SYRINGE SAFETY MEASURES

NEW safety measures are being introduced at Football Park after a
young boy was pricked by a syringe he picked up in the main
grandstand.Police have responded to the incident by assigning
plain-clothed officers to mingle with the crowd and check toilets to
detect drug use during future AFL games.

Fingerprints may also be taken from discarded needles.

As well, the SANFL has instructed its cleaners and security staff to
be on alert.

The boy, who is believed to be four or five, found the syringe during
the AFL night clash between Port Adelaide and Collingwood on June 4.

His distraught family must wait another 60 days before doctors can
determine whether the needle was contaminated, possibly with the HIV
virus or hepatitis C.

Superintendent Graeme Barton, of Port Adelaide police, said the
incident was a "tragic indication of society today".

"We are used to people going to the football to have a good time and,
at most drinking beer, but society has changed."

Thousands of people AD including many family groups AD attend Football
Park each season for games involving Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

Superintendent Barton said police and the SANFL met weekly to discuss
public safety issues at the venue and had reviewed all operations to
minimise the risk of another needle jab.

League and police reports show that in the 26 years since Football
Park was built only two used needles have been found at the ground.

"It is a serious issue, but not a major problem," Superintendent
Barton said.

The league's insurer, SGIC, has already begun preparing a safety
policy it will ask be implemented, with recommendations including:

THE installation of ultra-violet lights in the toilets to stop drug
users injecting themselves there.

THE installation of syringe traps where drug users can deposit their
needles.

The league's administration manager, John Lyons, said football
authorities were "most concerned" at what had happened.

"The family of this young boy is devastated and we will do everything
to help them through this," he said.

"A very proactive program is in place, along with an investigation of
this incident AD the first after more than 16 million people have
passed through the ground."