Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Extra officers arrest 36 at one party

Extra officers arrest 36 at one party

Dec 30, 2008 - 16:47:29 CST

Bismarck Tribune

By JENNY MICHAEL

Extra officers on the street Friday night arrested 36 people at one party.

Officer Pat Renz said four extra officers were working around liquor stores Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight in an effort to reduce purchase and consumption of alcohol by minors. After midnight, the two uniformed and two plainclothes officers assisted other officers in responding to loud party calls.

The officers responded to two loud party calls between midnight and 3 a.m. The first call ended up being nothing more than a group of adults making noise while playing video games. But the second call, at 12:37 a.m. Saturday, kept the officers busy until 3 a.m., Renz said.

At the party, 35 adults under 21 years old were arrested for minor in consumption, and one person was arrested for criminal mischief for damaging a window at the home on the 200 block of North 15th Street, Renz said. He said officers also informed the renter of the property that they would be forwarding a report to the city attorney for a possible charge of guests on premises.

Lt. Mike Arnold, who heads the police department's Police Youth Bureau, said the extra officers were paid for by a grant administered by the North Dakota Highway Patrol from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Arnold was not sure if 36 people at one party was the largest arrest netted by the police department.

"It's probably pretty darn close," he said.

Renz said the officers likely released people at the party as they arrested them, and they will receive summons to appear in court.

The extra officers also made a few other arrests Friday night while watching both Bismarck Captain Jack's locations, Cash Wise Liquor, Polar Package, Plaza Beer Depot, Stamart and Lander's:

n At 9:55 p.m., officers watched three men walk into Captain Jack's, 3131 Weiss Ave. Two men came out before the third did, and the third man had a package of alcohol when he came out of the business, Renz said. Officers followed the vehicle the men were in and eventually arrested the two men who had come out of the business first for minor in a liquor establishment. The third man did not transfer the alcohol to the other two men, so he was not arrested, Renz said.

n At 10:16 p.m., officers saw a man urinate next to his vehicle at a south Bismarck business, Renz said. They pulled the man over after he drove away, and officers learned he was driving under suspension and had a warrant out for his arrest. He also was arrested for indecent conduct.

n Two adults were arrested for open container of alcohol.

n One adult was arrested for driving under suspension.

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@;bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

Pluribus wrote on Jan 13, 2009 11:58 AM:

" I think there are worse mistakes to make at that young age than drinking with friends. Having said this, any intelligent youth in control of his or her actions has the opportunity when arriving at such a gathering or as it escalates to leave. We learn from our mistakes though, and better that they had been made sooner than later. Bismarck has been blessed with a much better-behaved populus than the rest of this country and if minors drinking is making the news let it be the biggest challenge we face. The final comment should be that alcohol is one of the very worst gateway drugs and ruins lives and I have seen this. Maybe these kids weren't prepared to make the right decision and leave that night; it is OUR job as their community to challenge them to do just that. "

Was there dont care wrote on Jan 5, 2009 7:27 AM:

" I got a minor there...really don't care but what really boils my blood is all you "smart adults" This was primarly a college party hence 18-25 year olds. I fail to understand that with maybe 10 of these kids living at home you think that their parents should have anything at all to do with this! So we are adult enough to move to a new town...go to class...have a job...and yet when we get in trouble it all has to go to our parents? So your telling me all you adults have to deal with your parents when you get a traffic violation wow spare me! If you mess up it is on you not your parents. Sorry some of us are paying for school cant afford to go to the cities and shop, dont want to drop 20 bucks for a movie that is 2ish hours of entertainment I can drop 20 bucks and get a case for 2 days and have way more fun conversing with my friends if i get caught i get caught its MY responsibility not MY parents...Sorry to say but those of you who say you never did this are 1 of 2 things lying or really didnt have a lot of friends someone had to inform you, but if i have a chance to hang out with 20-30 buddies and be dumb and forget stuff for 1 night out of the week or sit at home with 3 people and play scrabble, I know what I am doing. Getting the minor has only made me drink more I am only young and dumb once and I dont want to grow up to be stuck up like a lot of you seem to be! "

fp wrote on Dec 30, 2008 10:39 PM:

" Oppression from the police. Whats new? No wonder why the youth of No Dak move out of this backward state. Now I know they will come back with the "keeps the riff raff out" argument. But even that is running a little shallow. The cops are so out of line in their aggressive actions. They must need a little extra money. So good luck youth of No Dak and keep planning your escape. You can do it!!!! "

amused wrote on Dec 30, 2008 5:42 PM:

" why is it whenever an article like this comes about everyone runs down law enforcement, saying there are more important issues to worry about. Say for instance the cops would of let these minors continue partying and sometime really bad happened, then all you windbags would be running down the police for doing nothing. Just be satisfied for once. Good job law enforcement for taking control of the situation. "

Mouth from the South wrote on Dec 30, 2008 2:54 PM:

" I have actually never heard a lamer excuse for drinking alcohol than that 'there is nothing else to do. '

Like drinking alcohol is an activity.

