Pubdate: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 Source: GSU Signal, The (GA Edu) Copyright: 2001 The GSU Signal Contact: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1622 Website: http://www.gsusignal.com/ Author: Kelley Caner, Senior Staff Writer Note: To contribute to the discussion of this item in the Signal's online forum click this link http://www.gsusignal.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2001/11/27/ CAMPUS OF CANNABIS? With A Dozen Arrests In Hurt Park This Year On Drug-Related Charges, And More In The University Village, The Gsu Police Are Beginning To Take Action The presence of illegal substances on and around Georgia State has seemingly been on the increase lately, with more arrests being reported by the GSU Police. The campus police arrested a man in Hurt Park Nov. 13 when he was allegedly discovered smoking a marijuana cigarette on the premises. The suspect was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and was also given a criminal trespassing warning (CTW) before being processed and transported to jail. A criminal history check was also done prior to arrest with negative results. According to the report, the suspect was found with approximately 17 baggies individually filled with marijuana, each apparently prepared for distribution. Although he was not a student, campus police who patrol the park and its surrounding areas have reason to believe the park is slowly becoming Georgia State's hot spot for drugs, or more specifically, for marijuana. Officer Angela McCoy has been a Crime Prevention Officer with GSU Police for four years, and says although the presence of drugs in the campus vicinity is apparent, the regularity of mass distribution such as the case indicated above is, "not that often." This was the twelfth drug arrest to occur in Hurt Park this year alone. McCoy pointed out that the majority of on-campus drug violations consist mainly of people smoking or possessing marijuana in the University Village, which only occurs about two or three times a month. In contrast, off-campus violations have seemed to be more prevalent. "It's regular in the [Hurt] Park ... there's just something about the park," said McCoy. So far this year, the total number of drug incidents on and off campus has risen over the past few years, from nine in 1998 to 34 this year. Although that is an alarming increase and may lead some to believe that this reflects a rapid flood of drugs into the area, that may not necessarily be the case. McCoy explained that not all drug incidents are reported because, "a lot of times we give them a verbal warning." In other words, if a person is found with a small quantity of marijuana, say a joint or a small bag, "the first time," McCoy said, "we do give them a chance." They are usually given a warning and are not allowed back onto the premises. Therefore, she suggests that the recent increase in reported cases is due to more arrests and fewer warnings. This symbolizes increased police recognition of the severity of drugs (again, more specifically marijuana) on and around campus, and a more conscious effort to seriously crack down on their possessors. Of course, the stakes are much higher for students who are charged with any type of drug violation by the GSU Police. Any student who violates any federal or state law -- such as the possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs -- can be subject not only to local law enforcement procedure, but to a number of university related actions as well. These include oral or written warnings, student probation, suspension, or expulsion, all of which are administered by the Office of the Dean of Students. Dr. Kurt Keppler heads that office. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake