Springing ahead with Operation Fall Back

Brian Palmeter is a community liason officer with Halifax Regional Police. (Danny Abriel Photo)

As a new academic year approaches, Operation Fall Back is shifting into gear. It’s the designated police patrol for the neighbourhoods surrounding Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College.

But even before police officers hit the streets, Halifax Regional Police has been working proactively to be “straight up” with students and let them know that its officers will be on the lookout. Constable Brian Palmeter, community liaison officer for south-end Halifax, has been meeting with residence life managers, residence assistants and organizers of Orientation Week to remind them that Dalhousie is situated in a residential community and Dalhousie’s neighbours like their peace and quiet.

“We do get comments from out-of-province students who may expect to live in ‘student ghettoes’ where certain behaviors are disregarded,” he says. “But it’s not like that here in Halifax. We’ve got students living beside seniors and families and other students who don’t appreciate excess noise either,” says Constable Palmeter.

He notes a significant number of complaints—30 per cent—come from students.

Halifax Regional Police runs Operation Fall Back in September and Dalhousie takes over the designated police patrol (and pays for it) in October, as well as other potentially rowdy occasions such as the night before Munro Day (Feb. 6, 2009) and St. Patrick’s Day.

It’s the fourth year for the Operation Fall Back and the designated police patrol. Dalhousie is one of only two universities in Canada that takes this proactive approach with a special squad car dedicated to the surrounding neighbourhoods. (The other is McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.) Police response times for noise complaints have decreased dramatically—from about two hours to an average of 20 minutes—and liquor-related offenses tend to tail off following the first weekend of the program.

A neighbourhood survey, conducted in 2006, indicated neighbours have noticed a significant difference in the noise and liquor-related issues associated with back to school since the squad car program began.  In addition, students report feeling safer knowing officers are on patrol.

“(Five) years ago, is when it peaked… It was the breaking point when neighbours all around said this just can’t go on,” says Pat Whitman, who has lived for more than 30 years on Edward Street.

“The program has helped significantly,” she adds, “and our concern is that we’ll get complacent, thinking everything’s OK. But it’s important this continue.”

Last year, Halifax Police issued tickets totally $55,000 in the month of September. Tickets for noise, littering, under-age drinking and drinking liquor in a public place start at $452 for a first offence. Public intoxication will net you a $118.50 and a night in the drunk tank.

Halifax Councillor Sue Uteck (Northwest Arm-South End) commends Dalhousie for its efforts to improve relations between the university and its neighbours.

“Dal has been very effective in its community relations and has set the standard for universities across the country,” she says.

Ms. Whitman advises getting to know your new neighbours soon after they move in and talking to them the first time problems occur, even if it’s 2 a.m.

“You have to go and talk to them and you have to be prepared to lay a charge. Sometimes that’s the only way they get it.

“But I must say the majority of students are great neighbours and it’s nice to have young people around. But every once in awhile you get a mix who want to party, party, party.”