Another Project comes to close

At the end of September, London Police Service have released the statistics for Project L.E.A.R.N. 2014. The Project ran from August 27 to September 21, a week shorter than the year before.

A new feature this year has been a change to their zero tolerance policy, issuing 631 warnings instead of the tickets they would’ve normally given. According to Const. Ken Steeves of the London Police Service, warnings are completely at the officer’s discretion and students should not expect them.

Paris Mitchell, a resident of the student housing surrounding Fleming Drive received eight tickets, three from the same officer.

“It’s gotten to the point where my roommates and I all feel harassed and abused.”

London Police gave out 1,422 Provincial Offence notices this year, a decrease from the 2,305 they gave out last year.

According to Steeves, the Project remains in place with the interests of public safety in mind, with the goal to eliminate offenses such as open alcohol, trespassing and public urination.

“Ideally, our numbers would be zero,” said Steeves. “Ideally, there would be no Project L.E.A.R.N. – it’s not mandated but due to the actions of certain individuals it’s necessary.”

Some students don’t see the Project to be all that effective.

“I don’t see the point of Project L.E.A.R.N.,” said Zachary Green, a resident of Prosperity Drive. “It’s like a constant slap on the wrist for about a month, then when the cops go away, people just want to get even crazier because the cops aren’t there.”

Steeves said that the police work proactively, occasionally checking the areas around Fanshawe and Western University to ensure that students are continuing to follow the law.

“If you don’t invite us to your party, we won’t come,” he said. “We’ll be happy not to come.”

The Project’s statistics this year are as followed:

Criminal Charges – 105

Students – 15

Non-students – 90

Provincial Offence Notices – 1,422

Students – 849

Non-students – 573