Electric Forest crime down from previous years.

Electric Forest crime down from previous years.

#OceanaCountyCrime

#EF2019

ROTHBURY – The Michigan State Police, Hart post, reported that six people were arrested and lodged in the Oceana County Jail during the four-day Electric Forest Festival last week at the Double JJ Resort, which is a number that is significantly down from previous years.

However, the gigantic music festival offered a two-weekend format in 2018 and 2017.

Last weekend, 70 original complaints were investigated by troopers.

MSP is contracted annually by festival promoters to provide on-site law enforcement services for the festival.

A total of 24 people are pending arrest after review by the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office, according to MSP.

“Current and pending charges range from felony drug and assault charges to misdemeanors which include assault, drug possession, operating while intoxicated, disorderly, and fugitive from justice,” states MSP Lt. Matthew Kanitz, assistant post commander.

“Troopers also responded to or assisted emergency medical services and/or festival security on medical calls within the venue,” said Kanitz.
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In 2018, a total of 27 people were arrested during Electric Forest, and 31 people were pending arrest. MSP handled 97 complaints last year.

The MSP has provided public safety services for the 2008 and 2009 Rothbury Festival, and the 2011 through 2019 Electric Forest Festival.

“Troopers from posts across the state were temporarily assigned to the event. Within the agreement with promoters, those troopers’ positions were then backfilled, preventing any break in law enforcement services to citizens. Any overtime, travel costs, or other expenses are reimbursed by festival promoters, so this service is completed at ‘no cost’ to Michigan citizens.”

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