NCJ Number
198840
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2002 Pages: 20-22
Date Published
November 2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the programs implemented in Winona, MN, a town with two colleges, to address problems associated with alcohol abuse.
Abstract
In 1998 the Winona Police Department implemented the Community Policing Philosophy. Community surveys found that alcohol and associated crimes were a top concern of city residents. A number of programs and projects were developed to deal with the problem. Organizations that have taken part and/or assisted in these efforts have included the Winona Police Department, Winona State University, St. Mary's University, city government, landlords, citizens, students, and others. An alcohol task force was created in the late 1990's to develop a coordinated effort to reduce alcohol abuse and related crimes. The programs briefly described in this article are neighborhood police patrols; alcohol compliance checks; bar checks; monitoring of public facilities; enforcement of a landlord-tenant ordinance regarding unruly tenant behavior; a moratorium on liquor establishments downtown; undercover police officers at house parties; a keg ordinance; student arrest information supplied to universities; university actions; the use of alcohol and drug counselors at Winona State University; bus transportation for students to and from downtown; education; and liquor store surveillance. As a result of these and other efforts, crime in the city decreased by 30 percent over the past 4 years. The key to the success of the efforts has been the involvement of all the strategic community institutions that can have an impact on alcohol abuse and related behaviors.