St. Patrick’s Day ends with 24 citations, several injuries

St. Patrick’s Day ends with 24 citations, several injuries

Stephanie Vermillion – News Editor

March 22, 2010

The 2010 St. Patrick’s Day festivities had campus filled with a sea of green-clad students celebrating the Irish holiday, but with over 20 police citations and multiple hospital visits, not all students had the luck of the Irish on their side.

According to UD Police Department’s Major Larry Dickey, 15 students received alcohol citations as well as nine non-UD students. The majority of these citations were for underage consumption and one of the citations was for distribution of alcohol to underage students.

The day also had several students transported to the hospital, one for falling off a roof and another for falling down stairs outside, he said. The UD student handbook says that students being on the roof is prohibited and can result in citations in addition to severe injuries.

The most active streets of the day were Lowes, Kiefaber and Stonemill, which is where much of the enforcement focus took place.

All of the UDPD staff was on duty for 12-hour shifts, and they also received help managing the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations from Ohio Liquor Control, who assisted enforcing violations dealing with alcohol and checking IDs to make sure people were of age.

Administration was a bit unhappy with some events, mostly related to alcohol. But for the most part they were pleased with how the day turned out.

“In addition to the students who engaged in at-risk drinking, I found it disheartening that some students chose not to attend class and encouraged others to do the same,” said Sister Annette Schmeling, Vice President and Dean of Students. “Another disappointment was some students attended class inebriated, which had an adverse impact on other students that came to learn. Other than these few exceptions, we were pleased that students enjoyed the day and activities with no disruption to the academic learning.”

The day also consisted of community events including Irish Fest at the RecPlex which offered multicultural events including Irish music, dancing, food and activities for students to enjoy St. Patrick’s day, Schmeling said.

As warm spring weather hits campus, UDPD hopes not to end the partying but to work with the students to create a safe environment for fun.

“One of our constant concerns is that people are partying responsibly and safely,” Dickey said. “When there is increased alcohol consumption, we tend to get increased reports of assaults because people have disagreements. Sometimes we have increased reporting of sexual assaults or violations, so we warn everyone to be responsible in partying. Use the buddy system, go with friends and leave the party with them.”