Police target student partying
The beginning of a tough police taskforce looking to reduce the crime associated with the flock of students partying in London, spells the end for loud parties, by-law infractions and underage drinking near Fanshawe and Western.
Project Speakeasy, which is in it's fourth installment, aims to crackdown on students who are associated with disturbing residential areas with their back-to-school celebrations, which Police Chief Murray Faulkner said is usually associated with over-consumption of alcohol.
A special team consisting of 12 officers, along with additional resources when needed, are going to patrol and monitor known areas that students reside in, and the downtown core until September 30.
"Unfortunately when just one student displays irresponsible behaviour it is to the detriment of the entire student body," said Chief Faulkner at a press conference announcing the beginning of Project Speakeasy.
Faulkner added that a high enforcement and zero tolerance approach would be taken during back-to-school festivities, with a specific concentration on noise by-law violations.
To combat loud parties in residential neighbourhoods, Faulkner said noise complaints will “command a priority response” and less warnings and more by-law infractions will be issued. A noise violation would cost the infringer $95.
Over the past couple of weeks as students have moved into the city, Police have personally visited 200 residences, which are in high-complaint areas, warning occupants of the past behaviour and how it will not be tolerated. Letters have also been sent out to homes surrounding both Fanshawe and Western to warn would-be partiers and residential occupants who also have concerns.
“Misconduct will not be tolerated,” said Chief Faulkner. “We do this today to be proactive, not reactive.”
Joy Warkentin, Senior VP of Academics represented Fanshawe at the news conference and said that the school hires off-duty police officers to patrol the community on their behalf.
“We believe in being a good neighbour.” Warkentin said. “We work hard to communicate noise by-law information to our students.”
On the first night alone, Project Speakeasy officers laid 43 charges. Since April 2005, when the project began, a total of 1037 by-law and criminal charges have been laid, while 96 criminal charges have been given.
Councillor Bernie MacDonald was also at the news conference voicing his concerns about the police satellite substation he proposed for the Fanshawe area, which was rejected last month. In the past MacDonald, along with various community groups, have spearheaded campaigns to reign in rowdy students by enforcing by-laws.
“Who is going to be there to witness some of the vandalism?” MacDonald asked Faulkner. “I have residents out there questioning me.”
In response, Faulkner assured MacDonald there is enough enforcement to handle the rise in infractions and that the mobile command vehicle will be stationed in problem areas.
“You are getting a substation, it's just on wheels,” Faulkner told MacDonald.
On top of patrolling student ghettos, Police will also be keeping their eye on licensed establishments and those drinking underage.
Project Speakeasy, which is in it's fourth installment, aims to crackdown on students who are associated with disturbing residential areas with their back-to-school celebrations, which Police Chief Murray Faulkner said is usually associated with over-consumption of alcohol.
A special team consisting of 12 officers, along with additional resources when needed, are going to patrol and monitor known areas that students reside in, and the downtown core until September 30.
"Unfortunately when just one student displays irresponsible behaviour it is to the detriment of the entire student body," said Chief Faulkner at a press conference announcing the beginning of Project Speakeasy.
Faulkner added that a high enforcement and zero tolerance approach would be taken during back-to-school festivities, with a specific concentration on noise by-law violations.
To combat loud parties in residential neighbourhoods, Faulkner said noise complaints will “command a priority response” and less warnings and more by-law infractions will be issued. A noise violation would cost the infringer $95.
Over the past couple of weeks as students have moved into the city, Police have personally visited 200 residences, which are in high-complaint areas, warning occupants of the past behaviour and how it will not be tolerated. Letters have also been sent out to homes surrounding both Fanshawe and Western to warn would-be partiers and residential occupants who also have concerns.
“Misconduct will not be tolerated,” said Chief Faulkner. “We do this today to be proactive, not reactive.”
Joy Warkentin, Senior VP of Academics represented Fanshawe at the news conference and said that the school hires off-duty police officers to patrol the community on their behalf.
“We believe in being a good neighbour.” Warkentin said. “We work hard to communicate noise by-law information to our students.”
On the first night alone, Project Speakeasy officers laid 43 charges. Since April 2005, when the project began, a total of 1037 by-law and criminal charges have been laid, while 96 criminal charges have been given.
Councillor Bernie MacDonald was also at the news conference voicing his concerns about the police satellite substation he proposed for the Fanshawe area, which was rejected last month. In the past MacDonald, along with various community groups, have spearheaded campaigns to reign in rowdy students by enforcing by-laws.
“Who is going to be there to witness some of the vandalism?” MacDonald asked Faulkner. “I have residents out there questioning me.”
In response, Faulkner assured MacDonald there is enough enforcement to handle the rise in infractions and that the mobile command vehicle will be stationed in problem areas.
“You are getting a substation, it's just on wheels,” Faulkner told MacDonald.
On top of patrolling student ghettos, Police will also be keeping their eye on licensed establishments and those drinking underage.