Seems to me that drinking alcohol or anything else for matter, like coke, coffee, etc. should be a part of the refreshments for an activity. Not become an activity in itself.

And to use the excuse that we have nothing else to do, so we have to drink, truly boggles the mind. "

2 young adult wrote on Dec 30, 2008 2:35 PM:

" Keep making excuses for everything and everyone instead of taking responsibility for your actions. Thinking that way in life will not get you far!!! Stop with the "poor me" and make the world a better place...it's way more rewarding. "

to young adult wrote on Dec 30, 2008 2:08 PM:

" I sincerely hope you are not expecting law enforcement to provide entertainment ideas. You sound like a smart person -- why aren't you organizing alcohol-free parties for your friends? Theme the food/decor with Academy Awards, the Superbowl, we just had the Olympics, etc. Carpool to the Twin Cities and shop. I don't know how you're so bored every weekend -- between homework, two musical instruments to learn, all the new movies to rent, sports games to attend, and my first job at 16, I didn't have time to miss the gaming systems I never had or the cable TV (just basic channels) that wasn't there until I was 15. Six-year-olds are getting Wii for Christmas, yet teenagers have nothing else to do but get wasted? I'm almost 25, have never been drunk, and sometimes I was bored for an evening when I was a teenager. Guess what? It wasn't the end of the world. "

informed wrote on Dec 30, 2008 1:02 PM:

" well even if you didnt recieve a breathalyzer and you addmitted to drinking, which most everyone at this party did, you are still going to recieve your MIC. All they need is verbel addmitance. It has happened to me. Good luck fighting it "

Mouth from the South wrote on Dec 30, 2008 12:45 PM:

" rediculous wrote on Dec 29, 2008 9:10 PM:

" i was at this party and i was not given a breathalyzer, the cop did not smell my breath or anything. I will be fighting this the whole way and i suggest everyone elses that was at this party do the same. "

If you are under 21 and are at a party where alcohol is being served, I believe you are just out of luck in trying to fight this. It doesn't matter whether you have been drinking or not.

Next time, pick a party where there isn't any alcohol being served and you just might be better off especially if you are under 21. "

Randy394 wrote on Dec 30, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Reading some of the posts on here makes me realize just why we have such an underage drinking problem in the state. I remember as early as middle school when kids would show up with hangovers, and once in 10th grade when two girls were rushed from school to the emergency room to get their stomachs pumped because they had alcohol poisoning. Parents need to take responsibility for their children and step it up, but most are not going to because they themselves got away with doing it at that age. Dont give me this crap about there being nothing to do either, this stuff went on just as frequently in the past when there were so-called "things to do" (ie Wheel Awhile). "

Nick wrote on Dec 30, 2008 2:18 AM:

" At the same time. This is to all you kids that got busted. If you got busted or you didn't. When you get charged with an offense. Get real you got BUSTED. Face the facts. It may not be considered wrong by you however it is against the NDCC. Deal with it. I did when I was younger and I don't feel bad about it. I did what I did but I didn't sell meth or dope to little kids. You will get over it. You did it, It was against the law, and you will pay for it. Sorry, but once you get older you will understand how this works, and either quit breaking the law (stupid or not) or else be a little more conspicuous. "

rediculous wrote on Dec 29, 2008 9:10 PM:

" i was at this party and i was not given a breathalyzer, the cop did not smell my breath or anything. I will be fighting this the whole way and i suggest everyone elses that was at this party do the same. "

.. wrote on Dec 29, 2008 4:38 PM:

" To: Young Adult "The keys go in the fish bowl. "

Remeber grad parties??????? Everyone that went to one of those stayed there, Heck people even pulled campers out when we had our 2006 grad party! Once i start drinking i will either call for a ride or just sleep at the party or sleep in the back seat of my car. Driving after i start drinking is a big NO! "

Young adult wrote on Dec 29, 2008 4:23 PM:

" I'm not bashing the PD in anyway, they did there job and there is nothing wrong with that. I just want to say that what else to expect younger adults to do? Really there is not a whole lot to do other then going bowling, to the movies, or activities during the summer on a Friday night or for the weekend. Bismarck needs to think of the younger adults, why can't we have clubs where its 18+, or indoor go kart racing?

