The number of violations distributed on Unofficial in 2017 was at a 10-year low, according to the Champaign and University Police Department press releases.

According to the Champaign Police Department release, there were a total of 114 citations were given out during Unofficial Saint Patrick’s Day on March 3, 2017. This number is the lowest it has been in 10 years, according to the Champaign Police Department.

In comparison, Unofficial 2016 had a total of 160 citations.

Out of the 114 violations in 2017, 32 of those were issued to people who do not attend the University.

Fifty-two of the citations given last year were for open alcohol/public possession, while 42 citations were given for minor in possession.

The Champaign PD release said that they have taken many preemptive measures before Unofficial. One of them is their “Rethink the Drink” online campaign, and police safety presentations to multiple RSOs on campus.

“Our community puts a great deal of effort and resources into alcohol safety education around this event and we do our best to enforce any violations of the law to further help with awareness and injury prevention,” said Champaign Police Sergeant Joe Ketchem in the release.

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