02-11-09 Community/ Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC)

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Community/Campus Advisory Coalition (CCAC) February 11, 2009 Meeting Minutes Page 2 South Bend Police provided increased patrols in off-campus housing areas over the holiday season. Break-ins were down with only two or three reported. Bob Reish noted that there has been less crime and fewer parties taking place and theorized that it was in part due to the weather. He also advised the Coalition that the winter break safety forum was well attended as was a lecture given by a retired lawyer concerning laws off campus and student rights. Work is also being done to create an off campus list serve and website. There was a short discussion on the bill currently in the Indiana legislature which, if passed, would grant campus police full police powers off campus. Brian Coughlin said if the bill passes it would not change the way the Notre Dame campus police operate. The focus would still be on the campus and not the surrounding area. Alcohol Awareness Council Member Kirsits noted that on a recent Friday night there were four ambulance runs to Notre Dame in approximately 45 minutes all involving alcohol abuse. No one had an explanation as to what precipitated this spike. It was also noted that overall ambulance runs for this reason were down. Council Member Puzzello mentioned that when she took classes with the Citizen Police Academy, a demonstration was held showing the effects of alcohol by having a subject periodically take a drink and viewing the subject's reactions. She thought that might be a valuable demonstration tool for students. The general consensus was it would not be prudent to have students drinking alcohol. Cpl. Hecklinski said the Police Department has "DUI goggles" which simulate the effects of alcohol and work well as a demonstration tool. Cathy Toppel mentioned that when she attended the Citizen Police Academy participants put on the DUI goggles and then drove a golf cart. She found the exercise to be very enlightening. Cpl. Hecklinski and Sgt. Ross said they would be happy to set up a driving course at the police department or possibly at Notre Dame so students could participate in this safety demonstration. Bob Reish thanked the police for coming to Notre Dame events and answering student's questions.