UA and City of Akron police officers say they will take a hard line on alcohol violations and other misbehavior starting Friday afternoon, part of what they are calling a “strict enforcement” weekend.
“It is not our goal to stop students from having fun,” says UA Police Chief Paul Callahan. “But we want to prevent the out-of-control, poorly planned parties that can lead to injuries and property damage.”
As in the past on warm weather weekends, UA and city police will make the rounds on foot talking with students and others who are hosting events as the events are getting started.
“We want the organizers to know that we want to help them host safe events,” Callahan says.
Additional patrols will be on duty throughout the weekend.
Callahan also had these reminders for students:
- If you are hosting an event, you are responsible for ensuring that no underage drinking occurs and that the size of your party remains in scale with your property. In other words, things shouldn’t spill out into the streets or next door. Decide before the party starts where you are going to cut off attendance, and then stick to it.
- Too often problems start when unknown or uninvited guests show up. Have a plan beforehand for how you are going to handle such guests, especially if they arrive en masse.
- Complaints about property theft sometimes occur after a party, as the hosts discover that electronics and other items are missing. Help minimize this risk by knowing who attends your party and by securing valuables out-of-site.
- Know about the state’s open-container laws. You cannot possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage on public property (sidewalks, streets, University property). Violators are subject to possible arrest and/or a $150 fine.
- Behavior that disturbs your neighbors can lead to fines or criminal charges. As a host, you can be held responsible for excessive noise, improper parking and other poor behavior by your guests on or near your property.
- If you serve alcohol, you may be responsible for actions of your guests while on your property and after they leave it.
- UA’s Code of Student Conduct applies to student actions on and off-campus. Don't let your graduation plans get derailed by a few poor decisions this weekend.
- Hosting a large party may violate the terms of your lease and lead to eviction or other financial liabilities for you or your parents.
- If you are heading downtown, consider taking the Roo Express shuttle, which runs until 4 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The shuttle's downtown route travels campus and the neighborhood south of campus.
Callahan also suggests that you program the department’s phone number (330-972-9211) into your cell phone so that it’s readily at hand.
If you notice anything unusual, feel free to call the department to let them know, or text it to 274637 (CRIMES), and begin the message with the keyword ZIPTIP.
You can also submit information confidentially using this form.
Related:
- Police website
- Submit a tip confidentially to police: by text | via the web
- Off Campus Student Services
- UA's free, emergency text-messaging service