A London Police Service media release:
Project L.E.A.R.N. will be commencing on Thursday September 2nd, 2010 and will be operational through Saturday October 2nd, 2010. This is a collaborative effort involving police, student and staff representatives, (from the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College), involved neighborhoods, housing mediators, landlords, bar owners and Municipal Law Enforcement. As students are welcomed to the city, they will have been, and will be reminded, how living cooperatively and responsibly, in whichever neighborhood they occupy, will be expected and appreciated by all.
Generally increases in noise and liquor complaints follow the arrival of students to our city. Unfortunately, there have also been incidents that jeopardized individual’s safety.
Officers assigned to Project L.E.A.R.N. will be concentrating on the areas surrounding Fanshawe College, The University of Western Ontario, areas that are known to house Fanshawe/UWO students and the downtown area, specifically Richmond Street and the surrounding residential. Police will maintain a high visible police presence to proactively dissuade unlawful or inappropriate behavior that is disruptive to the community and to adequately respond to calls for service in a timely manner. Public safety, improving the quality of life for residents and ensuring peace in the community are all paramount goals of this project.
The most common infractions are: having/consuming alcohol under 19, having open alcohol in public place, public intoxication, public urination, noise, fire infractions (by-law and CC -arson) and drug related matters. We want everyone to have a good time and enjoy the start of a new school year, while at the same time respecting the rights of others.