Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Steve Berry Junior Mike Maschhoff helps pharmacy student Sara Robinson through "A Fatal Spin on the Classic Obstacle Course," in which participants wore goggles to simulate intoxication. The event, part of Alcohol Awareness Week, took place Wednesday in the Morris University Center's Goshen Lounge.

SIUE Police made 46 more arrests for alcohol violations in 2006 than they did in 2005, according to the annual security report that came out Oct. 1. In fact, the number of alcohol-related arrests was higher in 2006 than it had been in the past 13 years.

The lowest number of arrests happened in 2000, with police only arresting 12 people in violation of the alcohol laws. The previous high happened in 2002 with 96 alcohol-related arrests.

Since 1993, the number of alcohol arrests has been all over the board.

SIUE Police Lt. Kevin Schmoll said he could not explain the sporadic increase and decrease in arrests since 1993.

The university is required to publish timely information on the campus crime statistics and the security policies under the Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Under this act, an alcohol offense includes illegal transportation, possession and consumption of alcohol and the sale of liquor to a minor.

Though more arrests were made in 2006 than in 2005, Schmoll said the police have not changed the way they operate.

"We're about the same as the years before," Schmoll said.

Schmoll said the police have not increased patrols on campus. However, they are instructed to patrol the residence areas after classes are out because that is where the majority of the people are. Since they are already in the residence areas, the police can spot parties and respond quickly even before complaints are made.

"I think our police force is on the outlook," Andy King, director of Counseling Services, said. "They are much more zero tolerance."

Dean of Students Jim Klenke said the police are highly visible and easily available to respond to these alcohol violations.

Continued...

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