As students prepare for their first weekend after move-in, more than 250 law enforcement agencies in Indiana continue their efforts to enforce alcohol regulations through their three-week crackdown on impaired motorists.
The operation began last week and will continue through Sept. 12, including Labor Day.
Cpl. Brian Lang of the Indiana State Excise Police said law enforcers target areas around college at the beginning of the Fall Semester due to the sudden increase of population once students come back to campus.
"What our issue is, we would like to make our presence known and make sure people understand law rules," he said. "We want to help cut down on underage drinking."
The Ball State University Police Department will have officers on extra patrols, who will cover their primary jurisdiction areas: campus and the adjacent neighborhoods.
"What the university and the Indiana police do is they get together and focus on alcohol consumption," Lang said. "We want to enforce against crimes led by alcohol."
University police, excise police and the Muncie Police Department made 36 arrests and wrote 136 tickets last weekend.
With increased patrols, students are prepared to celebrate their weekend in a safe way.
Senior public relations major Cesalie Black said she heard about the operation and decided to plan a small reunion in her apartment.
"My birthday is coming up, so I want to celebrate with a few people instead of going out and risk [drunken] driving," she said. "If I do go out, I will have a designated driver and have a calm night."
Jessika Knight, a senior advertising major, said though she is not going out this weekend, she hopes that students are aware of the police patrols.
"Everything around campus is in walking distance, so students should know not to drink and drive," Knight said.
Black said students should be aware of their surroundings when they go out and drink.
"Don't put yourself in compromising situations," she said. "The police will be everywhere, so just know who you're with and know your limit. You're in college, you're going to drink, but you should know what and how much you can drink."
Lang said students should be careful about the amount of alcohol they consume and should be aware of the people around them.
"Don't bother the neighbors," he said. "I'm sure any law enforcers have no trouble with parties and social gatherings, but the more people you have and the more noise you make will attract attention."
Keep in mind:
• Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before consuming alcohol.
• Don't get behind the wheel of your vehicle if you've been out drinking.
• Call a taxi or get a sober friend or family member to come and get you if no one in the group is sober.
• Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think he or she is about to drive while impaired.
• If you are hosting a party, always offer alcohol-free beverages during the event, and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
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