Gone were the flashers, fires, people hanging from trees and riot gear, but left were the police officers.

Instead of hectic partying in the streets, the scene was more one of people walking calmly to their cars. Extra officers were on duty in case a crowd on Marshall Street gathered as a result of the victory celebration in the Carrier Dome on Thursday night.

Syracuse Police Spokesman Lt. Joe Cecile could not comment on the number present but said that there was a significant increase in the number of officers on Marshall Street and South Crouse Avenue, which were closed to vehicular traffic for the third time in a week.

‘We are around this time to make sure everyone gets home safe,’ said Cecile. ‘There are a lot of families out tonight.’

These families and groups of Syracuse University and high school students were making their way to M-Street restaurants and bars, instead of reeking havoc in the streets. Cecile said officers would be on Marshall Street until the streets cleared, and then, the regular patrols of Marshall Street would begin. The measure was precautionary and officers had neither riot gear nor barricades to prevent students from getting out of control.

‘We aren’t anticipating any problems, just making sure people get back to their cars alright,’ he said.

Connor Treffiletti, a freshman undeclared major in The College of Arts and Sciences, did not think the increased presence on M-Street was an overreaction, but was happy to not see the police van and school bus around.

‘It’s just a bunch of fucking townies coming to support the team,’ Treffiletti said.

Other students also felt that the police presence was necessary as a precaution because of what happened after SU’s wins in the Final Four and the championship game.

‘I don’t have a problem with them being around here tonight, as long as they don’t hassle anyone,’ said Alex Bader, a freshman broadcast journalism major.

Published on April 10, 2003 at 12:00 pm