窪蹋勛圖厙

 

Springing ahead with Operation Fall Back

- August 28, 2008

Brian Palmeter is a community liason officer with Halifax Regional Police. (Danny Abriel Photo)

As a new academic year approaches, Operation Fall Back is shifting into gear. Its the designated police patrol for the neighbourhoods surrounding 窪蹋勛圖厙 and the University of Kings College.

But even before police officers hit the streets, Halifax Regional Police has been working proactively to be straight up with students and let them know that its officers will be on the lookout. Constable Brian Palmeter, community liaison officer for south-end Halifax, has been meeting with residence life managers, residence assistants and organizers of Orientation Week to remind them that 窪蹋勛圖厙is situated in a residential community and Dalhousies neighbours like their peace and quiet.

We do get comments from out-of-province students who may expect to live in student ghettoes where certain behaviors are disregarded, he says. But its not like that here in Halifax. Weve got students living beside seniors and families and other students who dont appreciate excess noise either, says Constable Palmeter.

He notes a significant number of complaints30 per centcome from students.

Halifax Regional Police runs Operation Fall Back in September and 窪蹋勛圖厙takes over the designated police patrol (and pays for it) in October, as well as other potentially rowdy occasions such as the night before Munro Day (Feb. 6, 2009) and St. Patricks Day.

Its the fourth year for the Operation Fall Back and the designated police patrol. 窪蹋勛圖厙is one of only two universities in Canada that takes this proactive approach with a special squad car dedicated to the surrounding neighbourhoods. (The other is McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.) Police response times for noise complaints have decreased dramaticallyfrom about two hours to an average of 20 minutesand liquor-related offenses tend to tail off following the first weekend of the program.

A neighbourhood survey, conducted in 2006, indicated neighbours have noticed a significant difference in the noise and liquor-related issues associated with back to school since the squad car program began. In addition, students report feeling safer knowing officers are on patrol.

(Five) years ago, is when it peaked It was the breaking point when neighbours all around said this just cant go on, says Pat Whitman, who has lived for more than 30 years on Edward Street.

The program has helped significantly, she adds, and our concern is that well get complacent, thinking everythings OK. But its important this continue.

Last year, Halifax Police issued tickets totally $55,000 in the month of September. Tickets for noise, littering, under-age drinking and drinking liquor in a public place start at $452 for a first offence. Public intoxication will net you a $118.50 and a night in the drunk tank.

Halifax Councillor Sue Uteck (Northwest Arm-South End) commends 窪蹋勛圖厙for its efforts to improve relations between the university and its neighbours.

Dal has been very effective in its community relations and has set the standard for universities across the country, she says.

Ms. Whitman advises getting to know your new neighbours soon afterthey movein and talking to them the first time problems occur, even if its2 a.m.

You have to go and talk to them and you have to be prepared to lay a charge. Sometimes thats the only way they get it.

But I must say the majority of students are great neighbours and its nice to have young people around. But every once in awhile you get a mix who want to party, party, party.