NCJ Number
213802
Date Published
February 2006
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This report provides a framework for understanding student gatherings, specifically the problem of student party riots and responses to this problem.
Abstract
Once the local problem has been analyzed and a baseline for measuring effectiveness is established, response strategies to address the problem of student party riots can be developed and implemented. Response strategies are intended to prevent or reduce harms associated with university student gatherings. A strategy consists of three key components: (1) implementing interventions at each of the five gathering stages; (2) using a variety of opportunity-reduction techniques at each stage; and (3) developing multiple partnerships. Strategies are presented at five intervention points. At the point of initial planning, highlights of strategies include: creating a multi-agency task force, assigning police officers as advisors to host the gatherings, partnering with the media to influence student and community perceptions, controlling alcohol distribution, and increasing the consequences of rioting, and educating the students on the penalties. At the intervention point of preassembly preparation, highlights of strategies include: asking students to participate in student patrols, monitoring advertisements for gatherings, and closing or controlling traffic flow. At the intervention point of the assembling process, strategies include: providing transportation to the event, establishing and controlling gathering perimeters, and establishing a positive police presence. At the intervention point of the assembled gathering, highlights of the strategies include: using alternative deployment methods, videotaping the assembled gathering, and recognizing and removing factors that could lead to a flashpoint. At the intervention point of the dispersal process, strategies include providing transportation from the event and facilitating orderly dispersal. Response strategies that have limited effectiveness include developing reactive responses only, banning all student parties, and relying on parental control. Developing a comprehensive action plan requires a thorough understanding of the characteristics of student gatherings and the interventions likely to have the greatest impact. Appendixes A and B, references, recommended readings, and other problem-oriented guides for police