And for another thought, you would be suprised at how many young people party and STAY where they are partying, Not many people drive after they start drinking. The keys go in the fish bowl. "

to ch wrote on Dec 29, 2008 2:37 PM:

" Of course you are going to defend the people who drive while they have alcohol in their system because you said you do the same 5 nights a week. Although, you have admitted to not doing it while "blitzed" others while in this condition do not use their better judgement.....these are the ones that we are trying to point the finger at. I think everyone knows that even in having 1 drink or maybe even 2 that it does not impair you enough to cause your reaction time to be effected(although I refuse to drive if I even have 1 beverage) but some people while "blitzed" still refuse to believe that an accident "can and will" happen to them and that they are 10 feet tall and bullet proof. I've been many a place that I have had to literally fight someone to take their keys away that refuse to let someone drive them home when they can't even stand on their own 2 feet much less get behind a wheel. "

Parent wrote on Dec 29, 2008 2:26 PM:

" If my kids are under 18 and drinking alcohol, I would want the cops to bust them.
But it's too bad that the adults get in trouble for drinking alcohol. If they were doing something that was breaking the law, then that's different. But the cops are doing their jobs - they don't make the laws, they just help enforce them. If you are doing something illegal, perhaps you should either keep your nose clean or be a little more discreet than drinking at a large party with several other people drinking under the age of 21. "

CH wrote on Dec 29, 2008 12:37 PM:

" Once again the cops did their job. However how many deaths did ND have last week with people with a BAC of over .08? How about last year? Please any one. Any one. When you consider Every night 1000's of North Dakotan 's drive home with Alcohol in their blood system. And the amount of miles driven. We are very rural state. I think the numbers change. I personally go to the bar 5 nights a week. for over 10 years now. I don't drive when blitzed. I see hundreds of Impaired drivers drive each month, yet I can not name one person who was in an "Alcohol related accident" I'm willing to bet cell phone cause more accidents then Alcohol in our fair state. I'm willing to be that DWO ( Driving while old) causes more accidents each year. Im not advocating driving under the influence What I am getting at is there is more causes to accidents and death then DUI's yet we seem to over look that and focus on the youth and the guy driving home at 1 am "

B in M wrote on Dec 29, 2008 11:50 AM:

" I don't understand how everyone got a ticket. Wasn't anyone there and not drinking? You know just hanging out with friends and having fun? Maybe the designated driver? It does happen and I think these kids should be given a pat on the back and not a ticket. "

Mom of 2 wrote on Dec 29, 2008 11:29 AM:

" To Velvet Jones, I don't remember saying one thing about our youth fighting for our freedom in Iraq, The war is a completely different topic and I won't get into what I think about it, please stick to the subject at hand....It's the irresponsible ones that are partying and then ooh wait forgot that at some point they will have to get home so take it upon themselves to drive themselves home putting everyone else at risk. It's the immaturity speaking of those that are trying to blame others or the BPD for actually upholding the law. If they wouldn't have stopped them and god forbid someone would have been hurt or worse you would be the same ones on here blaming the BPD asking "where were you when you should have been doing your job". PLEASE stop blaming others and take responsibility because you are part of the reason why our "irresponsible" youth find it OK to perform such actions. "

OFF wrote on Dec 29, 2008 10:23 AM:

" MIP and MIC are the same offense... Its the same citation and your punished the same for both. "

Ralph wrote on Dec 29, 2008 9:41 AM:

" I think the big problem here is that people think that there are more important things for the BPD to me doing than staking out liquor stores. Isn't ND like on the top 5 for METH problems? I think our resources could be better spent as well.. I understand that it is from a grant. but that money would have been better spent at the soup kitchen, especially this time of year. "

Mary wrote on Dec 29, 2008 9:25 AM:

" I think it is great that these people were busted, and that we should see more of this happening. There is way too much drinking going on - both with underage and "of age" people. For those making excuses and trying to blame the cops - until a problem related to drinking hits close to home, you'll probably never get it. "

CeeCee wrote on Dec 29, 2008 8:09 AM:

" I too would like to thank the Bismarck Police Department - for the lives you saved that evening. Keep up the good work! "

Monorail wrote on Dec 29, 2008 6:33 AM:

" Someone asked: 'More than a six pack in a week and you are alcoholic right?'

