P-Safe addresses concerns about partying

It's no secret that there are two sides to Quadstock. Sure, there's the harmless part, the part that allows students to eat great food, listen to great music and to simply enjoy a pleasant Saturday of school-sponsored fun with their pals.

In fact, Mark Jamieson, one of the Seattle Police Department's media officers, remembers Quadstock in this very light.

"Back when I went to SU … Quadstock was like an on-campus event," said Jamieson.

And he's right. Quadstock is an on-campus event. But that's not to say that the celebration stays completely within the campus' confines. Department of Public Safety Director Mike Sletten is well aware of this fact.

"DPS has historically received reports of public intoxication, malicious mischief, noise disturbances and sometimes alcohol poisoning," said Sletten. "Some of these have required assistance from SPD medics and local hospital emergency room support."

Many students drink alcohol during Quadstock, and according to Sletten's account, it seems some students drink a reflecting pool's worth. But contrary to popular belief, there isn't a huge conspiracy behind the preventative measures that either Public Safety or the Seattle Police Department takes in order to keep students safe. It's true that off-campus parties are typically thrown, but if a particular group of students decides to host one of these celebrations, they shouldn't necessarily expect university officials to snatch them up in the night.

"I'm not going to seek out [student] houses," said Dean of Students Darrell Goodwin. "I'm not going to go knocking on doors. Our message is campus-wide as opposed to being directed at specific targets."

Goodwin stated the university's position is first and foremost to encourage students to engage in safe practices that do not harm themselves, each other or the community. He simply wants students to enjoy the festivities.

"The reason Quadstock is supported," Goodwin said, "is that we want students to have fun."

Off-campus drinkers should really be more worried about the complaints of neighborhood residents. Or, put in another light, what students should be mindful of is their own behavior.

"Local neighbors, community members, police, and some businesses contact DPS and report any student behaviors occurring in the neighborhoods around campus," Sletten said, "and the DPS staff documents the reports and forwards them to the conduct system."

Mark Jamieson also stated that when the SPD finds itself sending officers to investigate off-campus student parties, it's most often the result of a noise complaint or just an account of generally disruptive behavior. According to Jamieson, Quadstock isn't really anything special, and the SPD essentially doesn't see it as an opportunity to prepare for anything out of the ordinary.

"The Seattle Police Department really has nothing to do with Quadstock or how Quadstock is operated," he said. "There isn't a policy on this particular day. We just respond to 911 calls."

Mike Sletten, on the other hand, says Public Safety has indeed taken preventative measures.

"Safety and hazardous behavior prevention efforts are something DPS, HRL, Student Development, our neighbors and law enforcement do collectively during Quadstock weekend," he said. "There are messages sent to the students to caution about risky choices regarding under age alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and alcohol poisoning. DPS also briefs with the local neighbors and officers working in the community during the Quadstock weekend."

There have also been rumors that Public Safety often searches Facebook in an attempt to catch wind of illicit off-campus behavior, but Sletten said that that's not the case. Any time they find out about a party via a Facebook event page, it is because a member of the community has discovered it independently and has forwarded it to Public Safety.

In short, it's up to the students to act responsibly. It's true, if you're causing trouble, you'll get written up. On the day of the event, there will be 20 to 30 officers patrolling campus, and many of them will be dressed in plain clothes. Others will be in uniform. Any students who are caught acting inappropriately could face anything from probation to suspension. So, have a good time, but mind your manners, and don't piss off the neighbors.

Cameron may be reached at cdrews@su-spectator.com