University of Idaho will implement a clear bag policy for all events in the Kibbie Dome or with an expected audience of over 500 next year. Starting Jan. 1, backpacks, large purses, oversized tote bags, reusable grocery bags, drawstring bags, camera bags, printed plastic bags, fanny packs and diaper bags will be prohibited at relevant events.
According to the clear bag policy available on the UI website, the only permitted items will be clear bags no larger than 12-by-6-by-12-inches with no zippers, small clutch bags no larger than 4.5-by-6.5-inches, resealable clear plastic bags and seat cushions no larger than 18-by-18-inches with no zippers, pockets or backs. Each person may only bring one clear bag and a small clutch.
Backpacks and bags that do not meet the requirements will not be stored at the Kibbie Dome gates or outside the relevant venue. Bags left unattended will be removed and their contents discarded.
ICYMI: UI to implement clear bag policy
Campus Security Manager Bruce Lovell, who began working for UI in January, said the policy had been under consideration before his arrival, but progress on implementing the policy had stopped. He said similar policies and guidelines are common across the U.S., and adding the policy will bring UI safety standards up to par with those around the rest of the country.
Director of Athletic Communications Joe St. Pierre said while he does not know official numbers, the clear bag policy is common across the U.S. but it is not yet standard across the Big Sky Conference.
Lovell said many local groups were involved in implementing the policy, including Event Services, Risk Management, Moscow Police Department and more. The team used information from a safety training in October and research on policies from across the country to create a policy best suited to UI.
“When we decided to do this, we wanted to miss football season,” Lovell said. “Numbers-wise, it draws the most people consistently in the season, so when we decided to implement it, we said, ‘You know what? Most schools worry about football, it’s a bigger draw than basketball or volleyball or other sports, so let’s wait until that ends, we’ll get the word out at the last big event, at basketball games, volleyball games. We’ll have that message out while the crowds are manageable.’”
The policy will help security staff identify potential dangers and suspicious behavior more effectively with this policy, Lovell said. Previously, leaving a backpack outside a venue was not considered suspicious behavior because students would attend events after attending classes. With the new policy in place, police will more easily be able to identify abandoned bags left for malicious reasons.
ICYMI: Nicole Hindberg shares her opinion on the policy
St. Pierre said the athletic department fully supports the new policy. He said most events hosted by athletics will be affected by the policy, but he doesn’t expect too much of an impact on the general public.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a shock,” Lovell said. “It’s hard for me to describe how I think (the public) is going to react, I think it’s mostly just going to be acceptance. I don’t think they’re going to be happy about it, but I also don’t think they’re going to be upset.”
St. Pierre said the athletic department is working with the VandalStore in hope that fans will be able to buy branded clear bags for events locally. He also said there could be a possible giveaway of clear bags at a future athletic event but did not have more details.
For more information on the bag policy, visit uidaho.edu/clearbagpolicy. Those with additional questions are invited to call 208-885-2223.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]