Lists You Don't Want to Make: Spring Fling Police Logs 2010-1014

Spring Fling is the weekend where cups are red, grass is a mixture of crushed cans and glass, and a different song is playing on every street. Everyone seems to come out of the woodwork to stand in parking lots until the sun goes down, and the concert lights illuminate the fields. If you're not so lucky, flashing lights may appear in your peripherals. 

Looking through the lenses of spring fling from 2010 to 2014, a lot has changed. According to Plymouth Police records, the number of arrests during Spring Fling over the past four years are as follows: 2014 Spring Fling 25 arrests, 2013 Spring Fling 22 arrests, 2012 Spring Fling 11 arrests, 2011 Spring Fling 22 arrests, and 2010 Spring Fling 18 arrests. These arrests included alcohol-related incidents, suspicious activity, motor vehicle stops, crimes against property, and disorderly conduct.

This annual celebration is usually two weekends prior to graduation, and is a prelude into the warm spring weather, contrary to what the weather was like this year. Friday evening consisted of Battle of the Bands followed by a Saturday concert with food, games and a beer tent for those 21 and older. 

However, Spring Fling has evolved and changed over the years. At one point it was a bluegrass festival, and at other times the University didn't recognize it as a school event. 

"Spring Fling was at its worst when The University didn't recognize it as a school event. One year it rained and the students threw parties on off-campus lawns, which led to mud fights and mud all over floors. It was a mess," said Don Stoppe, owner of Stoppe Management

Some years the concert has been free, while other years the student body has approved for a modest ticket fee in order to get a nationally touring musical artist. Spring Fling is planned by a committed group of students and advised PSU staff members.

The consensus among local landlords for this year's Spring Fling was the most "tame" and didn't result in hardly any damages to properties. Stoppe said, "After hearing reports from my guys that work the night crew, Steve Rowe and Frank Hinkle, all of Stoppe's residents were fairly good this year. There weren't any cases of students destroying property or anything of that nature."

"This was probably the quietest Spring Fling I've seen in a while," said Eric Brill, Property Manager of Interlakes Properties, "Interlakes residents did not cause any disruptions or destruction."

"The worst we usually endure is the littering in parking lots," said Stoppe.

The University Police Department (UPD) is in charge of keeping order on-campus. "To me it went really well, we had 11 or 12 arrests...there were a couple of loud parties that Plymouth dealt with off campus, but for the most part they weren't out of control," said Richard Bailey, Chief of University Police. 

The police were out in full force, performing multiple rounds around on-campus and off-campus residencies. "Thursday we had 11 officers and 4 student officers. That's just UPD. Friday we had 10 police officers and 4 student officers," said Bailey. 

"Overall, this year's Spring Fling seemed more low key than in the past. I heard of a few large gatherings at some residencies such as Edmunds Court, but nothing too crazy," said Stoppe.

The property at Edmunds Ct. was apparently the place to be on the rainy Saturday afternoon, "I was walking my dog and passed at least 200 people blasting music. I could tell people were drinking, but it looked like a great time," said senior Deanna Cunningham. 

"There were more arrests made off campus...that's because more students were off campus. At least it appeared that way. There were several large parties off campus," said Bailey. 

Some students complained about the streets being closed off, but it was for safety of the Main Street shops and students' safety from cars, "We forced them up high street...once they got up High Street they could go wherever they wanted. If you put that many people on Main Street even someone who isn't interested in causing damage could still stumble or fall into a window. It just makes it easier," said Bailey. 

The Plymouth Police Department (PPD) is responsible for arresting anyone off-campus. PPD is in charge of giving out summons to those violating laws. Summons can range from costing $100-$1000. 

Summonses are given out after a warning from the PPD. "All of our tenants are adults, and we want to treat them as such. When there is a disturbance we typically warn the tenants and try to handle it without the police getting invloved. We aren't out to fine people or ruin peoples' good time," said Stoppe. 

When someone is served with a summons and complaint, a lawsuit against that person has commenced. To protect ones legal rights, they must serve a formal written answer on the opposing party. The information, which follows, is not legal advice. Each case is unique and if anyone has any questionss, they can contact an attorney. If someone chooses to proceed without an attorney, they must understand that they will be held to the same standards as an attorney in following certain procedures and requirements.  

Possessing an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a public place is a $100.00 fine.

Littering on any public property is $150.00. Skateboarding on certain streets is also a $100 fine. If you are summonsed for Disorderly Actions/Noise, the fine is $300.00 and the second offense is $600.00. In all instances, the police send a letter to the property owner/landlord describing the incident, and the names of those summonsed may be printed in the local papers. 

Hosting Underage Drinking Party/Places of Assembly is the largest fine. If you are summonsed you must make an appearance in the Plymouth District Court. Although fines are at the discretion of the Court, the normal fine for this violation is $500 for the first offense and $1000 for a subsequent offense. In all instances police send a letter to the property owner/landlord describing the incident, and the names of those summonsed may be printed in the local papers. Occasionally a warning will be issued at the discretion of the officer. If someone is found to be violating this law a second time they will be summoned to court. No warnings will be issued for hosting underage alcohol parties.  

"I feel that there has been more arrests due to stricter enforcement that would lead to higher numbers. If I could have it happen the same way next year, I would pick that...I think overall it went really well," said Bailey. 

"I didn't feel like Spring Fling was as crazy as it has been in the past. It was raining so that could have been a factor, or that the band sings at weddings now," said junior Eric Sylvia. 

Although the number of arrests during Spring Fling have increased over the past four years, and may skew the image of PSU, they should ultimately reflect the efficiency and rigor of the Plymouth Police Department, and the University Police. 

"The students didn't get worse, the Police got better," said junior Katlyn Hall. 

Though, the numbers of arrests are the highest yet over the past four years, it should not be a sentiment to the quality of the school, or intellectual essence of the student population.