The Starkville Police Department arrested more than 70 people this weekend in a special detail devoted to cracking down on underage drinking.
Classes at Mississippi State University started Monday and the SPD had an especially busy weekend as an influx of college students headed out to experience Starkville nightlife.
Chief David Lindley said the department had 23 officers on the streets Friday night in what is typically referred to as a “surge.” Seven officers were on regular shift, six were on detail to work the high school football game and 10 were brought in specifically to work the special detail for minors in possession of alcohol.
“A university town’s actions are predictable,” Lindley said. “It tends to be repetitious.”
From 6 a.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Sunday, 911 dispatchers issued 170 calls for service. There were 72 arrests, 56 citations for minors in possession of alcohol, 40 incident offense reports and 13 felony reports.
While underage drinking is common in a college town, MSU Dean of Students Dr. Thomas Borgeois encourages students to follow the law when it comes to consuming alcohol.
“All the things you learned all your life don’t get suspended when you go to college,” Borgeois said. “We’re trying to prepare (students) for life, and one of those things is learning to obey the law.”
Borgeois said he still believes MSU is a good environment for students.
“Mississippi State University is an extremely safe place,” he said. “We expect students to partner with us to keep it that way.”
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 49 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.