Up for discussion: Extra enforcement around alcohol

Local police departments have increased enforcement efforts for alcohol-related offenses as part of a continuing effort to help UC Davis students make better choices and reduce alcohol-related problems on and off campus.

The UC Davis and city of Davis police departments stepped up enforcement beginning on the first day of classes and will continue those efforts through Halloween, with an emphasis on Thursday and Saturday evenings from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

UC Davis Police Lt. Matt Carmichael said the efforts include extra police patrols in the downtown and bar area, a designated police team to respond to complaints about loud parties, and bicycle officers mixing with students as they leave campus. As students return to campus, officers will be watching for open containers of alcohol and students who may have had too much to drink.

Patrol officers, Carmichael said, are just looking to keep everyone safe.

"This is the start of school and, for a lot of students, their first time away from home," Carmichael said. "This campaign is important at the beginning of the year as we are dealing with a lot of young adults who, for the first time away from home, may try alcohol. Not knowing their own limits can be very dangerous," he said, "and we are doing everything we can to ensure we avoid such things as alcohol poisonings."

The increase in law enforcement related to alcohol use continues one of the components of the Safe Party Initiative begun at UC Davis in 2005. Part of a $6.9 million research project at 14 UC and California State University campuses, the initiative also shows students how to reduce alcohol-related risks at parties and fosters better relationships among students and their neighbors.

One result of the effort is the Davis Neighbors' Night Out; the fourth annual event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11. Already, more than 100 neighborhoods have signed up to host activities -- from potlucks to ice cream socials -- to help homeowners and student renters get to know each other. The idea is that when people know each other as neighbors, they will show each other more consideration.

Enforcement as education

Lt. Glenn Glasgow of the Davis Police Department's patrol division sees the increased patrols as a way to open conversations among students and police officers.

"We're not singling out students," Glasgow said. "What we are trying to do is educate them on how to have a good time without all of the headaches that come with irresponsibility."

One part of the fall enforcement push has campus officers accompanying freshmen as they walk off campus and into town at night.

"We will be providing safe party tips and interacting with the students as they leave campus," Carmichael said. "We will continue through the night and address student safety as they walk back onto campus to ensure their safety, especially if they have been drinking."

But if they have been drinking, they should beware. There is zero tolerance of alcohol violations on and off campus. Citations will be issued for open containers and minors in possession of alcohol.

The Safe Party Web site highlights some legal consequences for alcohol-related offenses including fines, criminal and civil liability, and university discipline. It also provides information on the city's open-container ordinance and noise regulations.