TAYLOR, Mich. – Up-and-coming country acts took the stage Friday night at the Taylor Summer Festival, one of the city’s largest annual events at Heritage Park, as police stepped up efforts to prevent disruptions tied to the “teen takeover” trend.
Taylor police have added staffing and are using tools such as drones during the four-day festival.
“We have a number of things put in place, whether it’s extra officers or drones in the sky, we just want people to know to behave themselves,” Taylor Police Chief John Blair said.
Ahead of the event, the department warned on social media that “those who break the law will be arrested, regardless of age,” adding that parents could also face consequences if their children participate.
Blair said teens should understand that what starts as an online stunt can lead to criminal charges.
“There are ramifications for this, including criminal ones,” Blair said. “If you want to spend the night in jail with us, we can accommodate that. I would prefer to not do that, but we’re not going to tolerate it.”
The festival also requires anyone under 17 to attend with an adult, a rule that other local summer events are adopting amid similar concerns.
During the 54th Livonia Spree, police shared a flyer circulating online that promoted a teen takeover at the festival on Saturday (June 27).
Organizers have increased security measures, including adding metal detectors, and are requiring those under 17 to be accompanied by an adult after 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
In a social media post, Livonia police warned people to expect enforcement action, including removal from the event, citations, or arrest.
With summer festivals underway across Metro Detroit, police departments are urging parents to stay involved.
“You have to have messages to them,” Blair said. “You have to sometimes explain to them that there’s ramifications for what they’re doing and just be a parent, don’t be a friend.”