In response to the Source Investigation Project (SIP) editorial ("Underage drinking crackdown wastes time, leaves questions," April 14), the Off-Campus Student Union (OCSU) would like to point out the inaccuracies of the editorial, and ask that students keep an open mind about this effort by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and the State College Police Department. First, State College police do not profit from underage citations. The majority of the underage citations given by the borough are first-time offenses. The borough waives the $300 fine if these offenders participate in the Young Offenders Program. The borough actually pays a police officer to speak at this program -- money that is not reimbursed. In fact, the borough actually loses money when issuing a first-time underage citation. About 2.5 percent of the police budget comes from citation fines.

Second, the SIP is not an attempt to stop underage drinking; rather, it's meant to foster a safer social scene. Violent crimes, vandalism and excessive, unsafe drinking are all areas of focus for the project. It is not unfair at all to state that excessive drinking can be connected to violent crime and vandalism. The Downtown Improvement District (DID) has employees that focus on graffiti removal every time they work. Other examples of the negative effects and frustrations of vandalism include the destruction of the Christmas tree in Calder Way, and the fact that businesses are afraid to use outside decorations because they will be destroyed.

We all need to begin to take responsibilities for our actions and make this community a safer, better place for all of us.