Calmer "Unofficial" an alumni event?
Updated: March 4, 2013
CHAMPAIGN -- The mayor says "Unofficial" St. Patrick's day is practically turning into an alumni event. Mayor Gerard says this year's celebration was pretty low-key.
There were not as many problems or arrests. There still aren't official statistics from the police department, but preliminary numbers show only 31 arrests linked to this year's event.
Some of those charges include assault, battery and possession of controlled substance. But, the majority were for allowing underage drinking in the home. That number is for the entire weekend.
Last year, there were already more than 40 arrests by mid-afternoon Friday. In 2011, there were more than 65 arrests.
"Unofficial" has become a tradition on campus. Because of that, Gerard thinks it's now bringing in an older crowd.
Police also made an effort to go door-to-door this year talking to students. That, combined with weather and stricter rules put in place last year, may all have played a role.
There were not as many problems or arrests. There still aren't official statistics from the police department, but preliminary numbers show only 31 arrests linked to this year's event.
Some of those charges include assault, battery and possession of controlled substance. But, the majority were for allowing underage drinking in the home. That number is for the entire weekend.
Last year, there were already more than 40 arrests by mid-afternoon Friday. In 2011, there were more than 65 arrests.
"Unofficial" has become a tradition on campus. Because of that, Gerard thinks it's now bringing in an older crowd.
Police also made an effort to go door-to-door this year talking to students. That, combined with weather and stricter rules put in place last year, may all have played a role.
