Consumption Underage Policy
General Order # 01-04
Subject: Enforcement of Laws Dealing with Underage Consumption and possession of Alcoholic Beverages
Effective Date: 8/27/2004
Overview:
The abuse of alcohol by those less than 21 years of age is a major contributor to crime on this and other campuses. In many cases, acquaintance rape, fights, and vandalism to personal and University property, is directly related to the inappropriate use of alcohol. To limit the damaging effects of alcohol the Department of Public Safety at the University of West Georgia will aggressively enforce the laws of the State of Georgia, which regulate the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by those under 21.
1) Laws and Ordinances
Each officer in the Department will be familiar with all State Laws and City ordinances related to alcohol. Each officer is to be well versed in the proper procedures for issuing City citations, obtaining State warrants and proper arrest processing.
2) Enforcement
All officers in the Department will follow a policy of Zero Tolerance for those who consume or possess alcohol under the legal age in violation of state law.
a) All persons under the age of 21 who are suspected of consuming alcohol will be tested using the portable intoximeter.
b) Anyone who registers positive (greater than .01) will be cited into City Court and then released. Anyone registering over .10 will be arrested and lodged in the County jail.
c) If a suspect refuses to take the test, the investigating officer will determine if probable cause exists to issue a citation. This would include smell of alcohol on the person, presence of alcoholic beverages as well as statements by others.
d) Individuals found in possession and are under the legal drinking age will be cited and the alcohol confiscated. The alcohol is to be destroyed by the officer with a witness present. The witness will be named in the report.
e) The only exemption to this policy is if the person under the influence has been sexually assaulted or is in a medical emergency. The person is still subject to being cited once the situation has stabilized.
3) Documentation
a) The citations will be processed in the same manner as all others.
b) A report is to be written and the incident type is to be noted as Possession Alcohol by Minor or Consumption underage. This is important so that we can provide accurate information in our annual Clery report.
4) Referral
a) All incidents involving alcohol will be referred to Residence Life for processing through the Student Judiciary.
b) If called by the Student Judiciary, the reporting officer will appear at the hearing and provide testimony as needed.
