An influx in people and warm weather led to a large number of alcohol-related violations in the days before classes resumed for the semester.

ISU Police Capt. Gene Deisinger attributed the large number of alcohol-related violations to a number of factors.

“There are a lot more people back in town, and the weeks before classes start, you tend to see more activity in Campustown,” he said. “Also, the weather’s been nice and has encouraged people to get out more.”

Deisinger added the large number of residents who are new to Ames and Iowa State and unaware of law enforcement agencies may also have contributed to the high number.

He said his team placed extra officers on duty this past weekend in patrol cars, bikes and on foot.

Ames Police Sgt. Mike Johns echoed Deisinger’s sentiments.

“Any time we have [students] come back into the population, we see an increased amount of alcohol-related violations,” he said.

Possession of alcohol under the legal age is a scheduled violation. First-time offenders face a fine of $147, which includes the scheduled fine, court costs and surcharges.

Public intoxication is a simple misdemeanor and requires a plea or appearance before a judge.

The maximum fine, depending on the judge’s ruling, can range from $50 to $500 and/or up to thirty days in jail, Deisinger said.

Deisinger said the ISU Police will team up with the Ames Police Department and the Story County Sheriff’s Office to patrol Iowa State’s Saturday night football game against the University of Northern Iowa.

“We’re maintaining a very similar level of staffing to what we have always had in the past [at the football games],” he said.

Deisinger advised those attending the game, especially new students who are still learning their way around, to arrive early and be patient with traffic flow.

“We hope they have a safe and enjoyable time,” he said.

“We encourage people to be respectful and those who choose to use alcohol, we hope they do so respectfully and be of age,” Deisinger said.