Nope. If someone's use of alcohol is causing problems in their life, whatever they might be, they have an alcohol problem. Pretty much everyone can quickly discern if that applies to them or not. Most people of any age never have problems related to their alcohol use. The ones that do seem to have them repeatedly. "

ladybug wrote on Dec 29, 2008 2:03 AM:

" much like many of the posters here, i'm shaking my head at how many people are making cops out to be the big bad night ruiners for doing their job. they get calls about a party, it's their job to check it out and guess what...if there's something illegal going on, it's their job to take care of the situation! they can't just walk away and roam the streets looking for something bigger. if you have actual evidence of meth heads or vandals or something substantial to give the cops a reason to check someone out, TELL THEM instead of complain on the newspaper website. whether someone is 18-20 means only one thing - it's still illegal for them to drink. should the law be changed? that's a different debate. right now, it's still illegal. also, a minor in possession is different from a minor in consumption. a minor who is at a party where there is alcohol but hasn't drank can get an MIP. and it isn't the cops jobs to make sure the kids have a ride home. it's their job to enforce laws, not hold hands. you make the choice to go to a party, you make the choice to drive drunk, you make the choice to break a law. if ya know something's wrong but ya do it anyway, you have no right to complain when you get busted for it. "

fed up wrote on Dec 29, 2008 12:11 AM:

" Unbelievable! For those of you supporting the underage drinkers, you got to be kidding. When are people going to start taking responsibility for their own action? You broke the law, you got caught, face the consequences. Are these the same people that have children in school, that when they get in trouble, they come charging in to the school and rescue them. Society has rules, and if you break the rules and get caught, face the consequences rather than always blaming someone, or something else. I hope these minors get an earful from their parents as well. As far as the argument about old enough to vote or fight in a war, old enough to drink. Maybe they should raise the voting age and the age that you can serve in the armed forces to 21. Bismarck Police, keep up the great work!!!! "

Nick wrote on Dec 28, 2008 1:18 PM:

" I had to chuckle at all of the comments posted on here. I too was a minor at one time and I definetly did my share of partying. I recieved several minors and yeah I was kinda mad but when I think back on it i really don't regret it or have too much ill will against the cops. It is the law and if you choose to break it you either need to be discreet enough not to get caugh or else pay the consequences. And when you do pay the consequences don't whine about it. You chose your actions. Maybe a smaller, quieter group should be considered not to draw attention. We used to party at a farm in the middle of nowhere and most of the time we did not go home. We all stayed there. No minors recieved, no deaths and no accidents. If everyone wants to think we are a bunch of alcoholics I guess let them believe that. More than a six pack in a week and you are alcoholic right? "

a Mom wrote on Dec 28, 2008 6:03 AM:

" to priorities:
I don't think it is the police officers RESPONSIBILITY to take care of your ride home. I would suggest TAXI 9000 (I'm sure if you consider yourself responsible and mature enough to drink, you ARE responsible enough to figure out how to safely get home - right?) #2 - call your parent or relative, or SOBER friend, to pick you up, I'm sure they would love to make sure their child gets home safely as well. And during the ride home, I would hope that parent would have a good heart to heart to explain the consequences & responsibilities to drinking, because they are plenty. "

to priorities wrote on Dec 27, 2008 8:28 PM:

" You would have driven home drunk anyways.
Don't start blaming the cops because you got busted at a party and then they "let you drive"!! Why didn't you have a designated driver??? Let me guess...you didn't think of that either!!!
If you choose to make stupid decisions, you need to face the consequences. Take some responsibility for yourself!!! "

Nodak wrote on Dec 27, 2008 8:24 PM:

" So the cops followed the three men from the Liquor establishment and cited two of the minors for being in a liquor establishment, and let the other gentleman over 21 go because he did not transfer the alcohol. So there is a law against having minors in a 21 and over establishment. If that is the case they should stop the hypocrisy of doing these stupid compliance checks. They are blatantly breaking the law by escorting these minors into the establishment, and should be fining the minors and themselves. All is fair they are supposed to enforce the laws RIGHT!! Say all you want about them doing them for reasons they are breaking a law Pure and Simple. As for the party kids will continue to party. A few minors are not going to stop them from doing it again. North Dakota is a state where alcohol is second nature. Sad to say but it is the truth in most areas of this state. "

Velvet Jones wrote on Dec 27, 2008 11:44 AM:

" To "Mom of 2": Why don't tell all of those underage irresposible youths in Iraq that they're too immature to be playing soldier and they should put there guns down and come home. At a time when people this same age are fighting and dying for their country it is disgusting to see a nation treat these same people as children. "

MHK wrote on Dec 27, 2008 1:48 AM:

" To all the people complaining of the police arresting "adult minors" for drinking, please tell me of your efforts to lobby to change the legal drinking age to 18 or to whatever age it is you desire. To the complainers that there is nothing else for "adult minors" to do, please tell me of your efforts to develop alternatives for these youth. I hear a lot of complaining, but nothing in the way of organizing solutions. Why aren't the police locking up the smart criminals? Because they're too busy locking up the dumb ones! "

verde wrote on Dec 27, 2008 12:36 AM:

