LETTER: Cops protect against booze-related offenses

Mike Steele

 

To the editor:

I’m confused.  Why did the front page of the Oct. 29, 2013 issue of The USU Statesman highlight “cop security” at the Howl and subsequently criticize the same police presence in the opinion section? Did I read two separate newspapers on the same day?

The “cop security” article stated, “Student volunteers were encouraged to deal with any problems, including MIPs. However, if there was an issue the students could not handle, police stepped in.” Furthermore, the article stated a lead volunteer’s challenge, “…the biggest difficulty he faced was dealing with the number of students.”  

In contrast, the editor’s opinion stated, “Not everyone drinks to the point of public indecency, civil unrest or intoxication.” Although this is true, this opinion failed to mention what alcohol can lead to when people are irresponsible. Has anyone who contributed to this opinion ever seen the aftermath of alcohol-fueled incidents committed by those few irresponsible college-aged drinkers? I have. Incidents I have personally dealt with include sexual assault, domestic violence, suicidal ideations and DUIs. It isn’t pretty. Are we naive enough to think some of these things did not happen after the Howl?

Also, it’s important to note a large police presence is required to do more than augment volunteers and look out for MIPs. You can’t expect volunteers to fully contain intoxicated individuals or a large crowd. Police are counted as first responders if there is an emergency. Volunteers cannot handle a crowd of 6,000 in the case of accidents or incidents. Therefore, volunteers must trust there is sufficient police presence to handle an emergency.

I believe those of age have the right to drink if they so choose. However, the few irresponsible individuals who break the law through disorderly conduct or MIPs ruin it for the responsible drinkers. This makes it necessary for increased police presence at events such as the Howl. Whether at the Howl, a sporting event, or during day-to-day activities, I appreciate the presence of law enforcement officers. They protect us all, including offenders, from the horrors of alcohol-fueled offenses.

– Mike Steele