Reported liquor law violations have dropped at Sacramento State since 2006. This reduction reflects the reported decrease in alcohol-related incidents throughout the California State University system.

The overall number of students abusing alcohol has decreased since universities started alcohol abuse prevention programs, according to the fourth biennial report on the CSU’s Alcohol Policies and Prevention. This report was released on Sept. 24.

The CSU Board of Trustees implemented Alcohol Policies and Prevention Programs in 2001. These policies required campuses to report the progress of each campus’ alcohol education and prevention programs every two years.

The goal of the CSU alcohol policy is to prevent alcohol-related incidents among students such as driving under the influence, underage drinking, alcohol-induced deaths and binge drinking, according to the Sept. 24 report.

The committee came together in November of 2000 after CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed called for a review of all of CSU’s alcohol policies and prevention programs to help prevent alcohol-related deaths and accidents.

“I’m happy that the chancellor’s efforts are paying off,” said Cyndra Krogen-Morton, professional staff and health educator of Sac State’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education Program.

The CSU Board of Trustees requires each campus to come up with its own substance abuse prevention programs that fit the needs of students attending individual schools.

The report states that substance abuse prevention programs are necessary for all CSU campuses because “alcohol abuse is a threat to the health and academic success of CSU students, but prohibition of alcohol is not a realistic response to the problem.”

While the number of liquor law-related arrests on campus increased from zero to 10 in 2008, the cases of disciplinary actions taken for violation of liquor law on campus decreased from 331 in 2006 to 203 in 2008.

In total, the combined total of liquor law violation decreased from 331 in 2006 to 213 in 2008.

“I am very excited about it,” Krogen-Morton said. “We have been working hard with the law enforcement and Alcoholic Beverage Control.”

The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education Program aims to provide information to prevent alcohol and drug abuse through peer educators and workshops.

While there are students who abuse alcohol at Sac State, Krogen-Morton said the students here seem to be less interested in the drinking scene.

“I feel that students here are more focused to learn and be in school and enjoy the academic experience,” she said. “They seem like they are not into partying too much (compared to students from other campuses).”

Except as expressly permitted by law or university regulations, Sac State’s university policy manual states that the use possession, manufacture or distribution of alcoholic beverages is prohibited while on campus or at any Sac State-related activity.

In addition, all sales of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at any athletic events on campus. This policy was implemented by the chancellor’s office in fall 2006.

Tailgating, a popular pre-game party and social gathering among college students, is limited to two hours prior to the start of a game.

Similar to the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education Program, Associated Students Inc. works to prevent alcohol-related incidents.

Safe Rides, a free and confidential taxi program, provides rides home to Sac State students, staff and faculty. With student volunteers as drivers, Safe Rides operates on Wednesday through Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The program has been in service for nine nights this semester. Rachelle Kerns, Safe Rides coordinator, said she has seen more people calling for the service.

Students and faculty can use Safe Rides by calling (916) 278-8294; a OneCard must be presented at the time of pick-up.

Nearly 700 people have used Safe Rides for a pick-up this semester, which averages about 77 people or 25 calls for the service per night.

“I hope students know that Safe Ride has their back,” Kerns said. “But at the same time, I hope they are using the service as a back up plan and not a reason to get wasted.”

The number of calls for Safe Rides has increased, Kerns said.

“More people know about us, so I think that’s why we have more traffic,” she said.

Melanie Pemberton, senior sociology major, said many students use the Safe Rides program.

Miyu Kataoka can be reached at [email protected]