State College police ask residents to help make State Patty’s Day ‘safe and peaceful’
Penn State, State College and university police last week released their yearly reminder for State Patty’s Day: Drink responsibly.
The student-created alcoholic drinking holiday started in 2007 and is annually scheduled for the weekend after Penn State’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
The event attracts out-of-town visitors to downtown State College, but also creates a nuisance for police and taxes the borough’s resources.
Crime and alcohol overdoses associated with State Patty’s Day peaked in 2011, but a series of joint initiatives between the borough and university improved conditions “significantly,” the borough wrote in a Feb. 21 letter sent to State College landlords.
“Many who engaged in excessive drinking were from out of town, but were visiting students and residents living in State College,” the borough wrote. “As a result, we had many problems with the number and severity of alcohol violations, noise complaints, vandalism and fights in apartment buildings and through the community during this particular weekend.”
The letter signed by borough police Chief John Gardner, university police Chief Joe Milk and university Student Affairs Assistant Vice President Danny Shaha encouraged tenants to help mitigate crime and excessive drinking.
Occupants are urged to not invite guests to their residence, prevent guests from yelling or throwing items and ensure property is devoid of plastic cups, beer cans or food containers.
Residents may be arrested if someone younger than 21 consumes alcohol on the premises. The minimum fine for a noise violation is $750, plus court costs.
Information against Penn State students charged with any criminal violation is expected to be sent to the university’s student conduct office.
“We are advising you of these concerns now with hopes that you will restrict visitors to your apartment or homes this weekend, and join your friends and neighbors in helping maintain a safe and peaceful atmosphere throughout the weekend,” the borough wrote.