Senate discusses Halloween weekend

Because of their success in the past, Halloween safety teams of Athens residents will patrol Uptown this weekend, Athens Service-Safety Director Wayne Key said at last night's Ohio University Student Senate meeting.

Donning white jackets, team members will carry cell phones, police radios and flashlights. The teams do not have arrest powers and are non-confrontational, Key said.

"They are really there to serve the needs the people at the party may have," he said.

Athens Police Chief Richard Mayer said students should have a designated non-drinker with them to "stop stupidity."

Key said police will not arrest intoxicated people on some occasions, such as if they are accompanied by someone who is sober.

Students will have problems with police when they develop an attitude with a questioning officer, Mayer said. If students try to resist arrest, they only will create more problems.

"Cooperation is the key," he said.

In other matters, Student Activities Commission funding decisions for Winter Quarter will be released at noon Friday, said Casey Christopher, student activities commissioner.

-Caitlin McGrail. Kate Whaley contributed to this story.