The Hanover Police Department will soon ratchet up its patrols of areas deemed high-risk for underage drinking, thanks to a $14,000 state grant to pay current officers to work overtime.
Hanover Police will use the grant to fund both uniform and undercover patrols of zones known for high alcohol abuse, including Stinson's liquor store and Webster Avenue.
"The grant will be used to target areas known for alcohol use and abuse," said Hanover Police Chief Nick Giaccone.
Given that 40 to 50 percent of student arrests are made while students are trying to get home from fraternities, the increased patrols would put more pressure on Greek houses, several of which are already on probation. Fraternities have been considering a low-cost taxi service that would drive intoxicated students home from fraternities, according to Austin Brey '05, president of Bones Gate fraternity.
Students were also concerned about the effects that increased patrolling might have on their chances of being picked up while being intoxicated.
"I've had a couple friends who have been picked up, but if the police start patrolling really heavily, I'd be afraid to go to the frats," Minkun Zhang '07 said.
The Hanover Police Department has conducted this type of alcohol enforcement at Stinson's before. At one point, officers stood at the door after a student had purchased alcohol and rechecked the student's identification. Recently, officers have stood behind the clerk at Stinson's helping to check IDs and arresting individuals attempting to purchase alcohol with fake IDs, according to Stinson's owner Jack Stinson.
The increased patrols won't necessarily increase the risk of presenting a fake ID at Stinson's. Stinson's has always called the Hanover police when a student presents false identification, Stinson said.
But, the Hanover Police Department has recently contacted Stinson asking if officers could accompany deliveries to houses and off-campus locations. Stinson's is currently reviewing its policy to decide whether it will provide delivery service to students in the future, according to Stinson.
The Hanover Police Department indirectly received the grant for the increased patrolling from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which runs out of the U.S. Department of Justice. The Office of Juvenile Justice distributes money earmarked for alcohol prevention. The mission of the group is to support states and local communities "in their effort to develop and implement effective programs for juveniles.
