BLOOMINGTON, IN – Two local rival police departments continue to square off over the ownership of an iconic fixture that defines both the community and Indiana University.
Leadership with the Bloomington Police Department and the IU Police Department remain at an impasse as to which department has patrol and crime enforcement jurisdiction for the Sample Gates plaza.
Despite months of mediation, the conflict still rages and at times has boiled over into public spats and physical altercations.
“Listen, we own the Sample Gates, period,” claimed IUPD Chief Aaron Reynolds. “Ask anyone and they’ll tell you the first thing that comes to mind when they think of those gorgeous gates is Indiana University.”
Bloomington PD maintains that while the Sample Gates are technically on campus property, the plaza is often an area that sees intoxicated students and residents spill out into city streets, presenting danger to both themselves and the general public.
“I get it, they’re on IU real estate, but IUPD is wholly unequipped to handle the volume of crime and nuisance presented by the Sample Gates plaza,” stated BPD Captain Jennifer Hayes. “Look, we have squad cars, they have golf carts. We have standard issue Glock 19s, they have low wattage tasers. This area demands serious law enforcement, not glorified babysitting.”
Time will tell, but both the Mayor and IU leadership are deadlocked as to what entity will ultimately claim control of the Sample Gates. In the meantime, the pranks and personal insults between BPD and IUPD are sure to continue.
Limestone Ledger 
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