On a typical Saturday night, college students abandon their textbooks to party with friends. However, the police are out patrolling to assure the community is safe. On homecoming night, the Lanthorn was allowed to ride along and live-tweet the experience from the @GVLNews Twitter account every stop of the way.

For the second annual tweet-along, the Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD) invited Lanthorn writer Ashlyn Korienek and photo editor Kevin Sielaff to spend Homecoming with Sgt. Stoll, the officer on duty. The patrol began with the first tweet at the GVSU football game around 9:30 p.m., followed by a briefing.

“Just closed up the game with both teams safely on their buses. Now transitioning to our briefing to begin the night!”

Despite the cold mist, the primary goal was guiding the football teams off the field and to their buses. For homecoming, Sgt. Stoll began promptly at 2 p.m. for his evening shift as supervisor. Quickly after the football game, Sgt. Stoll was called away for a student in need.

“Medical emergency in Kistler Living Center. Male subject found passed out in the hallway and transferred to the hospital.”

In this case, the Lanthorn and Sgt. Stoll “ran code,” flashing lights and the sirens blaring rushing to the scene. The briefing was cut short when a male was found unconscious with a high level of intoxication in the hallway at Kistler Living Center on north campus. Medical personnel transferred him to the hospital on a stretcher.

“Suspicious subject with possible trespass violation in Weed Living Center. Subject not located. Investigation remains open.”

When suspicious behavior is reported, the police must maintain strong communication. A trespass situation means the subject is no longer allowed on the premises, but this subject was unable to be located after searching the area for similar descriptions. The police will remain on the case until there is further information.

“Traffic stop made in Lot D. Verbal warning given for improper lane use.”

By periodically checking traffic, dangerous situations can be prevented for the driver and community. Sgt. Stoll said driving while tired can be dangerous. Although the subject in this case was not drunk, she was tired from work and was weaving between lanes.

“Intoxicated male found walking at 48th and Pierce. No violations made. Subject transported safely to off-campus housing.”

Protecting the community on the weekend means checking the safety of pedestrians walking home. The police search for strange behavior. After lowering the passenger-side window for a listen, this individual displayed slurred speech and was confused about his location.

“Male subject found intoxicated at Swanson Living Center with decreased levels of consciousness. Checked out by Life Ambulance.”

Another emergency situation occurred when Life EMS Ambulance, with the help of Resident Assistants, checked the well-being of the subject to ensure that he was alert. This is a high concern when alcohol is involved.

“Male subject left bus intoxicated without shoes walking down West Campus. Transported back to GVPD to be picked up by friends.”

Several officers searched Lot G for a confused subject after a bus driver reported suspicious behavior. The male was found intoxicated on Campus West Drive without shoes, a phone or a wallet. Finding someone the subject knows is key in these difficult situations.

“Done patrolling for the night with Sgt. Stoll. As the police would say, 10-42!”

The end of a shift means calling out on the radio police code 10-42. The night ended with the previous subject reunited with his missing shoes, which were found by an officer on duty.

The Lanthorn thanks GVPD for the excitement and allowing a ride along during one of the busiest nights of the year.