Local law enforcement plan increased patrols for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, encourage students to stay safe
Police are gearing up for the sea of green that will flood the streets of Mount Pleasant this weekend for St. Patrick's Day.
To accommodate an increase in foot traffic, the Central Michigan University Police Department and the Mount Pleasant Police Department are bringing additional staffing to the city and on campus.
“Our officers will be focusing on areas that have historically caused problems and will adapt to places that present problems,” Mount Pleasant Public Information Officer Jeff Thompson said.
Though he doesn’t want to make any assumptions about the biggest weekend for police calls, Thompson said it is likely fewer students will be celebrating the holiday in comparison to previous years.
“The public accepts parties on the busy weekends, but they are less accommodating of ‘normal day’ parties,” Thompson said.
Weather may also play a factor, he said, as temperatures are expected to remain cool throughout the weekend. Last year, the holiday saw unseasonably warm weather.
In 2012, MPPD issued citations or arrests for 55 minors in possession, one aggravated assault, 14 attending/hosting a nuisance party, one disorderly conduct, one disturbing the peace, four operating while intoxicated, two possession of marijuana, two resisting and obstructing an officer, three traffic violations and two warrants for arrest.
MPPD also received six accidents/hit and runs, three alarms, 14 assaults/fights, 12 disorderly conducts, two larcenies, 44 loud parties, two medical runs, eight malicious destruction of personal property, one motorist assist, one parking and 11 traffic stops.
In 2012, CMUPD issued citations for 31 MIPs, one retail fraud, one illegal entry, two disorderly conducts, two possessions of marijuana, two operating while intoxicated.
They also issued five arrests for varying reasons.
Thompson also said those who celebrate should remember that normal laws and regulations will still be in effect this weekend. That is, MPPD will still be looking for open intoxicants, minors in possession, nuisance parties and disorderly conduct.
“We’re not out there to prevent someone from enjoying the holiday in a safe manner,” Thompson said. “We will be out there enforcing violations.”
Like Thompson, CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley said keeping students safe is his department's biggest concern.
Yeagley said he expects alcohol-related offenses to increase from a regular weekend as students celebrate.
“The major goal for all of us is to keep everyone safe,” he said.
Part of staying safe means refraining from poor decision making, which can result in embarrassment and acting out in a way one typically would not under circumstances where alcohol is not involved. But alcohol can also yield more serious occurrences, such as alcohol poisoning.
Yeagley said these two things go hand in hand.
“When decision-making is impaired, the more we consume,” Yeagley said.
When making decisions, minors should keep in mind that in May, Gov. Rick Snyder signed medical amnesty into law, meaning minors who are seeking medical help for an alcohol-related issue can seek assistance without the fear of receiving a misdemeanor.
"Ensuring the safety of our youth is a priority," Snyder said in May. "Removing the fear of penalty when seeking emergency assistance can help save lives"
