MIPs decrease, but DUIs increase since 2005
Alcohol-related incidents on the Hill have decreased since this time last year, according to statistics from the Boulder Police Department.
Overall, summons for minor in possessions (MIP) have declined, along with other violations associated with drinking, such as noise, nuisance and party issues, said Julie Brooks, Boulder police public information officer.
“The city and the university have been doing a lot of things for the student return (to school),” police Commander Kurt Weiler said. “Our major component is the information relayed to students regarding the high enforcement on the Hill.”
In 2005, there were 313 MIP tickets given out in the first three weekends of school. Only 263 MIP tickets were issued during the same weekends this year.
“The main thing we saw was a lot of people out on the Hill, but the number of large parties went down, so there were not as many summons given out,” Weiler said.
Keg repossessions have also dropped from 72 confiscated in 2005 to 41 in the first month of school this year.
“There was a drop in the number of kegs being used because there weren’t as many parties,” Weiler said. “This number is one of the most important statistics.”
Some reasons for this decline include alcohol education and responsibility. Organizations like Guidelines and Objectives on Responsible Drinking (G.O.R.D.) and Student Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) help educate students about alcohol abuse problems and how to party safely.
“There are many groups that students can join to help with this issue,” said Bob Maust, CU student affairs and alcohol programs coordinator. “We really need students to be responsible for their actions, and we are trying to be helpful. But if you can’t follow the rules, you will suffer the consequences and much quicker than ever before.”
Maust also described a door-to-door “Walk About” that took place at the start of the school year.
“City police, city leaders and students officials had welcome-back packages with cookies and information on how to party smart,” Maust said.
Students agree that education is a factor, but they also have other theories on why there have been fewer incidents.
“I don’t think it is due to less partiers. I personally believe that people are just getting smarter about the way they party,” said Sarah Winters, a junior broadcast production major. “I think that we are all young adults and should be smart enough to make our own decisions. I think some cops can be a little strict, and then kids just retaliate.”
“I think it has a lot to do with people getting scared because of how many people got busted last year. I also think it has a lot to do with Facebook,” said Emily Woolf, a senior english major. “Last year, people didn’t realize that cops checked Facebook for parties, and this year people now know, so they aren’t posting their parties on Facebook.”
Meanwhile, DUIs in the rest of the Boulder city limits have increased since averaging two per day in August 2005. The statistics for 2006 show an average of three DUIs per day.
“DUI enforcement is important for public safety, and we put resources out to help with that,” Weiler said. “We did have extra officers out, especially during Labor Day, so they did make more arrests.”
Whether citizens drink on the Hill or drink and drive, police ask them to be responsible to avoid danger – not only to the individual but to others surrounding them.
“Drinkers should call friends or roommates if they think they need help with getting home,” Weiler said. “If they are in danger physically and feel they need medical help, they should call 911 immediately. Some situations may issue a summons, but some may not. Our No. 1 priority is the safety of our residents.”
