To the Editor:
Discussions regarding the Hanover Police and underage drinking have intensified during the last several days. This escalation has been fueled, in part, by a proliferation of electronic messages alleging that the Hanover Police Department has increased its efforts to detain and charge intoxicated undergraduates.
A related issue, apparently picked up by some national media, is the report of numerous, but unsubstantiated stories that Hanover Police have violated students' constitutional rights through their broad use of a hand-held alcohol test (AlcoSensor) that indicates underage "possession" of alcohol by evidencing "consumption."
In recent days, the Community Substance Abuse Advisory Committee, composed of representatives from the town, Hanover Police, Hanover public schools and the College, has been meeting to discuss these matters. Moreover, I have met with Cliff Vermilya, the Hanover town manager, and Hanover Police Chief Nick Giaccone several times in order to establish the facts and make them publicly available.
The Community Substance Abuse Advisory Committee will be circulating a letter very soon which will, among other things, confirm that the claims of a significant increase in use of the AlcoSensor are greatly exaggerated.
While it is true that the number of individuals who have been detained by the Hanover Police for alcohol violations has increased during the latest reporting period, it is important to understand that these numbers have always included high school students as well as Dartmouth undergraduates.
It also appears that the increase in alcohol violations is related to the rise in the number of Dartmouth students living off-campus and the increase in large off-campus parties.
The Community Substance Abuse Advisory Committee has agreed to hold a public forum to be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall. It will provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions, raise concerns and learn what the facts really are.
In my several meetings and conversations with Hanover officials, I have seen no evidence to suggest that Dartmouth students are being singled out by the Hanover Police Department. Underage drinking is an issue of concern for the entire Hanover community.
The parents of high school students and all other town residents have a right to expect that the laws are enforced consistently throughout the town, and that the safety of all of its citizens (including students) is given appropriate priority.
