Saturday, October 16, 2010

Increased Police Patrols During Homecoming Weekend

http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/Harrisonburg_Police_Increase_Patrols_for_Homecoming_Weekend_104899604.html

The Harrisonburg police have announced that they are going to increase their patrols this homecoming weekend in an effort to deter those drinkers who may decide to have a little too much fun.  Will this announcement discourage students from going out to party?  Maybe some students will stay in, especially since patrols have already been so stringent this year.  However, the majority of JMU students who were already planning to go out partying will not be deterred.  A media announcement would be unlikely to trigger a mass curtailment of parties.  The opinions of peers would be much more effective in changing behavior.  If someone’s friends are afraid of going out because of the dangers of getting caught, that would definitely be more of a deterrent than a distant announcement.  Personal stories from friends who have been caught participating in underage drinking would also be a valuable restraint. 

Basically, I think announcing that there will be more police on patrols is largely useless.  Students have to see this increased coverage for themselves before they will believe it. 

Honestly, I think that the most valuable deterrent to students going out this weekend will be the weather.  If it’s cold and windy, that will keep at least some students indoors. 
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4 comments:

  1. Robert SwaggerOctober 17, 2010 at 9:52 AM

    I heard that there would be a huge increase in police work at homecoming. In general though, it seems like the police are crackin' down a little more every year. I remember freshman year 07-08 when students just walked to random parties, not a care in the world, and police just patrolled and weren't as strict. Parties have gotten smaller since freshman year. There aren't as many people outside. I think that police presence and there more aggressive stance on drinking is partially responsible.

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  2. KateOctober 17, 2010 at 10:15 AM

    I think that the article may deter some people from doing stupid things but otherwise I agree that in order to make a big enough difference students will need to hear personal stories. I do think it was probably necessary to increase police to ensure safety this weekend, it's just such a huge change from my other years here.

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  3. AnonymousOctober 17, 2010 at 8:58 PM

    After the springfest riots I don't blame them for trying new things to deter people. Maybe if people read about increased police they won't act as crazy. But I am just glad they are doing something to show that they care about fixing the problem. I know all my relatives in other states think that JMU students are crazy alcoholics so I am all for doing things to salvage our reputation.

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  4. TLCastleOctober 18, 2010 at 11:14 AM

    If it prevents drunken students from stumbling into Port Republic..it's a good thing.

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