The recent policing activity around campus has brought about controversy among some student residents. The University of Louisville Department of Public Safety is working with the Louisville Metro Police Department to cut down on drunk driving and maintain a safer environment around campus, particularly in The Province area. Some students have complained that the police are “fishing” for offenders by waiting in parking lots for students to arrive home after a late night. On the other hand, the police claim they have received complaints and are simply patrolling the area to maintain the safety of our students.

The issue seems to be finding a balance between students’ rights and public safety. On one hand, we could say the police are infringing on our human rights by questioning students without probable cause. On the other hand, one could say that the multiple complaints of drunk driving in an area known for parties is probable cause to question college students coming and going late at night on the weekends.

While a 10-15 minute Q & A with a police officer may seem like an inconvenience, it is a small price to pay to ensure the campus remains safe and relatively free of drunk drivers that endanger innocent citizens. It seems that if the person in question hasn’t done anything wrong, then they should have no reason to worry.

As long as the police department continues to receive complaints, it seems there should be no reason to feel a rights violation. However, if the atmosphere on and around campus on weekends was that of a nursing home, then excessive enforcement with no probable cause may be extreme.

It’s doubtful that the intent of the police department is to place discomfort or fear in the minds of our students. If student residents want the seemingly unfair enforcement of drunk driving to stop, then drunk driving must stop. If no one complains to the police department, then they would have no probable cause.