Police cite partygoers

By Megan O'Connor

Police have issued a range citations for alcohol and noise violations over the last two weeks in an effort to curb excessive student partying.

From Sept. 16 to 21, 70 calls were made to the Santa Clara Police Department about student behavior, according to Sgt. Patti Lynch of the SCPD.

According to Lynch, the weekend before classes began, police issued eight first response citations, two charges of furnishing alcohol to a minor, two minor in possession charges, and one other citation involving alcohol.

During the weekend of Sept. 22 to 24 four students were cited for minor in possession, two on the 700 block of Bellomy Street and one on the 700 block of Market Street.

Underage students caught drinking by police can receive fine of $150. These citations, known as "MIP" for "minor in possession," are not criminal citations.

"The preference is to have underage drinkers to stop drinking," said Lynch.

On campus, there have been seven alcohol-related medical incidents since Sept. 15, four of which required transporting the students to local hospitals.

Students admit that there is a tendency to party more during the last few days of summer. "The first weekend back and the first few days of school tend to be popular nights to go out,' junior Rachel Franco said.

"It is the beginning of the season and people are acclimating to who they are and one way to do that is to have a big party," said Lynch.

If a noise complaint is called into the police, officers who shut down the party can also issue a first response citation, also known as a "48."

First response citations are warnings given to residents hosting a party after the police receive a noise complaint, according to Lynch.

If police have to return to the site again within 48 hours, a $500 fine will be given to residents. Two first responses in the same month warrants a $150 penalty Lynch said.

One house on the 500 block of Washington Street was given a first response citation Saturday, Sept. 16, around 11 p.m.

Approximately 300 people attended the party, which overlapped into an adjacent backyard. Residents Chaz Flexman and Nick Gauen estimated 75 percent of them were freshmen.

"I was looking around and I knew no one. I felt awkward at my own party," said Flexman.

If police respond to a noise complaint they have the right to enter the party and walk throughout the premises, according to Lynch.

At that point, "It is easy to observe someone underage drinking," said Lynch.

Contact Megan O'Connor at (408) 554-4546 or moconnor@scu.edu.