The University of Rhode Island Police Department and resident assistants increased campus patrols and security measures during Halloween week as they prepared for increased holiday activity and potential safety concerns.
The department added officers and dispatchers to answer phone calls, manage campus activity and respond to emergencies.
“Our message is simple: enjoy Halloween, make responsible decisions and look out for each other,” URI Deputy Police Chief Paul Ricci said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of the URI community. Early communication allows us to address concerns before they become more serious.”
The department’s increased preparation came as the country experienced several shootings over Halloween weekend, including several that targeted universities, according to ABC News. The shootings left at least 117 people shot and 16 dead nationwide, including seven injuries that took place near Indiana University on Saturday.
With Halloween falling on a Saturday, this added some unpredictability compared to recent years. For Steven Brien in his second year as a RAs, his expectations for students to remain safe were low.
“I was on call last year when someone threw up and we had to call EMS,” Brien said. “There were pumpkins smashed in the bathroom, and people were definitely under the influence.”
“We haven’t had Halloween on a weekend for the past several years,” URI Police Chief Michael Jagoda said. “We couldn’t compare it to other weekends or other years. But a couple of years ago during Halloween we did have an increase in our calls for service.”
Beyond patrol officers, the department added more dispatchers. The dispatchers serve as the central hub for all campus incidents, from noise complaints to other requests. Some of those noise complaints are sent in by RAs, who go through training to prepare for the weekend.
“After midnight, if someone is blasting music and being loud, we are going to have to knock on their door,” Brien said. “If anyone has any contraband or alcohol, we have to write a report about it.”
Ricci also explained that URI students play an important role in keeping Halloween festivities safe. The department encouraged students to look out for one another by staying in groups, never driving impaired, charging cell phones before heading out and avoiding costumes that include weapon props that could be mistaken for real threats.
Overall, both the police department and RAs understand that this was an exciting weekend for students, but hope they kept theirs and other’s safety in mind.
“We prepare for the absolute worst,” Brien said. “We expect the worst and hope to be pleasantly surprised.”
