Bundled in warm coats and huddling together in chilly, autumn weather, about 30 students gathered Wednesday evening to hear speakers talk about students’ rights and responsibilities while partying.
The ASUO-hosted event included speakers from ASUO Legal Services, the Eugene Police Department and the Department of Public Safety, who told students about their legal obligations and what to expect for police patrols on Halloween and in the future.
ASUO Community Outreach Coordinator Jesse Harding said students should be aware of their surroundings and remove themselves from situations where they could be held accountable for illegal activity.
He also said he wanted students to be aware that EPD is cracking down on open containers — this Halloween and for the year.
George Schneider, an Oregonian who has been involved with law enforcement for 30 years, offered suggestions for students dealing with authorities. He said students do not have to admit to committing a crime, but they should comply with the process by giving accurate information about their identity.
“Do not lie or give false information,” he said. “Otherwise you’re meat.”
Complying with police officers also applies during riot situations, ASUO Legal Services Director IIona Koleszar said. She said if a riot is occurring, students wanting to return home have the legal obligation to comply with police authorities if asked to clear an area, whether that means finding an alternate route or going somewhere else.
Koleszar said the best advice she has for students this Halloween is to stay away from large parties that attract police attention.
EPD Sgt. Kris Martes said if students are unclear about what the officer wants from them, they should ask the officer to clarify whether they are being detained, investigated or arrested.
“Students should choose their battles wisely,” ASUO Legal Services staff attorney Laura Fine said. “There are different ways to change the way police conduct their business — other than arguing with them.”
Martes said students who do not think they have been treated properly also can ask for the officer’s badge number, and officers are required by law to share this information.
As for the Halloween response, DPS Lt. Herb Horner said all the department’s officers will be on duty and handing out fliers to students.
The fliers will include information about events going on in the community and at the University. Horner said DPS wants to encourage students to partake in fun activities that do not involve alcohol or drugs.
“Alcohol is a mood-altering drug and it changes people’s behavior, and that is why we are discouraging it,” he said. “We just want everyone to be safe and have a good time.”
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