The Eugene Police Department is working with the University to help ensure the safety of students and the surrounding neighborhoods for Halloween. After large riots on Oct. 31 in 1996, 1997 and 1998, law enforcement agencies in Lane County have become especially wary of the holiday. EPD Special Operations Captain Steve Swenson said the police are trying to stop bad situations early.
“We are trying to ward off problems before they develop,” Swenson said. Officers will be doing increased patrols this Halloween, along with increased special operations that will scout neighborhoods frequently. Swenson also said Springfield police are only a call away if they are needed. He added he believes the University shares the responsibility of students’ conduct.
“It’s like having kids: You have to be there for better or worse,” he said.
Director of Resident Life Sandra Schoonover said the administration is making safety preparations, but no more than in years past. Safety brochures and posters will be distributed around University housing describing how to stay safe this Halloween. “Don’t prop your doors open” and “report strangers” are just a few words of advice included in the posters. According to Schoonover, both student and professional staff will be on call all night, and resident assistants will talk to students about how to be safe.
Director of Student Judicial Affairs Chris Loschiavo said large advertisements listing instructions for safe parties will run in the Emerald again before Halloween. He said there is more effort this year toward getting out safety information. Loschiavo also said the University and EPD are finding low-budget, alcohol-free events to post around the University in hopes that students will find alternative ways to have fun on Halloween.
“We are working together to avoid problems,” said Loschiavo, adding EPD is talking with Greek Life and other student leaders to ensure that the message of safety is communicated to everyone. Rowdy parties and alcohol have been cited as an influence in last month’s riots, and police hope to prevent future riots by passing on security cautions early.
Journalism major Nicholas Brown believes the police are the problem.
“Riots are non-threatening until cops show up,” he said, deeming the increased patrols ineffective.
However, freshman Nebye Kahssai believes the police and DPS are less inclined to apprehend people not causing trouble. Kahssai said he is aware of the communication between DPS and EPD when illegal activity is present in the dorms, and this contact will remain regular on Halloween, according to Loschiavo.
“The police have been present at all the (safety) meetings,” Loschiavo said.
Officers signed up for the Halloween weekend patrols will go to houses where kegs are registered and help residents make sure all laws are followed.
Brown said he thinks the police will be stricter on Halloween in writing citations. He said handing out MIPs when kids are having a good time only adds to the “fire,” and he believes if there are riots again, the police should deal with the situation more peacefully.
Jenny Sherman is a freelance writer
for the Emerald.