Although there were a total of 199 Notices to Appear given on Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day, violations in other areas were considerably lower than in previous years, according to a press release from the Champaign Police Department. Police credit their targeted enforcement activities for the significant decline in disorderly subjects, removed subjects and motor vehicle accidents.

In 2007 there were a total of 63 medical calls resulting in treatment, but that number decreased by 54 percent this year with only 29 medical calls. Officer initiated contacts were also up by 53 percent this year, while Champaign police reported a ten percent decrease in public calls for service.

However, police did report an increase in calls for service for reported fights and batteries. There were a total 0f 17 reported fights and seven batteries.

Authorities put together a joint force on Unofficial including the Champaign Police Department, Illinois State Police, University of Illinois Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, Urbana Police Department and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. Police continued enforcement activities from 7 a.m. on Feb. 29 until 4 a.m. on March 1. The purpose of police activities was to address public safety concerns and issues related to the Unofficial holiday.

Two local bars on campus were shut down by police under orders of Mayor Schweighart after investigations done by Champaign police and the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, according to a press release. C.O. Daniel’s was closed at two p.m. on Feb. 29 for alleged violations of the State Happy Hour law, which prohibits the sale of unlimited drinks for a fixed price. The bar was allowed to reopen on Sunday, March 2. Kam’s was closed on March 1 at 12:30 a.m. for allegedly violating Mayor Schweighart’s emergency order restricting the service of shots. Kam’s was allowed to reopen on March 1 at 11 a.m.

199 Notices to Appear for the following:

89 – Minor in possession of Alcohol

73 – Possession of Alcohol on a Public Way

9 – Illegal Posession of Multiple Kegs

28 – Other miscellaneous charges (throwing of dangerous objects, possession of cannabis, unlawful use of ID, public urination and disorderly conduct)

Illinios Vehicle Code violations:

10 issued

Six of these charges were for Pedestrian under the Influence

Urbana Police Department reported one DUI/Hit and Run related arrest

Other criminal reports filed:

1 – Sexual assault

1 – Sexual abuse

3 – Burglaries

6 – Criminal damage to property

3 – Thefts