Police say they're ready for Juggalos in Hardin County - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

Police say they're ready for Juggalos in Hardin County

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Police have learned a few tricks to keep the area safe. Police have learned a few tricks to keep the area safe.
The five-day event brings upwards of 10,000 people into a county with a population of less than 5,000. The five-day event brings upwards of 10,000 people into a county with a population of less than 5,000.
Officials say so far things have gone pretty smoothly. Officials say so far things have gone pretty smoothly.
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HARDIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) -

The gathering of the Juggalos is underway in Hardin County; and local and state authorities say they're ready for whatever comes.

The five-day event brings upwards of 10,000 people into a county with a population of less than 5,000.

The gathering started Wednesday and Hardin County officials say so far things have gone pretty smoothly.

Still, there have already been 13 arrests. Illinois State Police and Hardin County deputies have confiscated three firearms, a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana from traffic stops they've made on cars on their way on highways and roads near the Hogrock Campground.

Authorities say since this isn't their first time dealing with the Juggalos, police have learned a few tricks to keep the area safe.

"Previous years we've seen drownings, drug overdoses, batteries, aggravated batteries, narcotics and drug violations," said Lt. Steve Shields with Illinois State Police. "We've been aggressively patrolling the highways to and from this event making a law enforcement presence known."

There will be no shortage of law enforcement. Hardin County officials hired more deputies, Illinois State Police have beefed up patrols, also members of other police agencies from around the state will help out as needed.

The Coast Guard, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service law enforcement are also on standby, ready to help should an emergency arise.

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