The number of undercover police officers increased Sept. 7-8, as the Moscow Police Department prepared for the weekend after Labor Day. A large quantity of minors in possession and minors in consumption were handed out over the weekend as police officers dressed in college apparel roamed the campus, specifically Greek Row.
“Usually at the beginning of the year we do alcohol emphasis patrol,” said Lieutenant Dave Lehmitz of the Moscow Police Department. “We are required to do a minimum of three a year.”
Lehmitz said a majority of undercover officers patrolling make an appearance on weekends following holidays.
The University of Idaho had three to four police officers patrolling both nights of the weekend.
“During this patrol there were 18 MIP’s for six open containers, three drug offenses for controlled substances, and one arrest,” Lehmitz said.
UI Freshmen Kelly Mooney said he saw an arrest take place in which he saw two cops tackle a student who was carrying marijuana. Mooney said he noticed one of the undercover police officers wearing a school backpack and thought he looked a little older, but dismissed the thoughts until he saw the tackle.
“I will definitely think twice before leaving the house next time,” Mooney said.
This is exactly the kind of afterthought that UI Dean of Students Bruce Pitman wants young adults to consider. Pitman said he hopes students can learn there are boundaries and consequences to every action.
“I think Moscow police have the authority and must exercise their judgment appropriately,” Pitman said. “We are supportive of firm enforcement policies and we feel that enforcement is an important part of keeping our campus safe.”
Pitman said the primary safety message UI has been promoting is Vandals taking care of Vandals.
“We want other students stepping up and helping others,” Pitman said.
Johanna Overholser can be reached at [email protected]