NABCA 15th AnnualSymposium on Alcohol

Thomas R. KingChief of Police

State College Police DepartmentState College, PA

Community Demographics

• Rural community in Central PA

• Pop: 80,000 -- 42,000 are PSU students

• Two-thirds of population is 15 to 24 YOA

• Low violent crime rate

• Two-thirds of crime is Alcohol-related

• Major issues with dangerous drinking

• Three (3) Riots between 1998 and 2001

Source InvestigationProject (SIP)

• Pilot project funded by the PLCB

• Focus on Licensed and Unlicensed establishments who provide alcohol to Minors or over serve

• Licensees – VIP’s, underage service, illegal drink specials

• Unlicensed – mainly large party locations

Preparation for IncreasedSource Investigations

• Assess the Need for new or enhanced enforcement

• Have resources to accomplish it

• Meet with Stakeholders

• Establish Plan

• Publicize Plan

Positive Impact of Increased Alcohol Enforcement

• Consistent with NIAAA Tier 2 Strategies• Holds violators accountable• Over time will likely reduce negative results of

dangerous or illegal drinking• Started the development of alcohol education and

counseling programs• Most parents responded favorable to letters sent

regarding enforcement action against son/daughter

Positive Impact of Increased Alcohol Enforcement

• Resulted in more discussion on the drinking issue with the Community, Students, Parents, and Media

• Resulted in a greater relationship (and mostly positive) with the Liquor License establishments

• Less crashes with injuries and death• Fewer violent crimes• Fewer alcohol-related tragedies

Negative Impact ofIncreased Alcohol Enforcement

• Is very time consuming and labor intensive• Early on developed a reputation by students as being

a “Police State” and being overzealous• Can lead to a revolt if not done appropriate• Licensed establishments can be hesitant to call for

police assistance• Had occasional court challenges

SCPD Alcohol Enforcement Statistics

• 2007 = 1,681

• 2003 = 1,278

• 2000 = 1,199

Other AlcoholEnforcement Programs

- DUI Enforcement a High Priority

- Cops in Shops / False ID Enforcement

- Underage Drinking Enforcement

- Licensee Compliance Checks

- Off Campus Code of Conduct

New Developing IssuesRelated to Alcohol Service

• Medical Alcohol Amnesty in College Communities

• Social Host Ordinance

• Responsible Marketing Initiative

QUESTIONS?

Thank you very much for

The invitation to speak

at the NABCA Legal Symposium