Kingston City Police have issued the following release regarding this past weekend’s homecoming weekend for Queen’s University:
The Kingston Police deployed a large number of officers during the Friday and Saturday of Homecoming weekend, which culminated in what Chief Gilles Larochelle describes as a “relatively successful event in terms of ensuring the safety of all involved.”
Officers were dispersed amongst the university district, both on foot and in vehicles, to create a safe environment in the area, protect the well-being and property of citizens, prevent a breach of the peace, and to enforce all levels of the law.
A total of 163 tickets were handed out by Kingston Police officers. The majority related to Liquor Licence Act violations but also included noise by-law and Highway Traffic Act offences.
There were 24 arrests over the weekend related to Queen’s Homecoming, mostly for public intoxication under the Liquor Licence Act. An impaired driving arrest was also made by officers conducting a RIDE program at Brock and Alfred streets.
Officers also executed search warrants on two residences, one on Couper Street and the other in the 500-block of Johnson Street, where 20 kegs and over $1,300 in proceeds were seized. The residents of both homes will receive summonses under the Liquor Licence Act for keeping, offering, and selling alcohol and being in possession of proceeds. These offences do not carry a set fine, but accused persons must attend court and the penalties can often be in the thousands of dollars for each individual.
Chief Larochelle commented, “Although the number of tickets issued and arrests made is slightly higher than that from 2013, it is still comparable and indicates a level of control being maintained. Our officers reported having predominantly positive interactions with students, alumni, and other revellers. While the ReUnion Street Festival was successful in terms of drawing partygoers away from unsanctioned areas, the Kingston Police still have concerns for the level of alcohol being consumed. We will continue to work with our community partners to ensure proper education concerning moderation, knowing one’s limits, and discouraging underage drinking.”
Chief Larochelle continued, “I’m proud of the work of our officers and how they conducted themselves with professionalism and constraint over a long and challenging weekend. Credit also needs to be given to our community partners who worked together to provide integrated services, support, and response during Homecoming.”
Community partners involved with ensuring everyone’s safety over this weekend included Kingston Fire & Rescue; Frontenac Paramedics; hospital staff; City of Kingston Provincial Offence Officers and Public Works, Building and Engineering, and Traffic divisions; Queen’s University administration; the Alma Mater Society; the Municipal Affairs Commission; Alumni Relations; Queen’s Campus Security; Queen’s Campus Observation Room; and our own Kingston Police Community Volunteers.
Release source: Kingston City Police | Image: Google