" To the poster who disagreed with me, I would understand what you are saying if it were actually necessary to "party" as you are using the meaning of the word, but i really don't see the need to "party" as in drinking to get drunk. I do not now, nor have I ever, drank for the purpose of getting drunk. I would much rather drink something that will leave me sober and refreshed. Your post makes it sound like it is a necessity to go through a stage of time where you drink a lot, but I just don't agree with that. I'm just fine without drinking. Dave, I hope your response was an attempt at humor, because it certainly doesn't hold up otherwise. "

In The Know wrote on Dec 26, 2008 9:12 PM:

" Wonderful post Paul! I wish everyone would understand. "

Paul wrote on Dec 26, 2008 7:19 PM:

" Ah, the good old days...when the police left the kids alone to kill themselves in accidents and alcohol poisoning....The laws are there for a reason people. The law makers didnt just decide to be a big bunch of party poopers. They listened to people tell the stories of how the ones they cared about died pointless, unnecessary deaths due to drinking when they were too young. They listened to the Police, Fire, EMS, and Hospital staff who had the unfortunate task of trying to undo the results of irresponsibility. And the result? Police doing a great job saving the next generation of youth so that they may go on and actually accomplish more than setting a high standard of death statistic.

Thank you Bismarck Police, Keep up the good work!! "

priorities wrote on Dec 26, 2008 5:19 PM:

" I would just like to point out that I was at this party that got busted, and not one cop asked anyone how they were getting home. Glad they were so busy busting us that they let us all drive home drunk then afterward. "

Dave wrote on Dec 26, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Alcohol itself may not be an "essential nutrient", but it is made from grain which is one of the essential food groups. "

I disagree wrote on Dec 26, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Verde, some of your comments I agree with however, I think it is essential that young people experience life and party when they are younger. That way they can get it out of their system, so they can be responsible adults and great mothers and fathers. I know some of you don't agree with drinking, but I would much rather see younger people drinking than grown adults, drinking and causing harm to their family and children. I used to be considered a drunk when I was younger, but I grew up and now rarely touch the stuff. Unfortunately it is part of life, and will never go away. "

verde wrote on Dec 26, 2008 9:59 AM:

" The advice to the teens to get smarter and learn to outsmart the cops and have their running shoes on just goes to show how ingrained this problem is in our society. If these teens were to actually get smarter, they would have a get-together without getting too loud AND without liquor. Alcohol is NOT an essential nutrient, and there are lots of other things they can drink if they just want to get together with their friends. It is true that the laws have gotten tougher for a few reasons. The obvious one is the DUI problem, and with young people whose brains are still developing and who are probably lighter weight, they will not hold as much liquor without becoming intoxicated. When I say the "DUI problem" I am referring to the need to avoid senseless car crashes, including horrible injuries and deaths. Another part of the problem is that those who drink younger are more likely to develop an addiction. These kids do NOT need to "outsmart the cops", they need to behave themselves. The young people of the community are its future, and this growing and prospering community needs responsible young adults to carry it forward. "

Joe Citizen wrote on Dec 26, 2008 7:29 AM:

" To CR thanks for allowing the 30 drivers to drive wasted. Its good to know that there are citizens like you that don't do anything but complain about what is being done. No need to try to stop them from driving intoxicated, or calling the license plate in so the cops could try to stop them, or how about actually helping the police by testifying that you thought they were drunk if you had notiifed the police and you had helped get them stopped. Again its people like you that take no action that make this place a wonderful place to live. Keep up the good work you are an outstanding citizien and a credit to your city. Glad to hear none of the that no one was killed by one of the 30 drivers that you could have stopped from driving. One more question, does that number include yourself? Just asking. "

bothered wrote on Dec 25, 2008 10:31 PM:

" As a person not yet legally allowed to drink, I believe the officers were doing their job. If a neighbor calls in a disorderly house, it should be looked at to determine if it is in fact disorderly. I have not heard of cops handing out citations then leaving the scene. If they are willing to write the tickets, why not take them down to the department and give them the full court press. If they are considered adults in a hospital (signing papers, etc.) why not let them figure out how to get out of jail? Its not the parents issue to deal with once they are the age of 18. Stupid decisions are the result of the "young adult" not the parents. "

times are changing wrote on Dec 25, 2008 9:57 PM:

" I am 31 and I remember when I was 18, I partied a lot, most of the time even larger parties. A few got busted, and when they did, as long as we behaved, the cops let us go and confiscated out booze. Times are different, laws are tougher, but I think it is only fair that all minors were drinking if they got a MIP. I remember partying on 15th st. It was real close to there. Must be a lot of rental homes. Guess what teens, get smarter as the cops get tougher, learn to out smart them and have your running shoes on... "

CR wrote on Dec 25, 2008 8:43 PM:

" Don't worry! While the Bismarck PD was arresting all these DANGEROUS adults under 21, I know that at least 30 adults over 21 where waisted and driving home from the bars. But, their brains are fully developed so it was OK!!! "

