Pre-Trial Diversion Program:
What it takes to be eligible:
First-time offence
Charged with a misdemeanor
Wish to avoid prosecution
Most common offenses for the deferral program:
Public intoxication
Illegal consumption and possession of alcohol by a minor
Conversion
Possession of marijuana or paraphernalia
Standard terms for completing the program:
Pay a $170 diversion fee and a $159 court cost
Obey all local, state and federal laws - if the deferred is arrested the crime goes back on their record
Complete all special terms including at least 10 hours of community service and drug or alcohol courses if the crime is related
Wave the right to a trial
Agree to be gainfully employed
Agree to submit to tests or screenings to check for alcohol or drug use
*Many participants will also receive additional terms
Source: co.delaware.in.us
Move-in week arrests are up this year despite a tweet from @ExcisePolice to warn students about patrols.
The first few weeks of school usually bring a large number of arrests as freshmen make their first foray into the college party scene or returning students take advantage of a weekend at Ball State without homework assignments.
Brandon Thomas, an Indiana Excise Officer who patrolled the areas around campus over the weekend, equated the crowds and arrests to those that are usually found during holidays. Thomas predicted that when students begin to settle into their normal routines the numbers will fall again.
Over the weekend, Indiana Excise Police arrested 71 people on 88 charges including illegal possession of alcohol, false statement of age and resisting arrest in Muncie, according to a press release.
Not every arrest was a Ball State student though, Thomas said. Many arrests and citations were given to people who came to Muncie to see a friend or just be around the party.
On Friday, 47 people were arrested including four adults who furnished alcohol to minors and Brennen Kreig, 18, who was put in jail after fleeing from police near the intersection of Neely and New York Avenues. After a foot chase, Kreig was charged with illegal possession of alcohol and resisting law enforcement, according to a press release.
The excise police officer said he ran into some students who had the misconception that police didn’t care that students were breaking the law or drinking underage.
“That is not the case, we actually do mind what you do,” Thomas said.
Arrests were down to 24 Saturday after @ExcisePolice tweeted, “Excise officers will be patrolling in Muncie again tonight. Last night, 45 people were arrested/cited on alcohol-related charges.” The tweet incorrectly quoted the number of arrests which were corrected in a later press release.
Thomas said the twitter account lets students know that police will be out patrolling, looking for people who are being destructive or calling the wrong type of attention to themselves.
“If we can curb that kind of behavior before we are even out it makes our job easier,” he said. “It lets students know what is expected of them.”
Police aren’t just out to take people to jail, Thomas said. Most people who are breaking the law don’t get a ride to jail, instead they receive a summons to court.
Thomas also said many people who receive summons are eligible for the state’s diversion program. The program allows a person convicted of their first crime to get the arrest taken off their record. The person would then have to complete a combination of community service hours and drug or alcohol courses.
However, Thomas said there is one surefire way to earn a trip to jail — running.
“It’s really important that when we have contact with [students they know] we are willing to issue a summons instead of take people to jail,” he said. ”But if you resist us or if your attitude is poor the chance of you getting arrested goes up. We want cooperation.”
A tip from Thomas — don’t drink if you are younger than 21, but if you do, don’t be destructive or disruptive.
“The thing is we would never come in contact with them if [the suspect] wasn’t doing that kind of behavior.”
Read More
AP: Biden's upcoming graduation speech roils Morehouse College, a center of Black politics and culture
By The Associated Press / YesterdayWhen he gives the commencement address at Morehouse College, President Joe Biden will have his most direct engagement with college students since the start of the Israel-Hamas war at a center of Black politics and culture.
Indiana Capital Chronicle: Rokita warns Indiana college officials to guard against campus antisemitism
By Indiana Capital Chronicle / 2 days agoAttorney General Todd Rokita on Wednesday issued a warning to postsecondary officials: “Hateful antisemitic acts against Jewish students will not be tolerated.”
Authors of book “Cold Case Muncie" host event at Muncie Public Library
By Ellie Marker / 3 days agoTrue crime journalists and authors Douglas Walker and Keith Roysdon co-wrote a book titled, “Cold Case Muncie.” At the Carnegie Library May 14, the authors shared comments about their findings as well as a Q&A session with the audience.
