The real world came to crash off-campus parties last week, and it didn't just ring the doorbell. It pushed in the door, rambled into the living room and bothered the guests. And this time, the hosts couldn't call the police because those uninvited guests were the police.
Students living and partying in the neighborhoods surrounding East Campus have been handed a rough lesson in civics and local government. It wasn't just the 61 alcohol citations issued at a party hosted by members of the Sigma Nu fraternity; students living in this area have reported similar attention from law enforcement officials.
The police commander in charge of these neighborhoods confirms that these incidents are not isolated but indicate a new policy. "Every time this happens, we're going to cite and arrest," said Durham Police Department Sgt. J.M. Morris in an interview with The Chronicle last week. "There are so many problems here, and what we're doing is trying to send a message."
The message is that students must accept the responsibilities of life off-campus if they are to enjoy its freedoms. The right to purchase kegs and live without residential advisors is balanced by noise ordinances and angry neighbors who may call the police when things get rowdy.
When Durham police officers respond to a noise complaint and are confronted by obvious evidence of widespread underage drinking, the law allows-indeed, practically requires-them to investigate. Sometimes that investigation may be a cursory inspection followed by a warning, and sometimes it may be a three-hour inquisition.
It may be difficult for students to understand these large-scale raids when hotbeds of violent crime a few blocks away seem to beg for a greater police presence.
But DPD does not operate in the same bubble that envelopes the Duke University Police Department. Campus Police are hampered by concerns such as promoting the University's positive image and protecting students' desire to enjoy their college years.
Students can and should raise questions when Campus Police actions seem to violate student interests and common sense. But DPD's mission is to protect and serve the Durham community, and students are just one small part of that community. Although a crackdown of off-campus parties may frustrate students whose social outlets are already squeezed by the campus alcohol policy, Durham residents hoping for a few extra hours sleep may welcome the increased policing.
As the University's social scene finally makes the long-anticipated shift away from large on-campus events, students must adjust to a changing set of realities. Those realities include a police department that cannot be shamed into leniency by students who cry oppression when denied the unchecked right to break the law.
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