Chad wrote on Dec 25, 2008 3:44 PM:

" Underage drinking is bad. The erosion of personal responsibility (in full display on this message board) is worse. Look at all the people pointing fingers at others and making excuses for the underage drinkers. It's pathetic. Every 18-20 year old at that party knew that they were breaking the law when they stepped inside, and they deserve the punishment that they got. If you don't like the law, work to change the law. Until then, don't criticize the BIsmarck PD for enforcing it. "

show up for court.. wrote on Dec 25, 2008 3:03 PM:

" make sure you show up for court cause we all know what happens if you dont!!! "

18 is too young wrote on Dec 25, 2008 11:44 AM:

" A minority of minors vote or fight in wars...how do you justify making the drinking age 18, when most of the children at this age are still living at home, partying and having mommy and daddy still pay their way through college. "

Drunkeeeee wrote on Dec 25, 2008 11:41 AM:

" Boo Hoo...the cops didn't protect me after they sited me...I could have lied and driven home durnk...WELLLLLLLL you probably would have anyway, if the cops hadn't come in and busted up your little party. Quit whining...the only reason you are upset is because you got caught. My guess...is they were watching you when you left...and then would have busted you again for drunk driving. Then you'd really have something to whine about. "

In the Know wrote on Dec 25, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Congratulations Bismarck PD for a job well done! Most of the citizens are proud of you.

Here is an interesting fact for you people who are in favor of being permissive about our young people drinking. The younger a person is, the faster and easier the brain burns pathways to establish habits and behavior. That is why we want to teach kids what they should know earlier in life. That is also why it is easier for the youth to learn a foreign language and to play a musical instrument.

On the other side of the coin, the earlier our youth develop bad habits, the worse they are. If you want more alcoholics, make sure the youth drink earlier.

North Dakota has horrible problems with alcohol and alcoholism. It is the attitudes that you see on this blog which creates the alcoholism problem that we have here in North Dakota. "

ND wrote on Dec 25, 2008 8:45 AM:

" How about instead of blaming the police for your safety, you take some responsibility for your own actions. If you are old enough to think you can drink...you are old enough to make the decision NOT TO!!! "

Joe Citizen wrote on Dec 24, 2008 9:27 AM:

" OK, let me get this straight. Underage drinkers were at a party that got busted. Once the cops got there they enforced the law that was being violated. Funny now I understand why they call it law enforcement. So after these individuals get arrested they are complaining that they were not protected by the police and/or that the police were not concerned about their safety. When did that become the focus, if the individuals were worried about their safety perhaps, now this may be somewhat hard to believe, perhaps these indiviudals could not have consumed alcohol. Yes I know, its a difficult choice to make but one they could have made. So anyway the moral to this story is if you don't break the law you don't get arrested. Now how about this would this be a solution? Perhaps not as it calls for some common sense, which seems to be the missing link in many individuals that break the law. It's better to lay the blame on the police. How about this for another twist. How about allowing the 18-20 year olds that are actually in the military consume instead of just pointing to the fact that they "could" be in the military and defending the country. The recruitment office is on Front by Washington tell em Joe Citizen sent ya. Lets see if the recuitment stats increase.
One last, what do you think the actual number of the 36 arrested actually voted in the last election? "

CH wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:37 PM:

" I'm not complaining that they did there job. I partied like a rockstar and had much bigger parties then that.... Usually one or two people got in trouble and every body else split.

I know we are the highest for DUI and binge drinking in the country. But I wonder how we are compared to Alcohol sold per Capita. We drink more per capital but when you compare Volume per accident I wonder were we stand?

Its funny at 18 your old enough to die for your country but your not old enough to have a beer when you get back. "

wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:24 PM:

" I was one of these people who got a minor at this party. The cops let us all leave after getting all our information. I could of easily got in my car and drove home drunk. They asked me how i was getting home, and i did have a sober driver. They then let me out the door. I could of easily been lying to them, and gotten behind the wheel and driven home drunk. These officers were way more concerned about giving us minors, then keeping us safe. "

Support you local Police wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:12 PM:

" Great Job Bismarck PD !!!!!! 36 more young lives saved from themselves and countless more saved from the DUI minors that could have been on the streets that night. "

danfromil wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:12 PM:

" I don't want my tax dollars going to enforce laws that are so unimportant. A christmas party is not much of a priority to me. The polce should be going after drunk drivers not young adults who are drinking in a home. "

Biff Malibu wrote on Dec 23, 2008 7:43 PM:

" It's the police department's fault for citing minors drinking. It's the police department's fault if they don't do anything and one of them leaves and plows drunk into your family. It's the police department's fault if they do their job. It's the police department's fault if they don't d their job. Waaaa waaaaa waaaaa. I think it's the police department's fault my mommy and daddy didn't hug me enough when I was a baby. It's the police department's fault the snow plow didn't do my street first. It's the police department's fault they didn't stop me from every stupid move I made growing up. Waaaaa waaaaaa waaaaa.

