TOP STORY OF THE DAY - Police At Saturday’s Cruise In

The one thing that couldn’t be missed at Saturday’s Cruise In was the Brazil Police Department’s attempts to maintain public safety.

Police Chief Clint McQueen said there would be a higher presence this year and meant every word.

Police vehicles were parked very few blocks in the turning lane of US40, with some officers walking around interacting with motorists and the public.

McQueen was one of the officers out walking around; he admits to assessing areas needing more police presence next year.

“We had seven officers dedicated to the Cruise,” he said about the event. “I am grateful they came in, some of them on their day off, to work the event.”

McQueen said there were a couple of minor things that officers could respond to quickly.

The first was a truck that caught fire near the Courthouse area, and

A second where the brakes failed on one car that was able to stop and get safely off the road near the west Speedway without any injuries reported.

McQueen said the officers wrote more than a couple dozen traffic tickets, mainly issued to younger drivers outside the county. He said most of the issues that arose from the Cruise In - a large majority - were from outside visitors who came to participate.

“This is a great community event; lots of people want to see those cars, but there are a few eager drivers that are more interested in putting on a show which leads to some problems that could be dangerous,” said McQueen. “Some people and drivers of the vintage cars came up to our officers and thanked them for their presence during the evening.”

Making sure the public remains safe at community events s important. While the attendance was smaller than the Christmas Parade, officers had to spread out over a larger distance.

“It is really hard to estimate the crowd size, but the area is large,” said McQueen, who is already planning the next event, which seems to be growing annually.

“We want to minimize the danger so the public can enjoy seeing the cars. I don’t mind planning for these things,” McQueen said. “But it takes a lot of human resources to do something like this. People might think, ‘Oh, it’s only a couple of hours.’ But our officers were on duty from 4:30-11 p.m. when they left. It can be costly for such a small department like ours. I am grateful to our officers.”

The Brazil Times asked local residents on social media for their feedback concerning this event, and they responded.

Public Feedback

Eric Jensen, who came up with the idea

They are a much-needed part of Cruising Brazil if we are to keep this going safely. This is all a work in progress, but already known as the best cruising for all of Indiana and Illinois. I am sure the police have taken notes from this one and will put together a strategy to utilize their team best. We must balance letting the little things go but keeping others from going too far. Last night was far safer than last year, so we are headed in the right direction. Thank you, BPD!

Linda Gibbens Pieske

This is a small town, and you never think anything will happen here, but, unfortunately, it could with all the people starting to come to this event. It’s a good thing we have the police at this function. Yes, I think they should have done exactly what they did. Sometimes, when people get together to show their roadsters, classics, hotrods, etc., they tend to show off, which could result in a tragic accident. Absolutely, they should have been patrolling the activities on and off the street.

Bob Okulovich

Very obvious that to make this an annual or any event Brazil’s finest needed to remind the public that common sense is common sense that we as citizens, Brazilbillies, and anything less needed to be reminded of the what-if dangers that existed consciously and subconsciously come now I am not by no means exempt if caught but wow what revenue they could have generated legally last nite, good day.

Connie Hughes

I think it’s a great idea to have the police presence there during the cruise! I saw some pretty crazy stuff last night. Someone standing on a motorcycle riding through town. That could have been a disaster. Plenty of burnouts too.

Quite frankly, I kind of like the burnouts, but I do agree that it would be nice if there was a special part of the road sectioned off for burnouts where people actually were not allowed to sit or stand along the side of the road. That would decrease the risk of anybody getting hurt.

People are going to do it whether you tell them to or not and at least it would be a safe zone for people that want to do it and people that enjoy seeing the smoke go up! In fact, it’s great for some of the businesses in town. My dad sells used tires, as well as several other places in Brazil. I’m sure they don’t mind the business.

Cindy Peebles

From the beginning, this cruise night has been an awesome event. It’s free both for the spectators and the participants. It draws all ages together and has been safe for the most part. Our local law enforcement has been tolerant and worked in conjunction allowing a few burnouts along the way.

It should be apparent that the community enjoys and looks forward to these special events. It became apparent at the cruise prior to this one that some people just can’t stay in their lane.

This event has always been a cruise and not a drag strip. I, for one, appreciated the presence of our law enforcement. From the passenger seat of my ride, they appeared to enjoy the event as well. It sickens me how they are perceived and the lack of respect they are given.

I hope that they will continue to be a presence at future cruises. Thank you Eric for putting this together and thank you to all of our law enforcement for participating and giving us a sense of safety.

Greg Mogan

After some of the driving in last falls cruise in I think the police were needed. Recklessly doing a donut at 59 & 40 and block long burnouts threatened to put an end to the fun for us all.

Brian Atkinson

It’s ok. They’re part of the community too. The site of the patrol cars likely make people think twice about their decisions.

Brian Wetnight

Overall BPD did a good job. And the majority of participants were respectful as well. I was completely fine with BPD being there and I have no problem with burn outs, the noise or diesel exhaust. This is only twice a year. The cruising on 40 is anywhere from 4 to 6 hours per event. A good and fun event a couple times a year. I hope it continues for years and years.

Ty Meyer

I thought the police did a good job. I can’t wait till the next time.

Anthony Reeves

I as a father and local resident encouraged and enjoyed the police presence. Last year it seemed as if the police was just on standby to respond to anything. This year seemed to be more proactive and be ready to intervene if things was getting out of hand. They started off the night and made it clear what would be allowed and what wouldnt be allowed. They allowed us to have fun and spin some tires and put on a show but in a more safe manner. I didnt see donuts or anything to unsafe that i feared for myself or my family saftey. So a big thank you to the BPD for keeping a eye on things and assisting in helping this be a safe event for years ahead!

Dee Robison

Glad they were in the center lane!!

Kay N Steve Mattox

We appreciated the police presence, seemed more controlled than previous years.

Deb Jackson-Dennany

Always glad to see our law enforcement officers

Bill Mann

Who cares if you have seen one you have seen them all

Catrina Caroline Treash

I kinda wished that they would have blocked off some of the side roads so drivers didn’t have to stop at every light in town.

Thank you for all those, and more online, who provided these answers - your opinion matters.