police chief about its procedures.

Mark ballard - chief of police i think it's an ever evolving improving processes.

Before the pandemic starkville had a busy nightlife .

Chief of police mark ballard says the night life just cannot be the same.

Mark ballard - chief of police if they are a student here at mississippi state, they carry with them a certain responsibility.

While they might not be fearful of covid 19, there are a lot of people in this population here that are at risk.

For those students who aren't following the guidelines the governor.

Everyone has to wear a mask in public.

(restaurant rules) chief ballard said officers will take action by ???.

Chief ballard: we take that role and responsibility very serious.

You have to absolutely understand the responsibility that comes in the middle of a pandemic and that's why our officers are out there.

Officers (explain what the actions are.) they did compliance checks on local businesses(in what span of time?) but the chief wants to ensure they are only trying to keep everyone safe and that it takes everyone's cooperation to make that happen.

Replace sound bite reporting from the starkville police department, rhea thornton wtva 9 news.

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