Members of the Madison Police Department, city officials and various university departments met Tuesday to discuss the current handling of alcohol-related problems on and around campus. They also discussed changes in policy to be implemented before this Halloween.
Madison Police Department lieutenant Mary Schauf said the police department is taking a new analytical approach to dealing with alcohol-related problems by collecting more in-depth data in a more efficient way. This will enable the police department to change their procedures accordingly.
\We need to make this a normal way of doing business,"" Schauf said.
""This is the first year we've had our so-called policing committees,"" Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said. ""They are by far writing more citations and making more contact with house parties than I can remember in recent years.""
In addition to the police department's changing approach, Student Supervisor Coordinator for Housing Services Larry Davis pointed out the changes that have taken place in residence halls this year, such as the prohibition of alcohol in a room inhabited by two underage students and the displaying of empty alcohol bottles in rooms inhabited by underage students.
John Lucas, University Relations specialist, added Chancellor Wiley preemptively sent letters out to freshman parents before the 2004 semester about how to discuss alcohol with incoming students.
""We have not had any students from the residence halls go to detox yet. Usually at this time we've had six or seven,"" Davis said.
When asked about the freshman student who fell off a balcony during Welcome Week, Dean of Students Luoluo Hong said he was still in critical condition.
Aside from the residence halls, Verveer noted the MPD has been more strict in enforcing alcohol regulations in recent weeks, citing a house on Bassett Street received 96 citations adding up to tens of thousands of dollars.
He added penalties for violating alcohol policies will increase before Halloween.
In addition, the University Inn, 441 N. Frances St., will be closed for the weekend and occupied by police watching the activity on State Street.
The committee of university, city and police officials will continue to meet in the months leading up to Halloween.
