Santa Clara Police report significant decline in arrests

By Seth Yorkey

Figures comparing September, 2001 and September, 2002, released recently by the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) show a sharp decline in arrests.

The report, which reflects activity in the zone surrounding the university, patrolled by a detail commonly referred to as Team 200, reveals a 61 percent drop in arrests.

This year's drop in arrests "hopefully reflects a better knowledge [by students] of police procedures and of the laws in general," said Police Chief Steve Lodge.

Alcohol use, the most attributable catalyst for arrests, accounted for nearly hald of the reported decline.

Coinciding with the reported decline are new measures instituted by the university aimed at educating freshmen about school policies regarding alcohol as well as SCPD's enforcement of local and state laws.

Among the topics discussed are the zero tolerance and open container policies. The freshmen meetings inform students that it's illegal for minors to possess or be under the influence of alcohol and strictly illegal for people of any age to be in public with an open container of alcohol.

Arrests for drinking in public declined by 75 percent while arrests for minors in possession of alcohol decreased by 62 percent.

Unlike in previous years, attendance at the freshmen meetings is now mandatory, with nonattendance resulting in censure by the university and possible fines.

This year's freshmen were also required to complete an on-line alcohol education course prior to Oct. 31. Previously, the course had been a sanction for students who violated university alcohol policies.

In a tactical move to better reach students, the Office of Student Life changed its approach to presenting the information included at the freshmen meetings by having students lead the sessions. In past years the presentations were made by Campus Security and SCPD.

The move is considered prudent because "students are in the best position to let other students know about the situation," said Matthew Duncan, the assistant dean of students.

That sentiment was echoed by Lodge. "Ideally, older students would let younger students know about the laws and their enforcement," he said.

New this year is the "Think About It" campaign, a sign campaign depicting police, students, faculty and neighbors as members of a community. The campaign hopes to raise awareness for many issues including conduct regarding alcohol use among students.

The campaign targets on-campus students, and there have been signs posted in residence halls, university offices and run in The Santa Clara.

The figures from September have traditionally been high, representing a spike in police activity that responds to the influx of new students who are either unaware of or uninformed about university policies and local laws. The spike traditionally declines as the year progresses.

Senior Peter English attributes the low numbers to a more thoughtful student community. "I think the students are more respectful towards the police this year," said English. "We understand their role and aknowledge their presence."