[GRIZZLY]

Got this email from a friend and thought I would pass onto those going to the race.

NSW POLICE FORCE
>
>
> MEDIA RELEASE

>Police and event security personnel are advising Bathurst 1000 racegoers to
>expect delays as they will be searched for contraband and excess alcohol
>before entering the grounds of next month's car race.

>Operation Baraba will commence on Saturday 29 September, when police will
>begin searching campground areas at Mt Panorama to ensure the area is free
>of any articles which may harm racegoers. Firearm and detection dogs will
>be used for the search.

>From Monday 1 October police will have checkpoints in several positions
>around Mt Panorama where they will conduct vehicle searches. Police will
>search for contraband, prohibited items and excessive alcohol.

>The Bathurst 1000 is a sporting event designed for everyone's enjoyment.
>Following discussions, police and event security have decided to build on
>previous years in not allowing excess alcohol. Racegoers will be limited to
>one carton of standard drinks per adult or equivalent at the checkpoints.
>Any excessive alcohol will be taken by event security at the checkpoints.
>No glass will be allowed.

>To ensure fan safety and security anyone found with prohibited items can
>expect to be removed from the area and not allowed re-entry for the race.
>The maximum penalty for possessing a prohibited weapon is $11,000 or two
>years imprisonment.

>Commander of the Major Event and Incident Group (MEIG), Assistant
>Commissioner Garry Dobson, said police will be out in force throughout Mt
>Panorama and the Bathurst township during the event.

>"There will be a strong police presence to ensure event safety and security
>and for all racegoers to enjoy the carnival atmosphere that will be there,"
>Mr Dobson said.

>"This operation has been planned for months and we are confident, as with
>APEC, that we have put in place the right measures to ensure a successful
>sporting event."

>Police from all six regions across NSW will make up Operation Baraba
>including officers from the Public Order Riot Squad (PORS), Operational
>Support Group (OSG), the Airwing, Dog Squad and General Duties.

>Traffic Operation Slowdown, which is an annual operation run by the RTA and
>police, will run on the long weekend prior to the event. It will commence
>at 0001h on Friday 28 September and run through to 2359h on Monday 1
>October.

>The operation will target speeding, drink driving, seat belts and mobile
>phone use across the state. There will be an increased police presence in
>and around Bathurst for the expected large traffic crowds. Double demerit
>points will apply over the long weekend.

>The Bathurst 1000 will officially commence on Thursday 4 October and finish
>with the race on Sunday 7 October.

>Operation Baraba will end on Tuesday 9 October.