Starting today, an anonymous neighbor can report alcohol-related disturbances and possibly put a Virginia Tech student on the fast track to an alcohol strike, even off campus.
Blacksburg is launching a new alcohol community hotline. The Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center at Tech has worked with the Blacksburg Coalition on Alcohol and the Town Gown Community Relations Committee to create a unique way of responding to alcohol misuse in the Blacksburg community.
The hotline was developed on the idea that it is a right to reside in a community without disturbance from alcohol misuse.
Although not intended for immediate responses, citizens can call the hotline at (540) 231-4813 and leave information. They will then be contacted in two days regarding the problem. Anonymous calls are accepted but not encouraged.
Upon notification of a problem caused by alcohol abuse, a letter will be sent to the address of the disturbance. It will notify the resident of the complaint against them, give information on alcohol statutes and offer resources to aid the individual in preventing a reoccurrence. Following a second complaint, someone from the office will visit the residence to offer further assistance.
If the problem persists, stronger action will be taken to resolve the issue. If a student causes the disturbance and attempts to mediate are refused, the university Student Conduct Office will be contacted, and possible judicial action may be taken since alcohol misuse is a code of conduct violation.
If the individual is a resident not involved with Tech, the Blacksburg Police will be notified. Steven Clarke of the Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center said this hotline is meant to "be a kinder, gentler approach" to the alcohol misuse in Blacksburg.
"We're glad to see the school's taking initiative to get involved with the community," Sgt. Nathan O'Dell of Blacksburg Police said.
According to O'Dell, once an officer gets involved, "it's an immediate referral to the conduct office" if the offense involves a Tech student.
O'Dell said the new alcohol hotline "gives the student the opportunity to take corrective action upon themselves."
The department believes this will benefit the student.
"Students can be held accountable for their off-campus behavior if it causes a disturbance," Clarke said.
The student code of conduct states, "As a member of the Virginia Tech community, I agree to abide by all state laws and university policies regulating alcoholic beverages and controlled substances," and the new hotline will attempt to enforce these concepts.
One of the most important aspects the hotline hopes to address is a commonly overlooked law. It is illegal to provide minors with alcohol, and it is illegal to charge for alcohol without a permit.
The negative side effects of alcohol abuse, such as litter, noise, vandalism and public intoxication, are a continued cause of disorder in the Blacksburg community, according to the Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center Web site.