I think the ENTIRE police department should shut down for a week, no police at ALL. We would see what you would be crying about then. Waaaaa waaaaa waaaa. "

verde wrote on Dec 23, 2008 6:54 PM:

" I would be nice if the police could catch vandals in the act, but that's probably pretty tough to do because they are probably pretty quick in the act. I am very grateful to Bismarck PD for the job they do in combating underage drinking. The fact is, underage drinking is a major problem in the North Dakota. In response to some who have said we have all done it, WRONG, we have not all "partied" our way through high school. I think it's just stupid. I also do not agree that kids will party because there is nothing else to do. These kids could have just as easily been drinking soda, watching movies, playing a good game like MadGab, etc. They chose not to do anything legal, but to violate the law instead, so it is their own fault, and they will now have to deal with the consequences. Hopefully, they will learn a lesson, and also learn to stand up to peer pressure and make an effort at being better people, and doing something fun and legal at their next get-together. "

H wrote on Dec 23, 2008 5:52 PM:

" I like how everyone always bashes the Bismarck PD when they make arrests like this.. it honestly gets annoying. My brother is a cop in Phoenix AZ and guess who causes the majority of accidents/deaths when alcohol is involved.. People under 21. Shocker! Yes I know there are people over 21 who causes their fare share of problems, but people under 21 think it's cool to get plastered to the point where they cant walk or function. Have you ever lived next to people under 21 who party? It's ANNOYING. Nothing but a bunch of drunks seeing who can drink the most beer and who can act the dumbest. I'm glad the BPD did this.. and ND has such a bad "drug problem" but dont forget it also has one of the HIGHEST binge drinking stats in the country. "

lets get real wrote on Dec 23, 2008 5:20 PM:

" for all of you sticking up for the cops here.. do you know the details of this party.. my guess is no... well allow me to give you a few details....first of alll this article says this party was called in at 12:37... my question is then why did it take until 2 am for the BIZ pd to get there ....? hmmm lets see here were any breathalizers given.. answer is NOPE yes that means everyone and their moms got minors....all i have to say is thecops were more worried about BUSTING teens when they were safe at a party while ADULTS we will call them... since "21 year olds and people older are more mature with alcohol" were leaving the bars.. in their own cars risking peoples lives. lets think about that. those people are the reason parents want their kids home before the bars close.. not because of house parties. oh and the cops never told the people at this party what was going to happen so im glad that i read this article so i know. "

km wrote on Dec 23, 2008 5:17 PM:

" No matter what you say about the police. I bet they would rather give a summons, send trhe kids home. Than have to go to a home and say "sorry to have to inform you your loved one has died" in a auto related accident. "

Snap wrote on Dec 23, 2008 4:48 PM:

" Everybody knows the kids are going to party when school lets out! Iy's easy pickins! I want the Bis PD to catch somebody when they are outy vandalizing half the town all night, like what happened a few weeks ago! Where were all the cops then? "

Law wrote on Dec 23, 2008 3:28 PM:

" ch, at $ 300.00 a pop the police just made the city coffers a little richer. ill, alot of druggies get busted because they get nabbed for something else and the drugs are found. Should the cops have just ignored the neighbors complaints about the noise and not done anything? If you're doing illegal activity don't draw attention to yourself and then complain when the police do their job. "

for what its worth wrote on Dec 23, 2008 3:23 PM:

" The Mandan PD held no remorse when they arrested me for a minor back in the day. On New Years Eve none the less. AND the best part: I wasn't even drinking, blew a 0 on the breathalizer. I got minor in posession. But truth is; I was more afraid of my mother then the PD.

But then when I moved to school in Grand Forks at UND, the police, whether it was campus PD or Grand Forks PD, would bust up a party and just make everyone leave. I'm not sure why Bismarck/Mandan can't just do that instead of writing out 35+ citations/minors/ect.

