Take a trip around any residence hall and you’re bound to run into someone who has that sign, reading, “instant idiot, just add alcohol.”

As humorous, or true, as this may be for students, DeKalb law enforcement officials urge the campus community to help make their jobs easier this homecoming weekend by drinking responsibly.

“Homecoming weekend rivals Corn Fest for the most alcohol-related arrests,” DeKalb police Lt. Jim Kayes said.

University Police Lt. John Hunter had much of the same to say, noting that there are definitely more alcohol-related arrests homecoming weekend than during normal weekends.

With that in mind, both University and DeKalb police departments are taking a few extra measures to ensure that this weekend goes on without any major problems.

The most visible step taken by both departments is the added presence of uniformed officers.

DeKalb police Lt. Carl Leoni said he expects to increase officers on duty for the DeKalb Police Department from the 15, which would normally serve on a weekend night, to about 21 officers per night.

Leoni added that the Illinois State Police will send six officers a night into DeKalb to help out.

One reason for the increased security, Leoni says, is because many times, parties grow to more than 300 people. He said parties like that need to be kept in check.

University Police are taking even bigger measures.

During a normal Friday or Saturday night, the University Police will have about 11 officers on duty, Hunter said. That number will be doubled for this weekend.

A large number of scheduled events also will contribute to the added necessity of police presence.

On Friday night, the homecoming parade, a DeKalb High School football game at Huskie Stadium and a dance at Chick Evans Field House will keep the department pretty busy, Hunter said.

NIU’s football game on Saturday also will require about 12 officers, Hunter said. They’ll be there just to make sure fans don’t get out of hand, as they have during past homecomings by tearing down the goalposts and dumping them in the east lagoon after 1998 and 1999 NIU victories.

Though keeping fans under control is important, the most energy will be spent stopping irresponsible behavior caused by alcohol.

The DeKalb police bike patrol will be out looking for people with open containers and for underage drinking, Leoni said.

Leoni suggests students stay indoors if they’re going to drink and he also strongly recommends that people don’t attempt to drive after a night of drinking.

“We hope we don’t have to run into too many students,” Hunter said. “We don’t mind them having a good time, but they have to be responsible.”