University Police has announced that it is in the midst of training officers to use breathalyzers to aid in combating underage drinking on campus. Beginning next month, these breathalyzers will enable UPD to approach and test students on the street whom they suspect of being drunk. This program represents a precarious step toward the restriction of student rights, but more importantly it exemplifies yet another administrative step showing a lack of trust toward the student body.

This page understands that underage drinking and excessive consumption are serious issues that both the administration and UPD must address. The rising tally of alcohol-related hospitalizations alone makes that evident. However, the tactics the University is employing to curb such activities have little chance of succeeding. While isolated individuals might opt not to drink given a heightened deterrent, in the long run, most students probably will not stop drinking because of an increased likelihood of getting caught. It would be wiser for the University to engage students in a dialogue that will help GW develop better policies to curb excessive consumption – the most dangerous alcohol-related issue.

The use of breathalyzers might also have some unwanted consequences. Knowing that 4-RIDE vans could be equipped with breathalyzers, intoxicated students could choose to walk home instead calling the service. While this could decrease wait time for 4-RIDE service, it could also lead students into the precarious situation of walking home alone late at night, risking their own safety. It is ironic to think that the person students would be most afraid of seeing on the streets late on a Thursday night would be a police officer.

The University should seriously reconsider implementing this policy. The potential benefits of equipping UPD with breathalyzers do not outweigh the negative precedent it sets, as well as the perpetuation of the feeling that the administration and UPD are out to get students.