The North Manchester Police Department and Manchester College, thanks in part to grants from Wabash County AACTION, recently were awarded the best project/program for 2007 by the Regional Advisory Board for Governor's Commission of Drug-Free Indiana.
The NMPD and the college conducted a collaborative approach to reduce illegal alcohol consumption and its indirect effects.
The May Day weekend at Manchester College had created a history of numerous alcohol related arrests along with property damage in the surrounding area, sometimes exceeding $10,000.
“The college and the police department each received grants from AACTION for 2007 and a greater emphasis was placed on prevention before these (May Day) events,” said Police Chief Dave Young.
The police department obtained an enhanced enforcement grant to allow additional officers to work during the peak activity times. “We had three to four times the normal number of officers working in the evening and through the night,” said Young. “People said that you couldn’t turn the corner without seeing an officer. Police presence is a proven deterrent,” he said.
The college, headed on this project by VP of Student Development Beth Switzer-Riley, implemented several educational programs and offered alternate activities for the students as well as making it clear that students would be held accountable for their actions.
The police department also sent a sergeant, Jeff Perry, to the college to address the entire football team as a proactive measure prior to May Day weekend.
The results of their combined efforts were remarkable.
In 2006, there were 32 alcohol related arrests on May Day weekend, 27 of which were college students.
In 2007, there were no reports of property damage, no illegal consumption arrests, and only a few reports of loud noise that were quickly addressed. “Parties were smaller and kept under better control, participants were kept inside, and most persons were driven by a designated driver back to their residence,” Young said.
All in all, it was considered a 100% reduction in alcohol and its’ related crimes. “After seeing the results, I felt our combined efforts would be a good representative for this award,” Young said.
There were a number of criteria that had to be met in order to be considered. Things such as collaboration between various agencies, the final outcome, number of people involved, number of volunteer hours, how the program impacted the community, and how long the program has been in existence (not more than two years) were all factors in determining a winner.
“I am just glad we were able to work with the college and achieve something that benefited the community,” said Young. “It was a positive experience for all,” he added.

date of publication 21 Nov 2007