Spring Break
Narragansett Police arrest 10 students during weekend
Christopher Barrett
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: News
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09/12/07 - It was a busy weekend for the Narragansett Police as officers charged at least eight University of Rhode Island students with underage possession of alcohol and two with disorderly conduct.
The arrests, most of which occurred in Eastward Look, come on the heels of a sweep last weekend that netted 14 URI students for a host of alcohol-related offenses.
Narragansett Police Chief Joseph Little said yesterday the department is trying a new tactic this year by asking officers to work overtime patrolling neighborhoods known for loud parties or drunkenness.
"We're focusing on the tangible violations, what officers see when they go into those neighborhoods," Little said.
Little, who assumed his job during the summer, said the number of extra officers can range from two to four. The exact number depends on availability and the final decision rests with the officer in charge during the shift.
Little said the department is also using its electronic records database to identify weekends that are traditionally more rowdy than others and dispatch extra officers accordingly.
Narragansett Police Community Officer Robert Storme said yesterday the department was doing little different than in previous years, but had more manpower to step up patrols, particularly on bikes. Storme said most students charged with underage possession of alcohol were spotted by officers patrolling on bikes.
The students face fines ranging from $150 to $750, possible community service and could be sanctioned by the university under rules passed in October 2005 that expanded the university judicial system's reach beyond the Kingston campus.
Dean of Students Fran Cohen said students arrested by Narragansett Police could face punishment from the university, but each student would be handled on a case-by-case basis.
"Certainly with the Narragansett Police taking these actions there is a greater likelihood more students will face disciplinary action," Cohen said yesterday.
The arrests, most of which occurred in Eastward Look, come on the heels of a sweep last weekend that netted 14 URI students for a host of alcohol-related offenses.
Narragansett Police Chief Joseph Little said yesterday the department is trying a new tactic this year by asking officers to work overtime patrolling neighborhoods known for loud parties or drunkenness.
"We're focusing on the tangible violations, what officers see when they go into those neighborhoods," Little said.
Little, who assumed his job during the summer, said the number of extra officers can range from two to four. The exact number depends on availability and the final decision rests with the officer in charge during the shift.
Little said the department is also using its electronic records database to identify weekends that are traditionally more rowdy than others and dispatch extra officers accordingly.
Narragansett Police Community Officer Robert Storme said yesterday the department was doing little different than in previous years, but had more manpower to step up patrols, particularly on bikes. Storme said most students charged with underage possession of alcohol were spotted by officers patrolling on bikes.
The students face fines ranging from $150 to $750, possible community service and could be sanctioned by the university under rules passed in October 2005 that expanded the university judicial system's reach beyond the Kingston campus.
Dean of Students Fran Cohen said students arrested by Narragansett Police could face punishment from the university, but each student would be handled on a case-by-case basis.
"Certainly with the Narragansett Police taking these actions there is a greater likelihood more students will face disciplinary action," Cohen said yesterday.
