By Justin Muszynski

The number of alcohol related offenses has gone down slightly this semester as a result of the efforts of the CCSU Police Department. They are a contributing force behind the University’s push to ensure safety on and off campus.

As of November 18, there have been 30 alcohol related arrests/citations this semester, compared to that point last fall in which there were 34 on or around campus. Sergeant Jerry Erwin of the CCSU police department says that this is no coincidence and it was a conscience effort put forth by the police to try and reduce the number of alcohol related incidents on campus.

“It’s something we’re aware of and some of it may just be regular policing, but either way society is saying that underage drinking is a big thing and they expect the police departments to really come down on it,” said Erwin.

He also says that every year an effort is put forth to try and pinpoint what types of crimes will be the most prevalent on campus and to try to figure out the best way to combat them. Alcohol is always a popular theme amongst college campuses therefore he says there were several initiatives that the police engaged in this semester targeting it directly.

One of which was with the New Britain Police Department to cut down on underage drinking at house parties around campus.

“We put some guys out in unmarked cars and worked with the New Britain Police to break up some off campus parties,” said Erwin. “At the most recent party that was broken up I believe there were forty something people cited for underage drinking.”

Another important factor that Erwin says helped was teaching students early that you may legally be an adult, but you’re still too young to possess alcohol. And that even if you are 21 years or older CCSU is still a dry campus.

“We were out there early at orientations setting the bar that if you’re going to be drinking under 21 you’re going to get in trouble for it,” said Erwin.

He also says that the police are very pleased that there were less incidents this semester considering they were not able to get out as much as they would have liked at freshman orientation because the hurricane in the beginning of the semester cut those orientations short.

Another factor in educating students about the risks of underage drinking in college is the Alcohol and Drug Education program at CCSU. They are the ones who administer the online education sessions that each student must take before attending any classes.

Jonathan Pohl, the Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator, says that while he is pleased there are less alcohol related crimes this semester, he gives all credit to the students for making the right choices.

“We only provide the students with the facts about alcohol and advice on how to socialize while in college without putting yourself in a position that may expose you to it,” said Pohl. “To hear that alcohol may be less of an issue than it was last fall is rewarding because we try to allow students to understand that if you stay away from those things you’ll most likely be more successful in your classes and be a better student.”

The police also say that many students think if they get caught drinking and are underage they will only receive a citation. While this is true to a certain degree, Erwin says that technically a citation is an arrest and will show up on your record.

Erwin says that the Police Department will continue their efforts in trying to cut down on alcohol related crimes and that the university has and will continue to set their expectations in the sense that underage drinking won’t be tolerated.