A Youth Alcohol Enforcement grant will allow the Grand Valley State University Department of Public Safety to increase patrols during high-activity times.

The grant is usually activated around dates of special events, such as sports games, dances and other school-wide functions, when police anticipate there will be a high likelihood of drinking. Weekends with warm weather also usually point to an increased number of parties and drinking and therefore, an increased number of patrols.

The grant program, from the Office of Highway Safety Planning, began in 2002 in response to a large and destructive off-campus party that took place in 2001 and resulted in several fights as well as damage to nearby cars and buildings.

As well as monitoring potential on-campus conflicts, the stepped-up patrols are also intended to discourage students from driving while intoxicated.

Capt. Brandon DeHaan of DPS said past research shows that underage alcohol consumption can lead to larceny, violence and destructive behavior.

“We want our students to know that behavior is unacceptable,” he said. “If you take underage drinkers out of the equation, you will often reduce the other criminal activity.”

Bike Safety Reminders

The increase in warm weather days will likely also lead to more students bringing their bikes out of storage for the last few weeks of the school year. DPS would like to remind bikers that in crossing a crosswalk, they must come to a complete stop and look both ways before proceeding are also advised to wear bright, reflective clothing when it is dark out or visibility is low due to inclement weather.

Students are also encouraged to register their bike with DPS so that in the event the bike is missing or stolen, DPS will already have detailed information on file. Bike registrations can be submitted online at www.gvsu.edu/gvpd/bike.htm.

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