Fake Patty’s Day is a month away, and the Riley County Police Department is already making preparations by going door-to-door to inform residents about their increased presence during the Manhattan holiday.

Four Riley County patrol officers — Carson Lang, Gage Whitmore, Dakota Davis and Julia Raymann — made their way across Manhattan neighborhoods on Wednesday, saying they covered the 1200 block to the 800 block from Ratone to Vattier, focusing on single resident or duplex buildings. 

“Part of it’s education to let people know there’s still laws,” Lang said. “On Fake Patty’s Day, people seem to believe it’s the one day to get stupid and do whatever you want to do and all laws go out the window —  which is not the case. It’s basically to inform them of the different laws that they can still be cited for and tell them the consequences and repercussions of said laws.”

Manhattan resident Lucas Sullivan said he spoke with the patrol officers Wednesday. He said while their presence wasn’t a “bad thing” they probably “had something better to do with their time.” 

“We talked a little on keeping the peace action as well as the consequences of underaged drinking,” Sullivan said. “He pointed out … that people get a little wild and there are a lot of elderly people that shouldn’t have to go through that — urinating or anything on their property or leaving a lot of trash — and I agree with that.” 

RCPD won’t be the only police presence on Fake Patty’s Day. Raymann said officers from Emporia and Lawrence will be present as well. 

“It’s not a free-for-all,” Lang said. “That’s the biggest thing. Everyone seems to think, ‘Oh, it’s a free-for-all, you can do whatever.’ It’s not. Laws still exist, and we’re going to enforce it … [and] for those of you we catch, it’s not going to be pleasant, because last year we only had one or two cases dismissed and we had quite a lot of reports going on.”

According to the RCPD website, “The event has been associated with sexual assault, overcrowding, public intoxication, traffic congestion, illegal parking, acts of violence and trash nuisances … Those who intend to overindulge in alcohol consumption, abandon personal responsibility and commit crimes should be aware that all state and local laws will be enforced during Fake Patty’s Day.”

Davis said the goal of going door-to-door is not to intimidate, but educate.

“You can have fun, but do it safely,” Davis said. “Do it legally. Here’s the repercussions of what happens if you don’t do it legally. It’s not a scare tactic, it’s a way to educate and let people know ahead of time.”