With Spring Fling now here, students are finding themselves faced with insecurities, doubt and wonderment about how to behave over the next few days. Police and security presence will be at elevated levels, causing concern for any looming discipline problems that may arise following Spring Fling’s traditional activities. Before heading into the weekend of stereotypical collegiate activities, students should know what rights they have, as well as the rights owned by the police. Earlier this year new laws were introduced that prohibited internal possession of alcohol by individuals under the age of twenty-one, and increased fines for misrepresentation of age through false identification. These new laws apply not only to motor vehicle violations, but anyone under age that has consumed alcohol, even if only walking. However, John Clark, Chief of the Campus Police Department, told students in a panel discussion on February 5 that students will only be subject to these laws if and when they draw attention to themselves. “If you bring attention to yourself as you do now,” said Clark, “that’s when we’re going to be there. Number one is your safety.” Acting cordially is not the only way to avoid the new law’s sanctions, including fines up to $250, loss of license, or taking a $75 course on alcohol awareness. Individuals over twenty-one are legally aloud to drink, but all consumption must be done indoors. Public consumption of alcohol is a violation, like internal possession, which means anyone caught will not be held as criminal by the state. Supplying alcohol to minors is also a serious offense that will end in court. Attorney Mark Fischler, also present at the February 5 panel discussion, pointed out that breaking these laws are serious, but not detrimental. “You cannot go to jail for this offense. This will not go on your criminal record. This is no different than getting a speeding ticket; no different than getting a noise violation.” All laws concerning alcohol consumption, noise, gatherings and other elements historically associated with Spring Fling are serious, and anyone causing a disturbance runs the risk of approach, arrest, and sanctions from the police and court officials. However, citizens hold certain rights to keep in mind when approached by an officer. If approached or taken into custody by an officer, it is important to note his or her name, badge number, and the time and place of incident should logistical evidence be needed to make a grievance about the officer’s behavior. The officer is legally bound to share this information should it be asked for. In addition, when approached by an officer a person is not required to take any tests or agree to any searches. An officer may ask to search a person or bag, but can be denied if the approached does not want such an action performed. According to Chief Clark and Attorney Fischler, a search may only be done when a person is taken into custody after failing a breathalyzer test or displaying aggressive, violent, or disturbing behavior. Breathalyzers are not a requirement either. If a person is taken into custody, he or she has the right to know what the charges are, and must be read their Miranda Rights, unless questions are determining a person’s identity. If a person does not wish to speak with an officer, that request must be made clearly. Furthermore, if taken into custody and put under arrest, a person may evoke their Miranda Rights and be able to speak to their attorney before talking to anyone else. If a person is taken into custody and is not under arrest, that person has the right to leave, though it is important to cooperate. Right now, the police are not planning on too much unwelcome behavior from students celebrating Spring Fling, but will get involved if they need to, regardless of what they might want to do. “I’m not going to make excuses for our police department that this is going to create more work for us. I’m not going to make excuses for needing more officers or anything like that.” Clark said at the panel. “We do not have to go out and aggressively look for young people who are under the age to arrest. That is not our intent, nor is that our drive.” Whatever the events of this weekend turn into, it is in the highest hopes of Campus Police and the college administration that everyone is well behaved, and that the relationships between police, administrators and students remain peaceful.
Plymouth State University
Sunday, June 29, 2025