Public Safety, police acknowledges College party scene
Natalie Booth ’28
boothn@lakeforest.edu
JOUR 320 Writer
According to students, staff and police officers alike, nightlife at Lake Forest College has gotten quieter.
Compared to previous years, there’s been a noticeable decline in the scale of drinking both on and off campus, according to the Lake Forest police.
“Drinking on campus and drinking off-campus in college houses was, from our perspective, a much bigger thing,” said Michael Lange, the deputy chief of operations. “Not that it doesn’t happen now, but it just happened so much more.”
Still, alcohol use remains present among students. An informal survey of more than 40 students at Lake Forest College found that nearly half drink alcohol weekly. Of those, only 7% reported any interaction with the college’s Public Safety department related to partying or alcohol consumption.
Students over the age of 21 typically head to downtown Lake Forest, where The Lantern and Duffers Pub are common destinations. Teddy O’Brian’s, once a popular weekend spot, is no longer as frequented as it used to be.
The focus of campus enforcement is shifting as well to education as wells as enforcement.
“Are we cracking down? No, it’s college. You guys are going to party,” said Dr. Chris King, the director of public safety. Instead of strict discipline, King emphasizes education.
“I want you guys to enjoy your lives. I want you guys to enjoy your college experience, but I want you to be safe in doing it,” he said. “And I believe my sole purpose here is to educate you guys on some of those things and help you guys make better decisions.”
Students also recognize the change and appreciate it.
“I really respect public safety,” said Jack Kennedy, a sophomore. “I really do think that they are making campus a better place.”
The college’s amnesty policy also reinforces the focus on student safety.
“If someone is severely intoxicated or is injured because of illegal or prohibited activities, students should seek emergency medical help immediately,” the online policy reads. “Students experiencing the intoxication or injury and those assisting them run no risk of penalty from the College for alcohol and other drug violations, so long as someone has called for help.”
That supportive approach is shared by Lange.
“We don’t really generally give people tickets when they’re calling for help because we don’t want to discourage you from calling us,” he said.
The Lake Forest Police Department and campus Public Safety stay in regular communication to maintain a secure and responsive environment for students. Both Lange and King stressed the importance of their collaboration in supporting student needs.
Public Safety’s mission is to engage with the student body, to support the student body, and to be a resource for the student body, King said.
“Literally, this office door is open to each and every last one of you. So, let’s not create barriers in terms of communication,” he added. “I look at it as you are all my sons and daughters. How would I treat you right? I’m going to treat you just like I treat mine… with respect. I’m going to treat you with dignity and be a resource for you. There are no barriers.”