Police cannot allow carnivals to police themselves. A police department must ensure strict adherence to all local, county, and State ordinances and statutes by conducting a thorough check of all licenses, permits, insurance, and inspection certificates. Failure to do so can place citizens in jeopardy. In many ways, police preparation for a carnival is similar to preparing for any other type of special event. Departments should assemble a team of officers who will be working the carnival both in uniform and in plain clothes. Supervisors also should create a layout of the grounds to include the midway, parking lots, perimeter fences, all entrances and exits, and sites where alcoholic beverages will be sold. With the layout, police supervisors can designate patrol areas and determine the number of officers to patrol each area. This article discusses procedures for meeting with carnival officials prior to the opening of the carnival. Other topics addressed are game inspection, ride safety, statutes and ordinances, and patrol areas and assignments.