Crime, student drinking related

By KELLY BRADISH
Collegian Staff Writer

In a college town, young people prone to bar-hopping and attending parties are surrounded by endless opportunities to consume alcohol.

And based on the demographics of State College, Chester Britt, assistant professor of crime, law and justice, said it is not surprising area crime includes many small theft, public order, property and alcohol incidents.

Britt said the prevalence of certain types of crime in a community is related to the residents' ages. People between 15 and 20 years old commit the bulk of property-related crimes, such as theft and damage, while more violent crimes tend to be committed by people in their mid-20s, he said.

"If the university wasn't here, this place would look a whole lot different than it does," Britt said. "In large part, (crime is) connected to the age structure of State College."

State College Police Department Lt. Diane Conrad said statistically the community is relatively safe, with few instances of "brutal" crime. She added students should feel secure in State College.

Katy Cymbor (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) said she feels safe and is not concerned about local crime levels.

"I guess I would expect worse things to happen here," she said.

Students can help control potentially unsafe situations by thinking about the repercussions of their actions, especially when alcohol is involved, Conrad said.

"Alcohol can get you in trouble," she said. "If you're careful, you can reduce your chances."

Intoxicated individuals may not consider the consequences of their decisions, which could result in inappropriate behavior, Britt said. Their chances of being a victim of predatory crime can also increase because they may not be able to defend themselves, he added.

"I don't know that it's so much that alcohol causes crimes, but it may facilitate crimes because it causes people to act in different ways," Britt said.

According to statistics from the police department, there were more alcohol-related incidents between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, 1998, than during the same time in 1997.

However, Conrad said the proportion of incidents involving alcohol, compared to the overall crime rate, may have remained at about the same level. Conrad said at least 10 percent of all incidents are typically alcohol related, adding this estimate is conservative because police may not know if alcohol is involved in some cases.

Although the public's involvement in reporting alcohol offenses has not increased, Conrad said police presence has risen. She added the July 1998 riot and increases in alcohol-related deaths and injuries led to more police presence in fall of 1998 than in fall of 1997. Pennsylvania State Police and officers from other municipalities supplement local enforcement during football weekends and other events, Conrad added.

Britt said the perception of increased enforcement could cause some students to be more conscientious of their actions.

"I hear less stories," said Eric Slingerland (junior-marketing). "The cops are out in bunches now, so usually everyone's on their best behavior."

Britt added it is hard to interpret statistics for a one-year time frame. Many factors could be involved, such as changes in behavior or enforcement practices, he said.

Conrad said local police became more proactive about alcohol at least eight years ago.

"I think there's more awareness on the part of everybody," Conrad said. "They're more interested in doing something about (alcohol-related crime). It (had) gotten a lot of attention (last) year."

GRAPHIC: Kara Heermans
SOURCE: State College Police Department