Participants usually have their hands full with large cattle, and deputies are there to keep an eye out.JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
With all the Dixie National Rodeo visitors, comes ramped up safety.
"The marked units on the grounds patrolling six hours or more a day. We do what we can to make it as safe as possible," explained Hinds County Sheriff's Department Captain Steve Bailey.
Participants usually have their hands full with large cattle, and deputies are there to keep an eye out.
"During the livestock show we actually have personnel inside the barns that patrol the barns and kind of watch out after the livestock," said Captain Bailey.
Many of the participants travel in from out of town and stay nearby.
"There's a large amount of hotels in close proximity to the fairgrounds so we will include those businesses in our daily patrols," described Jackson Police Department Assistant Chief Lee Vance.
Jackson police are charged with keeping the perimeter and traffic under control. Part of that is watching for car break-ins.
"Anywhere you have a large amount of cars gathered in one place, it's obviously going to attract individuals who try to take advantage of that situation," said Vance.
Back inside the fairgrounds, livestock show participants say the visible security gives them an added piece of mind.
"The expense of the cattle and the equipment that's involved, it's just good to see the extra patrol," said Heather Petrowski, whose daughter is a participant.
While cattle theft would be more obvious, the equipment that's there is also very pricey.
"At times you have to just leave them to take your cow to water or to take your cow to show it. And it's not convenient to put it up and lock it up with a chain. We've never worried; never heard anybody else say that they had a problem with theft like that down here and that means a lot," said Christi Lindsey, whose family has participated for four years.
Crowds should expect to see plenty of blue lights both inside and outside the fairgrounds.
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