But yes, the PD around here are far to preoccupied with minors drinking. One night I called the PD for assistance basically almost had to give a blood test with all the information they were asking me. Then to end the conversation: "We'll send a car over as soon as we can, in about an hour." PFT. "

Rebecca wrote on Dec 23, 2008 2:34 PM:

" To Mahonri: When that law was passed (lowering the drinking age) alcohol related fatalities declined drastically. Why? Because the human brain isn't fully developed until age 21, so is handicapped in making responsible decisions, especially under peer pressure.
Your argument sounds good if you don't have any background about why the law is the way it is. And BTW, breaking the law is breaking the law. Chances are, 36 kids were not all going to stay over night at that one house. You should be glad that these kids weren't drinking and driving with the weather conditions we are having. "

Bad Idea wrote on Dec 23, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Are you serious Bis PD? Arresting that many minors? There are so many other problems in this town that we need to worry about. I see a meth head walking down the street mostly everyday, these are the things we should be worrying about. What else is there for kids to do in this town? Bowling? I think we should make more places available for kids to hang out at during the night hours. When all you adults were younger, i guarantee you guys were all out drinking. So why is it such a problem these days? And really? This article makes a headline? I laugh out loud. "

ill wrote on Dec 23, 2008 1:29 PM:

" first of all snoller....shut your trap. second, it is time for bismarck/mandan cops to calm down a little bit about underage drinking and focus on the drug problem we have in this state. "

B in M wrote on Dec 23, 2008 1:22 PM:

" Do you think they were having a party because there is nothing else for them to do in this community while on Christmas break? I think it is pretty petty of the local law enforcement to arrest 18-21 year olds for being at a party instead of just breaking it up. "

ummmm.... wrote on Dec 23, 2008 12:54 PM:

" So they arrested all of them and released them at the scene. How did all of these people get home? I don't care if some 20 year old kid had a few beers at his buddy's house but stay there! Don't give them all tickets and release them to go drive the streets of Bismarck after a few beers. "

Mom of 2 wrote on Dec 23, 2008 12:50 PM:

" Good Job Bismarck PD. I commend you for your job well done. Although people will always find something to grip about, I appreciate you helping to control the underaged irresponsible drinking. You will never please everyone but atleast you are doing your jobs and doing a good job of upholding the law, even if others can not. "

Missing the Point wrote on Dec 23, 2008 12:41 PM:

" It always amazes me that whenever there's a story about the police doing their job, so many people are so quick to criticize. Last I heard, police are supposed to uphold the law. If they don't do their job, they are called lazy. When they are doing their job they are criticized for enforcing the wrong laws. Underage drinking is against the law and should be dealt with as a crime. Do we really want a society where the police are in charge of deciding which crimes should be taken seriously? That is why we have laws. I say "good job" to the Bismarck Police Dept. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this community. "

Sunny wrote on Dec 23, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Are you people for real? We have laws for a reason. Do you not think that all these kids would more than likely try to drive home afterwards. They would endanger not only their lives but also any one else that may be on the road. Instead of always knocking the police why can't they ever get a little credit. I can almost bet my money on it that if you need help you are gonna be over joyed to see the police pull up at your house.. just a little food for thought.. "

CH wrote on Dec 23, 2008 12:11 PM:

" Well at least the city streets are safe from all of those 18-20 years old drinking. I wonder if real criminals read this stuff and laugh.

I guess we should be so lucky to live in a State were DUI and Minors trying to buy alcohol and Minors drinking are our biggest problems.

Funny thing is it does not stop it, it does not deter it. All it does is waste public funds and time. "

Seriously wrote on Dec 23, 2008 11:34 AM:

" good grief people! grow up---they were breaking a WELL PUBISHED law...if you arnt 21 dont drink---it looks like the gripers here need to do a little soul serching and support the police as they do their job...if people dont have respect for athority figures its due to people like you all who are disrespecting these policemen and women, mocking them instead of simply saying "great job!-you helped put the fear or God back in these kids for holding them accountable for their actions" i dont care what is comments are made back in response to this...i appreciate your hard work...keep it up! "

Mahonri wrote on Dec 23, 2008 9:46 AM:

" "adults under 21 years old were arrested for minor in consumption"
A bigger oxymoron than 'honest politician'.

Either they are adults or they are minors. They can fight and vote, enter into binding contracts but can't buy a beer. Make it legal for alcohol at 18 and tackle real crime with the freed up manpower. "

snoller wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:39 AM:

" Way to go minors. When you're underage at a party, it's best to keep the noise level down and have a good time. It's so sad these kids' parents have to deal with all the non-sense to follow. The kids just can't have any fun with alcohol. Years ago officers came to parties and made sure everyone was there. The officer didn't care if the minors were drinking, he new they would drink somewhere else. It's better for everyone to drink together, but in this case they got loud and stupid. That probably has something to do with other drugs as well, maybe prescriptions or Budweiser, all bad for you. Drink Good Beer, MGD. "

Hahaha wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Quick write a headline, "Cops bust our youth." Breaking news, Cops target youth drinking. Hey quick write a headline about this great story, "Youth drink to much, Cops bust um!" Good job Tribune you really got another great headline. "

Joe wrote on Dec 23, 2008 8:21 AM:

" Great...36 more who won't be moving back after they graduate college. "

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