Morgantown beefs up police presence for Final Four game, warns fans the world is watching

Morgantown cautions fans: The world is watching

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia town known as America’s couch-burning capital is hoping it won’t live up to its reputation when the Mountaineers battle Duke in the Final Four.

But Morgantown Police Chief Phil Scott is beefing up the force just in case. He’s gathering reinforcements from the sheriff’s department and State Police.

Scott says there will be zero tolerance for firestarters and troublemakers Saturday.

He and West Virginia University leaders urge fans to behave responsibly because the world is watching.

WVU is on spring break, and the dorms don’t reopen until Sunday, so it’s unclear how many students will return early. School spokesman John Bolt says those who do should remember that misconduct has serious consequences, including possible expulsion.