UConn to set up sobriety checkpoints, resident restrictions over Spring Weekend

To increase safety over Spring Weekend, the University of Connecticut Police Department (UCPD) will be conducting sobriety checkpoints across campus and limiting activities and dormitory entry to students only.

According to UCPD Deputy Police Chief Andrew Fournier, the checkpoints will go from April 27 to May 4 between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.

“The checkpoints will be conducted to apprehend intoxicated drivers, identify seatbelt violations and other related violations of the motor vehicle statutes,” Fournier said.

UConn has done sobriety checkpoints during Spring Weekend in the past, Fournier said.

“These checkpoints are part of the continuing effort by the UConn Police Department to take intoxicated drivers off roadways in Connecticut,” Fournier said.

UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said the university assesses and adjusts the number of police and fire personnel as necessary for security and public safety.

“Our personnel will be stationed and available as appropriate to ensure participants have a safe and enjoyable weekend,” Reitz said.

As well, residence halls will be restricted to students only. From 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 through 7 a.m. Sunday, April 28, only UConn students will be allowed as guests in residence halls, and they must be signed in, according to an email from ResLife sent out to on-campus students last week.

Guest passes must be filled out and approved by Friday, April 26 at 5 p.m. All guests must have their pass and UConn ID at all times, and must be escorted by the hall resident during their stay, according to the email.

The strict Spring Weekend policies have been in place since 2015 and are in response to an incident in 2010 when a UConn student died after being beaten by a non-student during the weekend.

Joshua Oculam is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at joshua.oculam@uconn.edu.