Following the news that the Hanover Police Department will revise its arrest policy for underage drinkers treated for alcohol overconsumption, most students interviewed by The Dartmouth said the change will allow students to make safer choices about alcohol consumption. Others expressed concern that students may still hesitate to use the Good Samaritan policy due to fear of police involvement.
According to the new policy, Hanover Police will continue to accompany emergency personnel responding to ambulance calls for alcohol overconsumption. But instead of arresting underage drinkers immediately, they will be given seven days to enroll in the Alcohol Diversions Program before the citation is recorded.
Under the previous policy, someone underage who receives medical treatment for alcohol overconsumption would be arrested immediately, with the arrest removed from the person's record if he or she chose to complete the Diversions program.
Inter-Fraternity Council President Tyler Brace '11 called the change a positive development because students will "no longer be penalized for asking for help."
"This is a policy that prioritizes safety and that will promote safe drinking habits amongst the student body," Brace said. "I would hope this trend will continue and that the Hanover Police will continue to pursue policies that promote healthy decisions, as opposed to fear."
Panhellenic Council President Anna Sonstegard '11 said she believes the change in policy will encourage students to take advantage of the Good Sam policy, which allows students to call Safety and Security without the threat of College disciplinary action when an intoxicated student requires medical attention.
"This change allows students who might have been hesitant to use the Good Sam policy in the past to act responsibly and look out for the safety of their friends," Sonstegard said. "I would hope now, students will feel 110 percent comfortable getting help for a friend who needs it."
The primary reason police officers accompany ambulances is to ensure the safety of emergency personnel in case the intoxicated student becomes violent, according to Sonstegard.
"A lot of students think that [the Hanover Police] are just out to get us in trouble, but this just isn't true," she said. "They have an obligation to protect the EMTs just as they have an obligation to protect students."
While much of the discussion about alcohol consumption at the College has focused on the Greek system, several students said the new policy benefits all members of the student body.
Justin Cozad '12 said that the change is "good news" for all students, regardless of whether or not they are affiliated.
"I'm glad that the Hanover Police have actually agreed to a policy that will work in our favor and help all students stay safe," he said.
Emily Glassberg '13 said she was impressed by the idea behind the Good Sam policy when she arrived on campus this Fall.
"I remember thinking it was a really good thing because it was a way to prioritize safety rather than getting students in trouble," she said.
But as the year progressed, Glassberg discovered many students hesitate to take advantage of the policy, especially when calling for help for their friends, because of the disciplinary and financial consequences, she said.
Participation in the Diversions program costs $400, on top of any costs associated with medical care.
While many students said they believe that the change will alleviate many of these concerns, Glassberg said she was unsure if it represents "the perfect solution," she said.
"Any measure that can lessen students' hesitation to get help for a friend who drank too much is a positive step, but I just don't think students' hesitation will be gone completely," she said. "There will inevitably still be some students who are afraid to use it."
The change may have an effect for students applying to graduate school, as they will not have to report that they were arrested in the past, according to Student and Presidential Alcohol Harm Reduction Committee co-chair Will Schpero '10.
Schpero is a former member of The Dartmouth Senior Staff.
Brace said Hanover Police's increasing tendency to prioritize safety over punishment is "encouraging" and that he hopes it continues in the future. He also said that there is unanimous agreement among all College fraternities that the change in policy is "a step in the right direction."
"All the houses really feel this is a positive change," he said. "This is a relief for everyone involved in the Greek system across the board."
He said he does not anticipate that the announcement will affect fraternities' parties or their official house policies.
"What it will do, though, is help them maintain their commitment to safety and responsibility," he said. "All the fraternities have always prioritized safety, but this will allow us to pursue this commitment even better now that the threat of arrest is gone."
Brace also said that students need to understand that their choices have consequences and that the IFC is aware of the "delicate situation" that currently exists between the College and the Hanover Police.
"We want to show everyone that we take our responsibility to promote healthy decisions very seriously," he said.
Both Brace and Sonstegard praised the role of the administration in the implementation of this policy change.
"It was definitely a collaborative effort," Brace said. "It was great to have the administration on board, and their continued support is crucial."
Hanover Police Chief Nicholas Giaccone did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
