Pubdate: Mon, 27 Jan 2003
Source: Exponent, The (IN Edu)
Copyright: 2003 Purdue Exponent
Contact:  http://www.purdueexponent.org/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/883
Author: Clare Walters

POLICE ARREST STUDENTS FOR DRUGS

Purdue police made two drug-related arrests in the residence halls on
Jan. 18 and an additional one on Tuesday.

"Three arrests in a matter of three days is not a usual occasion, but
it's not something that isn't happening," said Ronald Fosnaugh,
captain of special services for Purdue police.

Police officers arrested two male residents of Cary Quadrangle Jan. 18
on various drug-related charges. They arrested a male resident of
McCutcheon Hall Tuesday for reckless possession of drug
paraphernalia.

In the first instance, police responded to a report of marijuana use.
In the second, police responded to the report regarding the smell of
marijuana.

"Normally it's reported from some source outside the police
department. It could be a roommate, friend, person down the hall,
manager or staff resident," said Fosnaugh.

Lisa Heinold, administrator for conduct and leadership for University
Residences, said, "The counseling staff is to be aware and observant."

If there is anything in conflict with the residence halls' rules and
regulations, the counseling staff documents it, she said.

Fosnaugh said that once police officers have received a report they
proceed to get in contact with the residence hall and then
subsequently the resident. After contacting the resident, the police
proceed with an investigation if there is probable cause.

"It will be something we sense," said Fosnaugh. "It's not the police
officer's job to prejudge those people. Everyone is entitled to
dignity and respect."

He said that in these cases the police determine the facts and the
ramifications are left to the courts, residence halls and deans.

Heinold said there are differences among the processes taken by
university residences, the dean and the legal system. The resident
undergoes a contractual process in connection with University Residences.

There are certain behavioral standards and expectations for living in
a residence hall, she said.

"One of the first things I remind (residents) is when they sign the
contract, they are bound to the rules and regulations," said Heinold.
"There is zero tolerance in connection to drug and weapon policies."

Fosnaugh cannot comment on whether drug use in the residence halls is
in fact a problem at Purdue.

"It's hard to make a statement on something you don't have hard
numbers on," he said.

Overall, Fosnaugh said, "Using drugs in the residence halls is a poor
decision."

Purdue police had 58 drug cases on campus in 2002, 40 in 2001 and 52
in 2000. These cases have stemmed from residence halls, traffic stops
and pedestrian stops, he said.

Additionally, Heinold said that all the residence hall policies are
found in the Residence Hall Guide Book, which is given to residents
when they move into the halls and is also available on the Web.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake