HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-08-1999 CommunicationMay17,1999
Ms. Sandy Bauer
Police Citizen Review Board
c/o City Clerk Office
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Ms. Bauer:
This letter is to inform you about an incident that occurred in the nightclub Maxie's, and
the court trial associated with that incident. On December 3, 1998, at around 10:15 p.m.,
I took a cab from South Dodge Street to Maxie's. I arrived at Maxie's about five minutes
later, paid the cover charge, went in, and started to dance. From that time (about 10:20
p.m.) to closing time (around 1:20 a.m. of December 4) I danced almost every song and
had at the most four beers. Before this incident I used to be a regular at Maxie's,
especially on Thursday nights, which were Latino Nights. This particular night, at
closing time, I called a cab (as I usually did because I do not have a car) fi.om the
entryway payphone at Maxie's, and decided to wait for the cab right there in the
entryway because it was cold outside (and I was just wearing a shirt). However, the
doorman (or bouncer) told me, in a shooing and rude way, that I had to leave. I told him
that I was just waiting for a cab, that it was cold outside, and if he would please let me
stay there for a while to wait for the cab.
The doorman insisted, and with an arrogant tone of voice repeated that I had to leave, that
it was "balmy" outside, and that I would definitely have to go. I got upset, not only
because of his attitude of demonstration of power and his ironic tone, but also because I
would have to wait for the cab outside in the cold for at least 10 minutes, when I could as
well wait inside, not harming anybody. Besides, the DJ, Mr. Frank Rubero, was still
clearing his equipment, carrying it out to his car in several trips, so the door to the bar
was still not being closed for the night. I told the doorman that I normally waited for the
cab in the entryway and that they always let me do that, and that I was not going to leave
the entryway. I was very upset because of the injustice of the situation; because I was a
patron and yet they were shooing me out like an insect. But I was neither drunk nor did I
look drunk. At that time I weighed more than 190 lbs, (I weigh about the same now), I
had danced vigorously all night, and I had had only four beers in three hours. I could not
have been drunk or even looked like I was. I was sweaty because of all the vigorous
Latino dancing, and my eyes may have been red because of the smoke in the nightclub.
The doorman said, "That's the way you want it, huh?" and went into the nightclub to call
the police. About a minute later, a lady (possibly the owner of Maxie's) approached me
and asked me if there was a problem. I told her that I was only waiting for a cab, and she
left. Contrary to what is stated in the Complaint (copy enclosed) nobody, except the
doorman, told me to leave the premises. Saying that several employees asked me to
leave (as stated in the Complaint) seems to be a formula (and a lie in this case) that the
bar uses to stack the odds (in the eyes of the police) against those customers they think
are annoyances. The police arrived in about five minutes. The policeman--,
llll~sml~, approached the entryway, told me to step out, and once I had stepped out,
arrested me IMMEDIATELY. The officer did not tell me to leave the premises, or
threaten me with arrest. He arrested me immediately (I did not oppose any resistance).
Later on, in the trial (on May 5, 1999), ~stated, under oath, that he had told
me to leave and that he had threatened to arrest me, two statements that are
COMPLETELY UNTRUE. He lied probably knowing that that was the crux of the
matter. Knowing that it was not fight for him to arrest me without first hearing both sides
of the story, without first giving me an opportunity to leave the premises.
When the officer was putting the handcuffs on me, several thoughts started racing
through my mind. I saw the Police as private guards of Maxie's (and maybe other bars)
who did not care at all about the customers but only about the safety and well-being of
Maxie's. I was not given any opportunity to express the reasons for why I was doing
what I was doing, and no tests were done on me right there to see ifI was drunk (a test
with a hand-held breathalizer was later done in jail--it read .09, as appears in the
Complaint). Maxie's and the police had absolute power, and I (a person with no previous
criminal record) was deprived of my liberty and the possibility of expressing a valid
reason for my behavior. I later found out that Mr. Rubero, the DJ, had told the officer, as
I was being arrested, that he (Mr. Rubero) would be willing to take me home, implying in
that a request to the officer not to arrest me. But that request was not granted and I was
arrested and taken to jail. There always was the possibility for me to leave the premises
and end the whole problem then and there, but it was never allowed, as if an arrest had to
be made no matter what.
Once in the patrol car the officer asked me at least two questions, the answer to one of
which he used in the trial. He asked me whether I had been arrested before (to which I
said no), and he also asked me how much I had had to drink (to which I answered four
beers). He later used this information (from the last question) in the trial. As I was in the
patrol car, I was not told by lill~lll~that this information could and would be used
against me.
During the trial, as I took the stand and answered a few questions from my legal counsel
(Mr. Chad Thomas and Mr. Dan Ryan, both of the Student Legal Services Office of the
University of Iowa)~llllll~l~ and another officer (whose name I do not know) were
sitting in the audience snickering and laughing and sneering at me, showing again an
attitude of absolute power; an attitude of wanting to show me (and maybe the rest of the
audience) that anybody who dares challenge them is but a minuscule obstacle that they
can make fun of(Mr. Rubero, a witness in the trial, later commented to me that he also
saw the police officers laughing as I was talking). That is not an attitude worthy of
protectors of the common good, who should be mature, impartial and fair.
Changing plans that we had been going over the day before the trial, my legal counsel did
not allow me (during the trial) to tell my whole story, or my thoughts and concerns, for
fear that the prosecutor, Ms. Angela Boeke, would find ammunition for detecting
contradictions. So it was only after the Judge (Magistrate Bergan) had declared me guilty
that I stated, with the Judge's permission, that I~l~lll~ had arrested me
IMMEDIArrELY upon his arrival. I said that the officer had neither told me to leave the
premises nor threatened to arrest me. (I must say that I am grateful to my legal counsel
for the services and help they provided me.)
I would not have gone to the trouble of requesting a trial, coming to the Police Citizen
Review Board, and writing this letter ifI did not think that a serious injustice has been
done in this case. It may be an arrest for a simple misdemeanor, but it shows how
citizens may be completely powerless before police officers who act in a partial and
unfair manner, possibly showing favoritism to bars such as Maxie's. It shows that
nightclubs such as Maxie's may already be accustomed to calling the police knowing for
sure that the police will dispose easily of any annoying customers, as if the police were, I
repeat, their private guards and guardians.
This month I graduated. I got a Ph.D. degree in Linguistics at the University of Iowa,
and starting in the Fall of this year I will be working at the I I I. I
as an Assistant Professor of Spanish. I will take with me very dear and positive
memories of Iowa City, a city which throughout the six years that I have lived here has
treated me very well. This incident with the police and with Maxie's has marred the last
six months of my otherwise pleasant stay in Iowa City.
Thank you..
Carlos Benavides
621 S. Dodge St. Apt.8
Iowa City, IA $2240
Phone: (319) 358-672 !
Email: carlosbena@~hotmail.com
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF IOWA IN AND FOR JOHNSON COUNTY
CLERK S NO, -
..AME ~ DATE OF BIRT~ ~ O I I ~/~/~ FE- Felony
ADDRESS ~ SOCIAL SECURITY NO.
CITY/STATE/ZIP / RACE SEX HGT. WG~. HAIR
in violation of Section /~ ~- ~ of the Iowa Criminal Code or Ordinance
of the Ciw of Iowa Ciw in that {he] (she] did, on or about the ~day of ~d~ ~ ,19 ~, at
{Time:) ~J.'~ 7 (Location:l ~ ~ in Johnson County, State of Iowa
~O - Cust~y - On ~ew ~is. Q Non-His.
~ S - Cited & Released ~es. Q Non-Res.
Q T-Cust~y-WarranVPdor A~: Q Yes ~No COMPLAINANT
~ H~cuff DL
I, the undersigned complainant, being first duly sworn on oath, do hereby depose and state I believe ~he above named Defen-
dant committed the above named public offense based on the followin~ facts; ~ 7 '
COMPLAINANT
Subscribed a/~a'swori~,~C)e~e me on this -- day of
I hereby promise to appear in said court at
on or before AM /. /
in court as specified shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The court may then issue a warrant of de~e~ant as
specified in Section 805.5 of the Code of Iowa. .-~ ~ ~
SIGNATURE O~ DEFENDANT
L' WA CI' POLICE
ORIGINAL - COURT
Defendant named in the complaint committed the public offense as charged on the reverse side.
Dated this ~'~ dayof ' '~-""t ,,9 (~.
~MAGISTRATE
May 27, 1999 /~
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Ms. Catherine A. Pugh
Stein & Pugh L.LC.
221~ E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Re: PCRB -- Complaint Cover Sheet
Dear Catherine:
Enclosed you will find a red-lined version of the cover sheet to the complaint forms which shows
the changes I would like to see made to the PCRB's last draft. I will explain the proposed
changes briefly here in the order that they appear.
The concern I have about the "should you use" language is that I believe it is our intent to set
forth factual information so that the potential complainant can determine for himself or herself
which form to use. Rather than struggle with this language any longer, I propose that we simply
eliminate the entire sentence.
In the interest of brevity, I have taken out the "what happens" and "how long it takes" headings.
Police Department Form
1. I have changed the sentence regarding the preparation of a written report because someone
other than the Police Chief may prepare the report.
2. I have changed the word "formal" to "generally" for two reasons. First, it is not just formal
investigations that are considered confidential. Second, this is a general rule that is usually,
but not always, applicable.
PCRB Form
1. In the interest of brevity I have taken out the clause which defines a "formal" investigation
since that word is bolded and defined in the paragraph above.
2. The word "but" is unnecessary.
3. We should say what identifying information we are talking about.
Ms. Catherine A. Pugh
May 27, 1999
Page 2
I look forward to hearing from you.
Eleanor M. Dilkes
City Attorney
cc: Marian Karr, City Clerk
Steve Atkins, City Manager
R. J. Winkelhake, Police Chief
Sarah Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney
eleanor~ltr~cp5-26.doc
You Want to file a Complaint About an Iowa City Police Officer.
There are two kinds of complaint forms. The form you choose determine(is how your complaint
is handled.
Iowa City Police DeDartment Comolairlt Form
If you use the Police Department form, the Iowa City Police Department will determine how to
investigate your complaint. The investigation may be informal, such as a discussion between
you and the officer's supervisor. Or, it may be formal, which means that you, the officer, and
witnesses will be interviewed by Police Department investigators~ -r~.~, ,,.. ,c'~'~..,,.... r.~.~.., ,,.., ,.,,,,..,,, ~., c~..., .. ......
..... · * "- *~'~- and a written '"~" bc .......'~
renor[ ............. on the Police Department's findings and
conclusions will be prepared. You will be notified of the outcome of the investigation.
Fcrmc! Generally, investigations and any officer discipline that may result from them are
considered nonpublic, confidential records. By law, the Police Chief decides if and how an
officer will be disciplined.
When you use the Police Department complaint form, it usually takes from one week to three
months to receive a final response from the department.
Police Citizens Review Board (PCRB) Complaint Form
If you use the PCRB form, the Police Department will conduct a formal investigation;__, which
~As soon as you file your form, the PCRB will also receive a copy of it, so
they know your complaint is being investigated. When formal investigation is completed, the
Police Chief will prepare a written report and send copies to the PCRB, to you, and to the
officers involved.
The PCRB then reviews the Chief's Report and sometimes conducts its own investigation. The
PCRB decides whether the Chief's conclusions are reasonable and issues a public report to the
City Council. You will be notified of the outcome of the PCRB's review. The PCRB has no
authority to discipline police officers.
The PCRB handles its work with complaints confidentially and generally does not include
information identifying informctlcn you or the officer in its reports. However, if a complaint is
upheld, the PCRB does have the right to include the names of complainants and offii;ers in its
reports.
When you use the PCRB complaint form, it usually takes three months for the Board to receive
the Chiefs Report on the formal investigation and an additional one to two months for the Board
to complete its work.
If you have questions about choosing a complaint form, contact the Police Depadment
(356-5275) or the Police Citizens Review Board Office (356-5413).
For more information about the PCRB, consult the city ordinance that established it (Iowa
City Code Chapter 8-8). Copies are available in the City Clerk's office at the Civic Center, 410
East Washington Street (356-5043).
You Want to File a Complaint About an Iowa City Police Officer:
There are two kinds of complaint forms. The form you choose determines how your complaint
will be handled.
lo,wa Clt~,Police Departmen~ Coqnplaint Form
If you use the Police Department form, the Iowa City Police Department will determine bow to
investigate your complaint. The investigation may be informal, such as a discussion between
you ami the officer's supervisor. Or, it may be formol, which means that you, the officer, and
witnesses will be interviewed by Police Depmh~at investigators and a written report on the
department's findings and conclusions will be prepmed. You will be notified of the outcome of
the investigation,
Generally, investigations and any officer discipline that may result fi'om them are considered
nonpublic, confidential records. By law, the Police Chief decides if and how an officer will he
disciplined.
When you use the Police Depat~mient complaint form, it usually takes fi~m one week to three
months to receive a final response from the department.
Polie~ Citizeua Review Board (PCRB} Complaint Form
If you use the PCRB form, the Police Department will conduct a formal investigation. As soon
as you file your fonv_, the PCRB will also receive a copy of it, so they know your complaint is
being investigated. When formal investigation is completed, the Police Chief will prepare a
written report and send copies to the PCRB, to you, and to the officers involved.
The PCRB then reviews the Chief's Report and sometimes conducts its own investigation. The
PCRB decides wheth~ the Chief's conclusions am reasonable and issues a public report to the
City Council. You will be notified of the outcome oftbe PCRB's review. The PCRB has no
authority to discipline police officers.
The PCRB handles its work with complaints confidentially and generally does not include
information identifying you or the officer in its reports. However, if a complaint is upheld, the
PCRB does have the right to include the names of complainants and officers in its reports.
When you use the PCRB complaint form, it usually takes three months for thc Board to receive
the Chief's Report on the formal investigation and an additional one to two months for the Board
to complete its work.
ffyou have questions about choosing a form, contact the Police Department
(356-5275) or the Police Citizens Review Board Office (3~6-5413)
For more information about the PCRB, consult the city ordinance that established it (Iowa City
Code Chapter 8-8). Copies are available in the City Clerk's office at the Civic Center, 410 E.
Washington Street (356-5043).
Spouses and relatives of City Council Members and members of comparable County
Boards and Commissions are not eligible for appointment to City Boards and
Commissions. This includes: spouse, child, mother, father, mother- in- law, father-
in- law, brother, sister, brother- in- law, sister- in- law, step-father, step-mother,
step-child, aunt, or uncle. (Resolution 85-354)
Males: 2
Females: 2
June 29, 1999
POLICE CITIZENS' REVIEW BOARD
One Vacancy - Unexpired Term
May 18, 1999 - September 1, 2000
John R. Stratton []
815 Wylde Green Road
James Clayton []
3059 Prairie du Chien Road NE (not in the City Limits)
John Robertson []
915 Oakcrest #12
[] Denotes applicant completed the Confidential page of the application.
CITY OF IOWA CITY >-~ -<
'OLICE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD -~-
APPLICATION FORM o~ = ~",
3> r.,n
Individuals serving on Boards/Commissions play an important role in advising the Council on matters of interest
to our community and its future. Applicants must reside in Iowa City. However, the City Council reserves the
right to waive the residency requirement for good cause shown.
After a vacancy has been announced, the Council reviews all applications dudng the work session. The
appointment is made at the next formal Council meeting. Appointees serve as unpaid volunteers,
PLEASE USE A BLACK INK PEN. Return the application to City Clerk, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City,
Iowa.
THIS APPLICATION IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT AND AS SUCH CAN BE REPRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED FOR
THE PUBLIC, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LAST PAGE MARKED 'CONFIDENTIAL', THIS APPLICATION WILL
BE CONSIDERED FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AND AUTOMATICALLY CONSIDERED FOR ANY VACANCY
DURING THAT TIME.
^DV,SORY BOARD~COMM,SS,ON NAME 'P~ h ~ C~-,'~ ~ ~ ~J TERM ?~
NAME '~'-~'k"'~ ~, ~'~J~'~ ~/ /--'~ "OMEADDRESS C/~ ~y{~ ~ ~
your home address (listed above) within the corporate limits of Iowa City? ~ Yes __ No
How long have you been a resident of Iowa City? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
OCCUPATION 3~O~i~,~S~' EMPLOYER t~'~;c~5;~ ~ ~o~
PHONE NUMBER: HOME ~ ~ ~3~10 ~ BUSINESS ~I~-Z~-~"? ~
EXPERIENCE AND/OR ACTIVITIES WHICH YOU FEEL QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS POSITION: ~ ~ 4~
PCRB
Page 2
~ARE YOU OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A "PEACE OFFICER" AS DEFINED IN IOWA CODE SECTION 801.4(11)
EE BELOW). IF SO, PLEASE IDENTIFY THE POSITION(S), THE DATES YOU HELD THE POSITION(S), A BRIEF
oESCRIPTION OF YOUR DUTIES IN THE POSITION(S) AND THE REASON YOU LEFT THE POSITION(S),
'Peace officers', sometimes designated 'law enforcement officers", include:
a, Sheriffs and their regular deputies who are subject to mandated law enforce-
ment training. "
b. Marshals and police officers of cities.
c. Peace officer members of the department of public safety as defined in
chapter 80.
d. Parole officers acting pursuant to section 900.2.
e. Probation officers acting pursuant to section 602.7202, subsection 4, and
section 907.2.
f. Special security officers employed by board of regents institutions as set forth
in section 262.13.
g. Conservation officers as authorized by section 456A. 13.
h. Such employees of the department of transportation as are designated 'peace
officers' by resolution of the department under section 321.477.
i. Employees of an aviation authority designated as 'peace officers' by the
authority under section 33OA.8, subsection 16.'
j. Such persons as may be otherwise so designated by law.
WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ADVISORY BOARD? .-~
WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE TO THIS ADVISORY BOARD (OR STATE REASON FOR
APPLYING)? ',~- ~ ~ ~.~ ~ o.._ ,,~.-~,~,,~ ~~r~ ~ ,
PCRB
Page 3
IF YOU THINK A CONFLICT OF INTEREST MAY EXIST BETWEEN OTHER ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU ARE
ENGAGED AND YOUR POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT TO PCRB, PLEASE DESCRIBE BELOW AND THEN CAN
CONTACT THE CITY ATTOrNey' .S _OFFICE. ,'
IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED, DO YOU WANT TO BE NOTIFIED? ~.YES NO
DO YOU CURRENTLY SERVE ON ANOTHER IOWA CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION? YES
(It has been Council policy not to permit an individual to serve on two Boards or Commissions at the same tlme.)
Misrepresentations on this application will constitute just cause for removal of an appointee.
If you fail to answer all questions on the application you may not be considered for appointment.
July 1997
CITY OF IOWA CITY
-°OLICE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD
APPLICATION FORM
Individuals serving on Boards/Commissions play an important role in advising the Council on matters of interest
to our community and its future. Applicants must reside in Iowa City. However, the City Council reserves the
right to waive the residency requirement for good cause shown.
After a vacancy has been announced, the Council reviews all applications during the work session. The
appointment is made at the next formal Council meeting. Appointees se'rve as unpaid volunteers.
PLEASE USE A BLACK INK PEN. Return the application to City Clerk, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City,
Iowa.
THIS APPLICATION IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT AND AS SUCH CAN BE REPRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED FOR
THE PUBLIC, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LAST PAGE MARKED 'CONFIDENTIAL', THIS APPLICATION WILL
BE CONSIDERED FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AND AUTOMATICALLY CONSIDERED FOR ANY VACANCY
DURING THAT TIME.
Is ~our home address (listed above) within the corporate limits of Iowa City? Yes ~ No
.ow long have you been a resident of Iowa City~ /~ ~P~t ~ ~
EXPERIENCE AND/OR ACTIVITIES WHICH YOU FEEL QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS POSITION:
PCRB
Page 2
ARE YOU OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A "PEACE OFFICER" AS DEFINED IN IOWA CODE SECTION 801.4(11)
- E BELOW). IF SO, PLEASE IDENTIFY THE POSITION(S), THE DATES YOU HELD THE POSITION(S), A BRIEF
oL,~CRIPTION OF YOUR DUTIES IN THE POSITION(S) AND THE REASON YOU LEFT THE POSITION(S).
"Peace officers", sometimes designated "law enforcement officers", include:
a. Sheriffs and their regular deputies who are subje,ct to ma, ndated law enforce-
ment training.
b. Marshals and police officers of cities.
c. Peace officer members of the department of public safety as defined in
chapter 80.
d. Parole officers acting pursuant to section 906.2.
e. Probation officers acting pursuant to section 602.7202, subsection 4, and
section 907.2.
f. Special security officers employed by board of regents institutions as set forth
in section 262.13.
g. Conservation officers as authorized by section 456A. 13.
h. Such employees of the department of transportation as are designated "peace
officers" by resolution of the department under section 321.477.
i. Employees of an aviation authority designated as "peace officers" by the
authority under section 330A.8, subsection 16.
j. Such persons as may be otherwise so designated by law.
WHAT I~,YOUR PRESENT KNOWLEDGE .OF THIS ADVISORY BOARD? /~ /~'~.,'/~_¢~) /~ ~
WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DO ~OU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE TO, THIS ADVISORY BOARD (OR STATE REASON FOR
PCRB
Page 3
IF YOU THINK A CONFLICT OF INTEREST MAY EXIST BETWEEN OTHER ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU ARE
ENGAGED AND YOUR POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT TO PCRB, PLEASE DESCRIBE BELOW AND THEN CAN
CONTACT THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE,
IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED, DO YOU WANT TO BE NOTIFIED? ~)~'YES NO
DO YOU CURRENTLY SERVE ON ANOTHER IOWA CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION? YES .~ NO
(It has been Council policy not to permit an individual to serve on two Boards or Commissions at the same time.)
Misrepresentations on this application will constitute just cause for removal of an appointee.
If you fail to answer all questions on the application you may not be considered for appointment.
July 1997
CITY OF IOWA CITY
"' OLICE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD -
APPLICATION FORM
;?': '77,
Individuals serving on Boards/Commissions play an important role in advising the Council on matters of interest
to our community and its future, Applicants must reside in Iowa City, However, the City Council reserves the
right to waive the residency requirement for good cause shown.
After a vacancy has been announced, the Council reviews all applications during the work session. The
appointment is made at the next formal Council meeting, Appointees serve as unpaid volunteers,
PLEASE USE A BLACK INK PEN. Return the application to City Clerk, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City,
Iowa.
THIS APPLICATION IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT AND AS SUCH CAN BE REPRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED FOR
THE PUBLIC, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LAST PAGE MARKED 'CONFIDENTIAL", THIS APPLICATION WILL
BE CONSIDERED FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AND AUTOMATICALLY CONSIDERED FOR ANY VACANCY
DURING THAT TIME.
TERM unexpired term
ADVISORY BOARD/COMMISSION NAME , .~CRB ~
NAMEJohn Robertson HOME ADDRESS 915 Oakcrest #12 Iowa City IA
[s ,our home address (listed above) within the corporate limits of Iowa City? X Yes~"~oz246
, ,ow long have you been a resident of Iowa City? 7 Years
OCCUPATION Attorney EMPLOYER Linn County Advocate
PHONE NUMBER: HOME 354-9554 BUSINESS 31q-3qR-3535
EXPERIENCE AND/OR ACTIVITIES WHICH YOU FEEL QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS POSITION:
PCRB
Page 2
ARE YOU OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A "PEACE OFFICER" AS DEFINED IN IOWA CODE SECTION 801.4(11)
~ BELOW). IF SO, PLEASE IDENTIFY THE POSITION(S), THE DATES YOU HELD THE POSITION(S), A BRIEF
O~CRIPTION OF YOUR DUTIES IN THE POSITION(S) AND THE REASON YOU LEFT THE POSITION(S).
"Peace officers", sometimes designated "law enforcement officers", include:
a. Sheriffs and their regular deputies who are subject to mandated law enforce-
ment training.
b. Marshals and police officers of cities.
c. Peace officer members of the department of public safety as defined in
chapter 80.
d. Parole officers acting pursuant to section 906.2.
e. Probation officers acting pursuant to section 602.7202, subsection 4, and
section 907.2.
f. Special security officers employed by board of regents institutions as set forth
in section 262.13.
g. Conservation officers as authorized by section 456A. 13.
h. Such employees of the department of transportation as are designated "peace
officers" by resolution of the department under section 321.477.
i. Employees of an aviation authority designated as "peace off/cer$" by the
authority under section 330A.8, subsection 16.
j. Such persons as may be otherwise so designated by law.
see attached
WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ADVISORY BOARD?
see attached
WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE TO THIS ADVISORY BOARD(OR STATE REASON FOR
APPLYING)?
see attached
PCRB
Page 3
IF YOU THINK A CONFLICT OF INTEREST MAY EXIST BETWEEN OTHER ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU ARE
ENGAGED AND YOUR POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT TO PCRB, PLEASE DESCRIBE BELOW AND THEN CAN
CONTACT THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
.~ee attached
IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED, DO YOU WANT TO BE NOTIFIED? x YES . NO
DO YOU CURRENTLY SERVE ON ANOTHER IOWA CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION? YES x NO
(It has been Council policy not to permit an individual to serve on two Boards or Commissions at the same time,)
Misrepresentations on this application will constitute just cause for removal of an appointee,
If you fail to answer all questions on the application you may not be considered for appointment.
cclerk~polCt~lpp.do~ July 1997
EXPERIENCE OR ACTIVITILES WHICH YOU FEEL QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS
POSITION:
I have worked in and around the criminal justice system since 1979. From then until 1989 1 worked
in the juvenile justice field, primarily as a program manager with the Missouri Division of Youth
Services. In 1993 (after completing law school) I worked for the National.Mammal and Child
Health Resource Center at the College of Law. In 1994 1 entered private practice in Iowa City,
where I represented criminal defendants and juveniles (as well as others) in a general law practice.
In February, 1999 1 suspended my private practice and joined the Linn County Advocate, where I
represent persons accused of crimes in that county exclusively. I also teach Criminal Investigations
and Criminal Evidence at Mount Mercy College. I have served on numerous Boards and
Committees over the years.
ARE YOU OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A "PEACE OFFICER"?
No.
WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT KNOWLEDGE OF THE ADVISORY BOARD?
My understanding is that the Advisory Board investigates complaints made by citizens against
officers in the Iowa City Police Department, develops findings of fact, and where appropriate
recommends remedies to the Chief of Police. The Board also makes policy recommendations to
City Council.
WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE TO THIS ADVISORY
BOARD?
Because of my close association with law enforcement over the years, I believe I possess an
accurate and detailed understanding of the profession. Because of my work in recent years
representing clients accused of crimes, I also understand the experiences of persons confronted by
police. Because of my work as a teacher, I understand the ideals and realities of law enforcement.
All of this, I hope, would combine to allow me to participate actively and constructively in the
activities of the Board.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST?
I envision no conflicts at this time.
: , ' ' John Robedson
99 JU~4 -2 P',! I: ~'~ ~ Attorney at Law
. , .~ -.. 209 East Washington, Suite 303
~ll I LL:_;'.,,
, ¢ Iowa City Iowa 52240
IO~IA CITY, IO,,A
Phone 319 338 9852
Fax 319 351 8312
emall jroberts@inav, net
June 1, 1999
City Clerk
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
RE: PCRB Application
TO WHOM 1T MAY CONCERN:
Please find enclosed my completed application to serve on the Police Citizens Review
Board. I ask that Council review it favorably and appoint me to the present vacancy.
I have worked within the criminal justice system since 1979. Until 1989, I was a social
worker and juvenile justice staff member, primarily with the Missouri Division of Youth Services.
There, and as a part of my regular duties, I interacted with law enforcement and Court personnel on
a routine basis. In 1990 1 returned to school and earned both a Masters Degree and a Juris
Doctorate. Following graduation, I was the Associate Director of the National Maternal and Child
Health Resource Center at the University of Iowa. In 1994 1 began a full time law practice in Iowa
City. In February, 1999 1 accepted a position with the Umn County Advocate representing indigent
criminal defendants. In addition, since 1994 ! have been an instructor at Mount Mercy College in
the Criminal Justice Department. There, I teach criminal investigations and criminal evidence to
students seeking careers in law enforcement.
As an attorney, I come into regular contact with police officers and am very familiar with the
issues and events they regularly encounter in the performance of their duties. Likewise, I am
routinely exposed to treatment private citizens receive from law enforcement. While the vast
majority of those experiences by all accounts are not problematic, on occasion a client or witness
(or another officer) will provide a credible report that entails potentially unprofessional law
enforcement conduct. In all of this I believe I am able to exercise the kind of critical judgmgnt
necessary to properly evaluate the allegations and facts and determine where truth lies.
More important, I support without reservation the purposes of the PCRB and the idea of
citizen oversight to law enforcement. Such an entity serves as a resource both for the community
and the police and can function as a trusted resource for a locality such as ours.
In any event, I seek appointment to the Board, and ask that you give this application serious
consideration. I may be reached at home at 354-9554 and at work, 31%398-3535 if you have any
questions or comments.
Jo~/~ Robertson
~un-03-99 02:35P Stein,Russell & Pugh,LLP 319-351-6409 P.03
STEIN, ~ & PUGH~ L.L.P.
ATrO1U~IEYB AT LAW
IOWA CITY, IOWA 5ZIi4
Eleanor Dilkes
City Attorney's Office
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
RE: Tracking of Police Department Written Complaints
Dear Eleanor:
A concern has arisen with the Police Citizen's Review Board regarding the tracking of
non-PCRB complaints made to the Iowa City Police Department. As you know it has
been a primary concern of the PCRB that the Board be privy to information concerning
non-PCRB complaints to the Police Department so that the Board may track this
information. It was the Board's understanding that a consensus of the City Council
supported the Board in this endeavor and that directions were given to Chief
Winklehake to provide the Board with summaries of all written complaints received by
the Department allowing that the identifying information concerning particular police
officers would be redacted.
To date we have not received this information from the Chief. Last month the Chief
provided the Board with a summary of the investigational logs that correspond to the
PCRB complaints. This is not what the Board is looking to the Department to provide.
We would appreciate it if you could provide clarification or let us know your
understanding of the Chief's obligation in this regard. Thank you for your attention to
this matter.
Yours truly,
STEIN & PUGH, LL,P.
Catherine A. Pugh
GAP.gig
Jun-03-99 02:35P Stein,Russell & Pugh,LLP 319-351-6409 P.02
STE[1W & PUGH~ L.L.P.
ATTORI~EY~ AT LAW
IOWA CIT~ IOWA ~22~
Eleanor M. Dilkes
City Attorney's Office
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
RE: Proposed Amendment to Section 8-8-7B(3)
L)ear Eleanor:
I"ilank you for your prompt response to the Boardls suggestions concerning the
amendment to Section 8-8-7B(3). The Board has reviewed the revised amendment
and feels that the changes are appropriate and that they cover the issues of notification
and confidentiality well.
Thank you for assistance in this regard.
Yours truly,
STEIN &PUG., L.L.P.
Catherine A. Pugh
CAP,gig
0¢: Leah. (:nh er,
TIlE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Tell Us Wh t You Really
Students at the University of Iowa didn't think that national statistics and
college student stereotypes from Harvard studies described them.
U of I students did their own study.
We don't believe that national high school statistics can cover all of the
experiences, problem~, and issues that face Iowa City high school students-
so we devised a survey specifically for Iowa City.
Like U of I students, here is your chance to set the record straight by telling
us what you really think.
Privacy Guarantee: This is a voluntary survey, feel free to answer only
what you would like. If you do not wish to answer a question, please leave it
blanlc All of your answers will be kept completely confidential. No one will
be able to link anything on this survey back to you. The results will be
reported only as summarized group data; not on an individual level.
Gender
1. Male 2. Female
1. In general, how would you rate your high school? Would you say that it is excellent, good, fair, or
poor?
1. Excellent Z Good 3. Fair 4. Poor 5. Don't'Knc ~
2. Some people think that alcohol consumption is not a serious problem at your high school, others
think that it is a ve~ serious problem. What about you? Do you think alc6hol consumption is not a
problem, is a minor problem, or is a serious problem at your high school?
1. Not a problem 2. Minor problem 3. Serious problem 8. Don't Know
3. Have you ever drunk alcohol (other than to taste it)?
1. Yes
2. No (skip to Q 17)
8. Don't Know
3a. At what age did you first drink alcohol (other than to taste it)?.
4. Did you drink any alcohol in the past two weeks?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to QB)
8. DK/Refused
4a. (If Yes) How many times during the past two weeks would you say that happened? Only
once or twice, 3 to 4 times, 5 to 10 times, or more than that?
1. Once or twiee 2. 3to4times 3. 5-10times 4. Moreoften 8. Don'tKnow
5. In the past two weeks, on those occasions when you drank alcohol, how many drinks did you usually
have?
1 drink
2 drinks
3 drinks
4 drinks
5 drinks
6 drinks
7 drinks
8 drinks
9 or more drinks
Don't Know
6. During the past two weeks was there ever an occasion on which you had (for males- 5 or more
drinks in a row) (for females- 4 or more drinks in a row)?
I. Yes
2. No (Skip to Q8)
8. Don't Know
7. Over how long of a period of time were those drinks consumed?
1. Less than 1 hour
2. 1-2 hours
3. 34 hours
4. 4-5 hours
5. More than 5 hours
8. Don't Know
8. Below is a list of possible reasons some people give for drinking. Please check the column for each
item, indicating if it is or is not a reason why you drink?
Is Is Not DK
a. To be social
b. To enjoy the feeling of drinking alcohol
c. To relieve stress
d. It is the popular thing to do
e. To ~et drunk
f. The lack of anything else to do
9. Out of the above (8 a-f) reasons, which is the single most important reason why you drink?
10. * Do your friends influence your decision to drink?
1. Yes
2. No
8. Don't Know
11. Where do you drink alcohol? (Circle all that apply)
1. Home 2. Parties 3. Car 4. Friend%homes
5. Other (please specify). 8. Don't Know
12. * How do you obtain alcohol? (Circle all that apply)
1, Parents buy for you 2. Older friends/relatives buy for you 3. Fake ID
4. Parents' liquor cabinet 5. Provided at parties 6. Other 8. Don't Know
13. * Have you ever been caught drinking?
1. Yes
2. No (Skip to Question 18)
8. Don't Know
14. * WL~ caught you drinking? (Ckcle all that apply)
1. Parents 2. Police 3. Friends 4. Brother or sister
5. School officials 6. Other 8. Don't Know
15. * What kind of consequence/punishment, if any did you receive?
1. None (skip to Q18) 2. Suspended fi.om school activities
3. Grounding/lost privileges fi.om parents 4. Other 8. Don't Know
16. * Were these punishments enough to make you not drink or drink less?
1. Yes (skip to Q 18)
2. No (skip to Q 18)
8. Don't Know (skip to Q 18)
17. * (This question is only for those who responded #2 on Question 2 above)
What are some of the reasons that you don't drink (circle all that apply?)
1. Don't like the taste of alcohol
2. Involved in school sports/activities
3. Friends don't drink
4. Alcohol is unavailable to you
5. Fear of getting caught
6. Alcohol just is not good for you
7. Other
8. Don't Know
18. * Do the majority of your friends drink alcohol?
1. Yes
2. No
8. Don't Know
19. Have you ever experienced any of the following second-hand effects because of alcohol? (Circle all
that apply.)
I. Had to "baby-sit" a drank or sick fxiend
2. Drove recklessly or have been in a ear with a drank/reckless driver
3. Been in a serious argument or quarrel with friends
4. Been pushed, hit, or assaulted (not sexual assault)
5. Had your property dart iged "
6. Been insulted or humiliated
Only females respond to 7 & 8
7. Experienced an unwanted sextml advance
8. Been a victim of sexual assault or 'date rape"
20. * Does your school provide enough alternative activities to drinking?
1. Yes (Skip to Q22)
2. No
8. Don't Know
21. * (If No) Are there other alternative activities that you could suggest? Please write them here.
22. Do you perceive binge drinking at your school to be: much higher, higher, about the same, lower, or
much lower than at other local high schools?
1. Much higher 2. Higher 3. About the same 4. Lower 5. Much lower 8. Don'Know
23. There has been a lot of talk concerning "binge" drinking around local high schools. In your opinion
how many drinks in a single night would constitute binge drinking?
1. 1-3 2. 4-6 3. 7-9 4. 10+ 8. Don'tKnow
24. Last year a Harvard study worked to define binge drinking. According to this study, "binge"
drinking consists of four drinks for females and five for males in a single evening. Do you feel that
this number of drinks is too high, too low, or about right for what should be considered "binge"
drinking?
1. Too high 2. Too Iow 3. About right 8. Don't Know
25. Based on what you have heard or experienced, approximately what percentage of students at your
high school would be considered binge drinkers according to the Harvard definition (5 or more
drinks in a row for males, 4 or more drinks in a row for females?) %
26. Which of the following statements best reflects your views about binge drinking?
1. A person should never engage in binge drink/rig.
2. Binge drinking is okay only if it doesn't result in significant harm to the person drinking
or anyone else.
3. Binge drinking is okay as long as it harms no one other than the drinker.
4. Whether or not a person binge drinks is never anyone else's business.
27. Do you think the local police focus too much attention on high school students, about the right
amount or too little attention?
I. Too much attention
2. Right amount of attention
3. Not enough attention
8. Don't Know
28a. Do you think the attention the local police give to high school students is generally positive, negative or neutral attention?
1, Positive 2. Negative 3. Neutral 8. Don't Know
28b. To what extent do you feel the presence of the local police when you go out on the
weekends? Are you...
I. Not aware of the police
2. Sometimes aware of the police
3. Constantly aware of the police
8. Don't Know
29. Have you or someone you know ever been cited for an alcohol related offense by the local police?
1. Yes
2. No (Go To 31)
8. Don't Know
30. How would you rate the way you or someone you know were treated by the local police after
committing a given offense? Were you...
1. treated with respect 2. treated with disrespect 8. Don't Know
During the past week, how many hours did you spend doing the following?
31. Studying
32. Social activities
3. At extra-curricular activities (sports, campus organizations, etc.)
34. Working
35. Would you please tell us tour GPA?
1. 4.00 or higher
2. Between 3.50 and 3.99
3. Between 3.00 and 3.49
4. Between 2.50 and 2.99
-5. Between 2.00 and 2.49 "
6. Between 1.00 and 1.99
7. 0.99 or less
8. Don't Know
36. Would you please tell us your race?
I. White
2. Black
3. Hispanic
4. Arab
5. Asian
6. Other
7. Don't Know
37. Weight
38. What year in school are you?
1. Freshman 2. Sophomore 3. Junior 4. Senior
39. How old are you?
40. * Do you plan on attending college? (2 yr. or 4 yr.)
1. Yes
2. No
8. Don't Know
These are all of the questions. Thanlc you very much!
Hello, my name is . I am calling from the Iowa Social Science Institute.
We're conducting a follow-up survey to an interview you gave last fall. In the fall
students from a public opinion class interviewed you. We would like to ask you just a
few more questions about some of the topics you discussed in the first interview. It wil[~
take only a few minutes and your responses will be held in the strictest confider~. Sha~
we go on to the questions?
Gender? _ --
I. Male
2. Female
8. Don't Know ~ _
9. Refused
1. As an institution of higher education would you rate the University of Iowa as
excellent, good, fair, or poor?
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
8. Don't Know
9. Refused
2. How would you rate the University of Iowa for its ability to provide students with
exciting social activities and student programs? Would you rate it as excellent, good,
fair, or poor?
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
8. Don't Know
9. Refused
3. Which best describes where you live: residence halls, sorority or fraternity house,
renting an apartment or house, or other?
1. Residence Halls
2. Sorority or fi:atemity house
3. Renting an apartment or house (do not ask Q12 & 13)
4. Other (do not ask QI2 & 13)
8. Don't Know
9. Refused
4. Have you ever drunk alcohol (other than to taste it)?
1. Yes 2. No (skip to QS, skipQ10& 11) 8. Don't Know 9. Refused
5. During the past two weeks was there ever a time when you consumed more than two
alcoholic drinks in a single day?
1. Yes 2. No (Skip to QB) 8. Don't Know 9. Refused
6. (If Yes) How many times during the past two weeks would you say that happened,
Only once or ~wice, 3 to 4 times, 5 to 10 times, or more than that?
I. Once or twice 2. 3 to 4 times 3. 5 to 10 times
4. More often 8. DK 9. Refused
6a. In the past two weeks, on those occasions when you drank alcohol, how many drinks
did you usually have?
1 drink 1
2 drinks 2
3 drinks 3
4 drinks 4
5 drinks 5
6 drinks 6
7 drinks 7
8 drinks 9
9 or more drinks I0
DK 8
Refused 11
7. I'm going to read you a list of factors that might influence whether or not you
decided to drink. Just tell me if the factor will or will not influence your decision to
drink.
1. Yes 2. No 8. Don't Know 9. Refused
a. Amount of homework/or studying you have to do
b. Having a test the next day
c. Who you are with
d. If you will have to drive later
e. What kind of alcohol is being served
f. How much it will cost
g. If someone else is buying the drinks for you
h. If you have to work the next day
7a. (List only factors that were answered YES to in Q 7) Which of the factors that you
just chose, could influence you to drink MORE?
7b. Which of the above factors is the single most influential when you decide whether or
not your will drink?
8. Now I am going to read you a list of secondary effects that you may have experienced
as the result of someone else's drinking. Please answer yes if you have ever experienced
a consequence and no if you have never experienced this consequence.
1. YES 2. NO 8'.' DK 9. Refused
a. Have been insulted or humiliated
b. Had a serious argument or quarrel
c. Have been pushed hit or assaulted
d. Had your property damaged
e. Had to "baby-sit" a drunken student
f. Brought a drunk friend to the hospital
g. Been in a car with a drank/reckless driver
Ask h & I for females only.
h. Experienced an unwanted sexual advance
i. Has been a victim of sexual assault or date rape
9. (Ask only those factors again which were answered YES to in Q8.) Now I am going to
repeat the list of factors that you have experienced. I would like you to answer yes or no
depending on whether or not you have experienced these consequences because of
someone else's drinking, specifically within the last two weeks.
1. Yes 2. No 8. DK 9. Refused
a. Have been insulted or humiliated
b. Had a serious argument or quarrel
c. Have been pushed, hit or assaulted (not sexual assauk)
d. Had your property damaged
e. Had to "babysit" a drunken student
f. Brought a drank friend to the hospital
g. Beeh in a car with a dnmk/reckless driver
Ask h & I for females only.
h. Experienced an unwanted sexual advance
i. Has been a victim of sexual assault or date rape
10. Now I am going to read you a list of consequences that you personally may have
experienced as a result of your own drinking. If you have ever experienced one of these
consequences answer yes and if you have never experienced this consequence answei' no.
1. Yes 2. No 8. DK 9. Refused
a. Vomited because of drinking
b. Went to class unprepared and/or hung-over
c. Took a test or wrote a paper while you were drank
d. Missed class
e. Damaged or stole property
f. Was brought to the hospital
g. Had unintended/regretted sex
h. Had unprotected sex
11. (Ask only those factors which were answered YES to in Q 10.) Now I am going to
repeat the list of consequences that you personally have experienced because of drinking.
Now I would like you to answer yes only if you have experienced the consequence in th~
last two weeks, and answer no if you have not experienced the consequence in the last
two weeks.
1. Yes 2. No 8. DK 9. Refused
a. Vomited because of drinking
b. Went to class unprepared and hungover
c. Took a test or wrote a paper while you were drank
d. Missed class
(If yes) how many classes do you think you have missed in the last 2
weeks?
e. Damaged or stole property
f. Was brought to the hospital
g. Had unintended/regretted sex
h. Had unprotected sex
12. Does your residence have an alcohol use policy? (Ask only if answered 1 or 2 on Q3)
1. Yes 2. No 8. DK 9. Refused
13. If yes, have you ever violated your residence's alcohol policy? (Ask only if answered
1 or 2 on Q3)
I. Yes 2. No 8. DK 9. Refused
14. What social activities do you enjoy doing with others that don't involve alcohol?
(Probe- Any others?)
15. What social activities would you like the University or Iowa City community to
make available that you would like to do, which DO NOT involve alcohol?
(Probe- Any others?)
16. How old are you?
17. How much do you weigh?
These are all of the questions we have. Thank you very much.
Political Science Start Time
Fall 1998
Class Survey
Hello, my name is . I'm a member of a class that is'doing a public opinion
survey on life at the University of Iowa. Your name was selected randomly from the list of students at the
University. Your views will be very important to this success of the project. The interview takes about ten
minutes and I can assure you that your responses will be confidential. Is this a good time for you to do the
interview? Before we start, let me tell you that this is completely voluntary, so if we come to any question
that you don't want to answer just tell me and we will go on to the next question.
1. First we have some general questions about the University. As an institution of higher education,
would you rate the University of Iowa as excellent, good, fair or poor?
1. Excellent
2. Good
3. Fair
4. Poor
8. Don't Know
2. Next, I am going to ask you to rate your feelings toward some individuals using a scale that runs
from 0-100. A rating bf 50 means that you feel neutral towards the person. A rating between 0-~-9
means you feel cool towards the person, and a rating between 51-100 means that you feel warm
toward the person. You may use any number between 0 and 100 to express your feelings for each
person. If you do not recognize a particular name, just let me know (instead of giving a rating of 50),
and we wilt go on to the next one.
A. Mary Sue Coleman
B. Hayden Fry
C. Dr. Tom Davis
D. Bill Clinton
E. Kenneth StarJ'
Using this same scale I would like you to rate some organizations.
F. First how would you rate fraternities?
G. How would you rate sororities';'
H. The Daily Iowan?
I. The Iowa City Police Department c~
2A. Have you ever heard of the Stepping Up project?
1. Yes : - "
2. No ~'
8. DK
3. Some people think that alcohol consumption is not a serious problem at the University of Iowa,
others think it is a very serious problem. What about you? Do you think alcohol consumption is not
a problem, is a minor problem, or is a serious problem at Iowa?
1. Not a problem 2. Minor problem 3. Serious problem 8. DK
What about your own alcohol consumption? During the past two weeks was there ever a lime when
you consumed several (more than two) alcoholic drinks in a single day?
1. Yes 2. No 8. DP(
5. (IF YES) How many times during the past two weeks would you say that 'happened? Only once or
twice, 3 to 4 times, 5 to t0 times, or more than that?
1. once or twice 2. 3to4fimes 3. 5tcl0times 4. moreoften 8. DK
6. At what age did you first drink alcohol (other than to taste it)?
Never drank alcohol 1 [SKIP TO Q 10]
Under 10 2
10-11 3
12-13 4
14-15 5
16-17 6
18-20 7
21-25 9
26+ 10
DK/refused 8
7. In the past two weeks, on those occasions when you drank alcohol, how many drinks did you
usually have?
1 drink 1
2 drinks 2
3 drinks 3
4 drinks 4
5 drinks 5
6 drinks 6
7 drinks 7
8 drinks 9
9 or more drinks 10
DK 8
8. During the past two weeks was there ever an occasion on which you had (FOR MALES-5 or more
drinks in a row) (FOR FEMALES--- 4 or more drinks in a row)?
1, yes 2. No (GO TOQ10) 8. DK
9. Over how long a pedod of time were those drinks consumed?
1. Less than I hour
2. 1-2 hours
3. 3-4 hours
4. 4-5 hours
5. more than 5 hours
8. DK
10. Many U of I students spend their recreation time at the downtown bars. During the past two weeks,
how many times did you go to the bars?
1. None/did not go to bars 2. 1-2 3. 3-4 4, 5-6 5. 7-8 6. 9-10 7. 11 ormore
8. DK
t I How many drinks do you believe the average University of Iowa student consumes in a night when
they are out at the bars?
t. 0 2. 1-3 3. 4-6 4. 7-9 5. 10+ 8. DK
12, Do you perceive binge drinking at the University of Iowa to be: much higher, higher, about the same,
lower, or much lower than that at Iowa State?
1. much higher 2. higher 3. about the same 4. lower 5. much lower 8. DK
13. Do you perceive binge drinking at the University of Iowa to be: much higher, higher, about the same,
lower, or much lower than that at University of Northern Iowa?
1. much higher 2. higher 3. about the same 4. lower 5. much lower 8. DK
14. There has been a lot of talk concerning "binge" drinking at the U of I. In your opinion how many
drinks in a singre night would constitute binge drinking?
1. 1-3 2. 1-3 3. 4-6 4. 7-9 5. 10+ 8. DK
15. Last year a Hazard study found students at the U of I had a "binge" drinking problem According to
this studyc..."binge" drinking consists of four drinks for females and five for males in a single evening.
Do you fe~l that this number of drinks is too high, too Iow or about right for what should be
considered "binge" drinking?
1, Too high 2, Too Iow 3, About dght 8. DK
SKIP TO Q 19 IF RESPONDENT ANSWERED "NEVER" TO Q6
16. I'm going to read a list of possible reasons some people give for drinking. Please indicate for each
item if it is or is not a reason why you drink. (CHECK APPROPRIATE COLUMN)
1. IS 2. IS NOT 8. DK
A) to be social
B) to enjoy the feeling of drinking alcohol
C) to relieve stress
D) it is the popular thing to do
E) to get drunk
F) the lack of anything else to do
G) the Iow price of alcoholic beverages in bars
17. Out of these reasons which is the single most important reason why you drink?
. (write reason-give letter)
18, There are many places to drink alcohol. Would you say you most frequently drink at parties, at
home or at bars?
1. at padies (Go to QI8A)
2. at home (Go to Qt8A)
3. at bars (Go to Q 19)
4, all choices are equal (Go to Q 19)
8. DK
18A. Do you ever go to bars?
1. Yes 2. No (Go to Q20)
19. People go to bars for many different reasons. I'm going to read a list ol' possible reasons why
people go to bars. For each reason please tell me if it is a very important,'somewhat important or
not very impodant reason for why you go to bars. The first reason is:
Readin Order: 1. Very Important 2. Somewhat Important 3. Not very Important
A. Dancing
B. Drink specials
C. Music
D. Pool/darts/games
E. Beer selection
F. Meeting friends and
acquaintances
G. Trying to find a boy/girffriend __
H. Relaxed atmosphere
I. To watch sporting events
J. To be part of the crowd
K. Is there any other reason?
20. Have you ever lived in the residence halls at the University of Iowa?
1, yes 2. no (Go to Q 23)
21, Many students who have lived in the residence halls have also drank alcohol in the residence halls.
When you lived in the residence halls, did you drink alcohol there?
1. yes 2, No (Go to Q23) 8. DK (Go to Q 23)
22. There are many masons to drink in the residence halls. Which of the following reasons pertain to
you?
1. Pertains 2. Does Not Pertain 8. DK
1. place to drink before going to a bar or a party
2. attending a party at a dorm room
3. too young to go to the bars
4. felt like staying home
5. did not want to get caught drinking underage
at the bars
23. A familiar scene in Iowa City on football Saturdays is tailgaters. Have you tailgated this football
season?
1. yes 2. no (Go to Q 26)
24. A lot of people who attend tailgate parties also drink at these parties, When you are tailgating, do
you drink?
1. yes ~ 2. no (Go to Q26)
25. There are many reasons to drink at tailgating parties. From the following list that I will read, please
tell me what factors ped[ain to you?
1. Pertains 2. Does Not Pertain 8. DK
A. to follow tradition
8. to be social
C. to get drunk .-
D. availability of the alcohol
E..Any other reason?
26. Are you or have you ever been a member of a fraternity or a sorority?
1. Yes 2. No 8. DK
27. Do you have friends that are involved in the Greek System at the University of Iowa?
1. Yes 2. No 8. DK
28. Would you say that your general attitude towards the Greek System is...
1. Very Positive
2. Somewhat Positive
3. Neutral
4. Somewhat Negative
5. Very Negative
8. DK
29. Some people think there is a drinking problem within the Greek system at Iowa, others disagree.
What about you? Do you think drinking is a serious problem, somewhat of a problem, or not really
much of a problem at ali in the Greek system at Iowa?
1. Serious problem 2. Somewhat of a problem 3. Not much of a problem
8. DK
30. Do you approve or disapprove of the Greek System's ban of alcohol in fraternity houses?
1. Approve 2. Disapprove
30a. Do you approve 30a. Do you disapprove
1. strongly or 1, strongly
2. not very strongly ? 2. Not very strongly ?
8. DK 8. DK
31. How effective do you think the ban will be in curbing actual drinking within the Greek System, very
effective, somewhat effective or not effective?
1. Very Effective 2. Somewhat Effective 3.Not Effective 8. DK
32. Since the ban on alcehol went into effect on August 1, 1998, do you feel that the number of
members from the Greek system who go to the bars has increased, decreased, or stayed the
same?
1. Increased 2. Decreased or 3. Stayed the same 8. DK
33. Have you or anyone you know ever been cited for an alcohol related offense by the University of
Iowa on campus?
1. Yes
2. No
8. DK "
34. Do you know what the typical punishment is for being cited for an alcohol related offense on
campus?
1. Yes 2. No 8. DK
34A. If Yes, what is it specifically?
35. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree that the University of Iowa has done an
effective job trying to decrease binge drinking among students?
1. Strongly agree
2. Agree
3. Neutral
4. Disagree
5. Strongly disagree
8. DK
36. Should the U of I do more, continue with current efforts, or do less to control binge drinking among
students?
1. more 2. Continue 3. Less 8. DK
37. Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree that the university should implement a
required alcohol education class for underage drinking offenders?
1. Strongly agree 2. Agree 3. Neutral 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree
8. DK
38. Based on what you have heard or experienced, approximately what percentage of all UI
undergraduate students are binge drinkers (5 or more drinks in a row for males, 4 or more drinks in
a row for females)?
[ANSWER IN PERCENT]
39. Which one of the following four statements best reflects your views about binge drinking?
1. A person should never engage in binge drinking
2. Binge drinking is okay only if it doesn't result in significant harm to the person drinking or anyone
else.
3. Binge drinking is okay as long as it harms no one other than the drinker.
4. Whether or not a person binge drinks is never anyone else's business.
8. DK
40. In your opinion, what is the main reason UI undergraduate students engage in binge drinking?
41, The U of I has been increasingly concerned with binge drinking. Which one of the following options
do you think would be the most effective method to help curb the binge drinking epidemic?...
1. An increase in prevention programs informing and warning students oi' the effects of binge
drinking.
2. An increase in the severity of punishments for drinking offenses.
3. Providing other activities that don't involve drinking.
4. Or do you think that the University can do nothing about this problem because college students
are always going to binge drink?
8. DK
42. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "strongly oppose" and 5 being "strongly favor", please indicate
whether you favor or oppose the following initiatives to reduce problems related to drinking?(Write
number under scale #)
Scale #
A. Strictly enforcing laws governing the use of fake IDs.
B. Requiring stores to register those purchasing kegs.
C. Local porice use of "sting" operations to curb the sale of alcohol to underage persons. __
D. Strict enforcement of laws prohibiting selling alcohol to people under the legal age.
E. Restricting "happy hours" and other reduced-priced alcohol promotions in bars.
F. Providing interesting alternative activities where drinks are not served.
43. Do you think the Iowa City Police focus too much attention on UI students, about the right amount or
too little attention?
1. Too much attention 2.Right amount attention 3.Not enough attention 8. DK
43a. Do you think the attention the iowa City police give to University students is generally
positive, negative or neutral attention?
1. Positive 2.Negative 3.Neutral 8.DK
43b. To what extent do you feel the presence of the iowa City police when you go to bars? Are
yOU.,.
1. Not aware of the police
2. Sometimes aware of the police, or
3. Constantly aware of the police?
8, DK
43c. Who should be responsible for preventing underage drinking in bars? ....
1. Iowa City police 2. the waitress/waiter 3. the bouncer 4. the bartender?
5. None of These, Other 8. DK
44. Have you or someone you know ever been cited for an alcohol related offense by the Iowa City
police?
1. Yes 2. No (Go to Q 46) 8. DK/Refused
45. How would you rate the way you or someone you know were treated by the Iowa City police after
committing a given offense? Were you...
'l. treated with respect or 2. treated with disrespect? 8. DK
Now some questions about you.
46. Next, what is your major?
1. Social Science
2. Humanities and Arts
3. Language (Foreign)
4. Science and Math
5. Engineering and Computers
6. Nursing/Education
7. Business
9. Graduate/professional school
10. Other
47. Are you an in-state or an out-of-state student?
1, In-state 2. Out-of-state 8. DK
48. How is the majority of your tuition accounted for? Is it paid for by yourself, your parents, student
loans or scholarship?
1. yourself
2. parents
3. students loans
4. scholarships, grants, or work study
5. combination of parents and self
6. combination of parents, scholarships, loans
?. combination of self, scholarships, loans
9. any other combination
10. refused
49. How many credit hours are you taking this term?
During the past week, how many hours did you spend doing the following?
50. studying
51. on social activities
52. at extra-curricular activities (spods, campus organizations?, etc.)
53. working
On a scale the goes from 1 to 7, where 1 is very liberal and 7 is very conservative and 4 is middle of the
road, where would you place yourself? You may use any number between 1 and 7. (Don't Know = 8)
54. Respondent
55. On this same scale where would you place Bill Clinton? .
56. Where would you place Mary Sue Coleman?
57. Where would you peace most students at the UI?
58. Where would you place most instructors at UI?
59. Where would you place the Board of Regents?
60. Would you please tell us your GPA?
1. 4.00 or higher
2. Between 3.50 and 3.99
3. Between 3.00 and 3.49
4. Between 2.50 and 2.99 ,'
5. Between 2.00 and 2.49
6. Between 1.00 and 1.99
7. 0.99 or less
8. Don't Know / refused
61. Would you please tell us your race?
1. White
2. Black
3. Hispanic
4. Arab
5. Asian
6. Other
8, Don't Know / refused
62. Is the respondent male or female?
1. Male
2. Female
63. Do you live on or off campus?
1. On
2. Off
8. Don't Know / refused
64. What year in school are you at Iowa by academic standing, a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior
or a graduate student (includes students in professional schools)?
1. Freshman
2. Sophomore
3. Junior
4. Senior
5. Graduate Student (also professional schools)
8. Don't know
65. How old are you?
66. Generally speaking when it comes to politics do you usually think of yourself as a Republican, a
Democrat, an Independent, or something else?
1. Republican 2. Democrat 3. Independent 4. Other 8. DK
Those are all the questions we have. Thank you very much for taking time to participate in the survey.
End Time
Total Length
Respondent Number
Interviewer Name (print)
Drinking Among University and
High School Students in Iowa City
by
Arthur H. Miller
Slater Bayliss
Anita Dhar
Jennifer Gaunt
Kimberly Klemme
Peter Matthes
Abby Rudd
Karyn Ruttenburg
Jaclyn Schmitt
A.J. Sullivan
Erin Walls
Jennifer Whelchel
The University of Iowa
Iowa Social Science Institute
May 11, 1999
We thank Chia-Hsing Lu for the data analysis, Peggy Swails for assistance in
preparing the manuscript, all of the Institute interviewers who assisted in the data
collection, as well as Dr. Joy Kelly of Regina High for her cooperation in the
overall project.
Public Opinion Survey of Drinking
Among High School Students in Iowa City
May II, ~999
High school students in the United States are put at risk by a variety of elements in
^medcan culture including the relatively easy access to alcohol and drugs. Binge drinking has
become a familiar behavior among college students across the United States according to
studies conducted by Harvard University in 1993 and 1997. The Harvard study demonstrated
that slightly more than four out often college students nationwide and six out often students at
The University of Iowa could be classified as binge drinkers (4 or more drinks for women in one
sitting, 5 or more drinks for men).
In the fall of 1998 students enrolled in a public opinion class at The University of Iowa
conducted the first survey of drinking behavior among students at The University that was
designed and carried out by students themselves. One of the more important findings of that
survey was the fact that many of the college students reported that they had started drinking
while in high school. If this was true, then it would be clear that the University was inheriting a
problem that started long before the students enrolled at the University. Hence, University life
was not creating the binge drinking problem. However, since the report of initial drinking age
was based on recall, there was the possibility that these perceptions were not accurate.
In order to more accurately examine the possibility that drinking is starting at the high
school level, some University students from the fall term public opinion class decided to conduct
a survey of students in the Iowa City high schools. Two high schools were included in this
survey. One school is a private, Catholic school, Regina High; ithe other is one of the public
high schools, City High.
Regina school administrators welcomed the survey and allowed the survey to be
conducted within the school using a self-administered questionnaire. Regina also incorporated
the survey results into an alcohol awareness program for the students and their parents. City
High officials, however, suggested that the survey would detract from valuable class time, given
that the survey was being conducted toward the end of the school year. The interviews with City
High students were thus carried out by phone calls to the student's homes after school hours.
More information on the methods of conducting the survey can be found in the Methodology
section below.
Many of the questions asked of the high school students were exactly the same as those
used in the fall 1998 survey of University students. Given the comparability of the questions and
the research interest in determining when binge drinking behavior begins, the major findings of
the survey presented below generally compare the results of the two high school surveys with
those from the University survey.
I. Frequency of Drinking Among Students
· For both City High and Regina students alcohol consumption is a problem, but 69% saw it
as a minor one. (See Figure 2)
· Students from both schools do not find there to be a serious alcohol problem in their
schools.
· 65.6% of the students from Regina High School and 45.6% of the students from City High
have had a drink other than to taste it.
· At both City High and Regina High School, the students on average had their first drink at
the age of 14 %.
· 70.5% of City High students did not consume alcohol in the past two weeks. While students
at Regina were split fairly evenly with 51.7% answering YES and 48.3% NO.
When broken down by class, Regina consumes proportionately more alcohol than City High.
For example, 80% of Regina freshmen consumed alcohol in the pa~t two weeks - compared
to only 23.1% of City High freshmen.
· 73.5% of City High students and 60.7% of Regina students consumed alcohol only once or
twice in those two weeks.
· 43.9% of City High Students as compared to 32% of Regina students drink 1-3 drinks, which
is considered a small amount of alcohol consumption by the Harvard study of binge drinking.
· However, when a large number of drinks are being consumed, approximately 7-9, there is
relatively little difference between the pementage of students doing this at each school.
(24% Regina; 29% City High)
II. Defining Binge Drinking
The Harvard Study defines binge drinking as 4 or more drinks in one sitting for females
and 5 or more drinks in one sitting for males.
· It is astonishing to note that, among students that drink, freshmen in high school binge drink
at a rate of 70%. A rate higher than any other age group. (See Figure 1)
Binge drinking peaks for University of Iowa students during their sophomore year at about
70%, and then declines to roughly 50% during their senior year.
Seniors in high school binge drink at nearly the same rate as do freshmen in college (about
55%).
· University students overestimate the number of students at Iowa who binge drink (88%).
(See Figure 3) Why? Students are told by administrators, the media, the police and others
that University students have a problem.
· In actuality, only 52% of University of Iowa students are considered binge drinkers according
to the Harvard definition.
· High school students by comparison underestimate the number of students who binge drink
at their school (37%).
· In actuality, 46% of high school students binge drink according to the Harvard definition.
What does this tell us?
· Not enough attention is being paid to high school drinking behavior, and
· High school students underestimate binge drinking because they are not made aware of
the seriousness of drinking.
· High school students consume more drinks in a shorter time span than the University
students.
· 44% of high school students consume their drinks in two hours or less.
· 21% of University students report drinking during a period of two hours or less.
· Similarly, 19% of University students, compared with only 8% of high schoolers
consume their alcohol over a period of 5 or more hours.
III. Reasons for Drinking
· When asked what the single most important reason was for drinking, the overwhelming
majority of college students stated that they drink "to be social? (75%) (See Figure 4)
· 10% drink to relieve stress
· 7% drink to get drunk
· ~ 6% drink because they enjoy the feeling
· 1% drink because there is a lack of anything else to do
· 0% students drink because they believe it is the popular thing to do or
because of drink specials.
· High school students, when asked the same question, state that "to be social" is the most
important reason they drink. (47% of Regina students; 53% of City High students) (See
Figure 5)
· As with the college survey, high school students are drinking in a social atmosphere.
They are not drinking to get drunk or because there is a lack of anything else to do.
· We wanted to investigate the effects of peer pressure on high school students. We asked
students whether or not their friends drink, and then asked them whether or not their friends
influenced their own decision to drink.
· 73% of Regina students state that their friends drink
· 37% of City High students state that their friends drink
· 39% of Regina students said yes, their friends did influence their decision
· 20% of City High students said yes
· We concluded that students might not realize what is truly influencing them to
drink. We hypothesize that because a majority of students say their friends
drink, it is more of an influence on their own behavior than they realize.
· Where Students Drink
· When asked where college students drink, 41% of them responded that they
drink at the bars, while 34% of them drink at parties, and 19% drink at home.
(See Figure 6)
· When high school students were asked, 81% of Regina students and 86% City
High students drink at parties and 61% and 84% (respectively) drink at friends'
homes. Other places mentioned included parks and campsites. (See Figure 7)
· It appears that students, both college and high school, are drinking in social
environments.
· How do high school students obtain alcohol?
· 84% of City High students and 75% of Regina students obtain alcohol at
parties
· 72% of City High and 53% of Regina obtain alcohol from older friends
· Other ways of obtaining alcohol include stealing, asking a stranger to buy it,
and knowing the worker at a store that sells alcohol. (See Figure 8)
· Reasons Not to Drink
· Not all high school students drink, however. When asked why they stay away
from alcohol, 80% of City High students and 67% of Regina students said they
did not drink because "alcohol is just not good for you." 65% of City High
students and 74% of Regina students that do not drink choose not to because
they are involved in school sports and activities. Other reasons for not drinking
included religion, believing the consequences were not worth it, ddnking never
appealed to them, and it is against the law. (See Figure 9)
· When college students were asked what influenced their decision to drink, the
same sense of responsibility prevailed. (See Figure 10)
· 81% of college students said that whether or not they had to drive later
influenced their decision to drink
· 68% said whether or not they had a test the next day
· 67% said whether or not they had homework or studying to do
· 67% said whether or not they had to work the next day
· students ARE thinking about how their actions will affect their lives
IV, Second Hand Effects of Drinking
· Drinking may have an impact on others in a variety of ways that are presented in Figure 11.
The rates of second hand effects are about equal for Regina and City High, while the rates
for The University of Iowa and nationally are much higher. (See Figure 11)
· It is interesting that for the high schools the highest percentage of students experiencing
second hand effects is only 25% (babysitting a drunk fdend), while 50% of the students
report drinking.
· A significant decline in the percent of second hand effects occur when framed within a set
time period (for example, the percentage mentioning babysitting a friend drops by 53%
when comparing the past two weeks with the "ever" responses).
· These results demonstrate that the structuce of the question is important. The "ever"
question does not consider variation in circumstances (e.g. a designated driver plays a role
where they are expected to babysit the "drinkers"; hence, it indicates a responsible action).
V. Consequences - College Students
· In our survey of college students, we asked respondents about the consequences they may
have experienced due to their own drinking. For those who answered in the affirmative, we
then asked them if that consequence had occurred in the past two weeks.
· 75% of students reported having vomited because of drinking at one point in their lives, but
only 5% have reported vomiting in the past two weeks. (See Figure 12)
· Only 3% of University students surveyed said they had ever been brought to the hospital
due to their drinking, and none of the students had been brought to the hospital in the past
two weeks.
· 14% of University of Iowa students have had unprotected sex as a result of drinking too
much, but only 1% have engaged in unprotected sex in the past two weeks.
· These results show that students are not regularly experiencing physical/y harmful effects of
alcohol.
· We also looked at the consequences drinking has on students' school work.
· 48% reported that they have gone to class unprepared and hungover at some point in their
college career, and 12% have done this in the past two weeks.
· When asked if they had missed class due to drinking, 45% answered that they had, and
10% have missed class in the past two weeks.
· From the results of the survey, we may then conclude that drinking may not be effecting
students' physical well-being. It is, however, effecting their school work.
· It is also important to note the difference in responses to the questi.o, ns that were asked with
"ever" as opposed to "two week" time frame.
· In the Harvard study, Weschler used 'ever" to phrase many of the questions.
· The respondents' recall is very different when they are asked about a specific time frame
rather than asking if an event has ever happened (for example, vomiting).
· This causes us to question the accuracy of the responses on the Harvard study.
VI. Consequences for High School Students
· We also asked High school students if they had ever been caught drinking. A majority of the
students at both schools answered that they had never been caught drinking (57% of
Regina students and 74% of City High students).
· When asked who had caught them drinking, a majority of the students caught reported that
it had been by their parents (44% Regina and 70% of City High students). (See Figure 13)
· 15% of Regina students had been caught by the police, compared to 39% of City High
students. 15% of Regina and 55% of City High students had been caught by their friends.
· Nearly half of the students who had been caught drinking were either grounded or lost
privileges from parents. 54% of Regina and 43% of City High suffered these consequences.
However, 29% of Regina compared to 25% of City High received no punishment or
consequences after they had been caught.
· When asked if they felt their school provided enough alternative activities to drinking, a
majodty of Regina students answered NO. 51% felt there were not enough alternative
activities offered. However, 74% of City High students felt that their school does provide
enough alternative activities to drinking.
The students were asked to suggest other alternative activities to drinking. Regina
students suggested having a lock-in, keeping the gym open later, or having the school sponsor
movies. They also suggested that clubs within the school are not active enough and need to
provide functions on the weekend.
City High students also suggested more weekend activities like school sponsored
movies and increased student club sponsored events. They also suggested more recreational
and outdoor activities.
Yet, among the students who felt their school did not provide enough alternative
activities, many were unable to provide alternative suggestions. They expressed dissatisfaction
with many activities provided by the school but could not articulate what alternatives they would
like.
VII. Perceptions of Iowa City Police Treatment of Students
· Regina High School
· 73% of Regina High School students perceive that they were treated with disrespect by
the Iowa City Police Department (ICPD). (See Figure 16)
· 71% of Regina High School students believe that the attention the ICPD gives them is
negative. (See Figure 15)
· The ICPD is perceived as focusing too much attention on Regina High School students
34% of the time. (See Figure 14)
· City High School
· 55% of the students of City High perceive that they were treated with disrespect by the
ICPD. (See Figure 16)
· 58% of City High students believe that the attention they received from the ICPD is
negative. (See Figure 15)
· The ICPD is perceived as focusing too much attention on City High students 33% of the
time. (See Figure 14)
· The University of Iowa
· 49% of The University of Iowa students believe that they were treated with disrespect by
the ICPD. (See Figure 16)
· 61% of the students of The University of Iowa perceive that they receive negative
attention from the police. (See Figure 15)
· The ICPD is believed to be focusing too much attention on students 50% of the time.
(See Figure 14)
· Is Punishment an effective deterrent to drinking? Apparently not.
· 65% of the students at Regina High School did not believe that the punishment they
received deterred them from drinking.
· 52% of students from City High did not see the punishment they received as a
deterrent to drinking.
· Consequences
· Perceptions of negative treatment bythe police contribute to creating a vicious cycle in
the Iowa City community.
· Students mistrust the ICPD.
· The community, along with the ICPD, will receive a negative stigma.
· Solutions
· Open up dialogue between the ICPD and the schools.
· This can be accomplished by providing a liaison between the schools and the ICPD.
· Have candid monthly meetings between administrators and the ICPD.
· The students should also be a part of these meetings between administrators and the
ICPD.
· The police officers need to participate in sensitivity training and training with
adolescents.
· Add more females to the police force.
Methodology
The University survey is based on telephone interviews with 308 students. The
respondents were a simple random sample of all students enrolled for fall term at The University
of Iowa with working telephone numbers. The random sample was pro¥!ded by the Registrar's
office. The survey has a sampling error of _+ 5.0 percent. The response rate was 79 percent. The
average length of the interview was 14 minutes.
The Regina High School survey was self-administered by students at Regina High after
obtaining parental permission. A total of 86 out of 203 total students at the school returned
permission slips and completed the survey. The survey was completed on April 22, 1999 at
Regina.
The City High survey was conducted by phone with a random sample of students. The
interviews were conducted between April 20 and May 6. A total of 365 students were
interviewed for a response rate of 93.4 percent.
Percent
0
o ~
0
0
m
o 0 0
~ '~- 0
= '0 0
I °°
I
Talking Points for Presentation on Relations Between the
Iowa City Police Department and U of I Students
Problems
Students comprise of a third of Iowa City's population
· 61% of the students perceive that the attention from the ICPD is negative
· This is roughly 18,000 students or about 20% of Iowa City's population
· Women perceive the attention towards students as more negative than do maies
· The difference is 7% which is statistically significant within our study
· Negative perceptions are also present in ail grade levels
· Seniors have a more negative view of the ICPD than Freshman
· This difference is substantial; 33.8%
· Perception of treatment by the ICPD
· There is no statistical difference between the percentage of students who felt as
though they were treated with respect compare with disrespect
· 50.3% treated with respect, 49.7% treated with disrespect
· Approximately 17% of Iowa City's residents feel as though they are being treated
disrespectfully by the ICPD.
· All grade levels also feel as though they had been treated with at least some
disrespect
· Graduate students responded negatively at 50% perceiving disrespect
· Females responded much more negatively than males
· 56.6% said they or someone they know have been treated with disrespect
from the ICPD
· 43.4% of males responded as the above females responded
· This 13.2% is a statistically significant difference between the two
groups
Solutions
· Sensitivity training
· Help to get at the root of the 13.2% difference between males and females
· Attack this problem fi-om two fronts
· The ICPD and the University community
· TheUofI
· Stepping Up project, continue with current efforts and expand those efforts
· Make events at Hancher and other venues more accessible for students
· Open up discussion on this topic, refrain from negative comments
· Several student liaisons between the U of I and the ICPD
· Peer response group that is well known and advertised
· The ICPD
· Open up dialogue between student groups and the police
· The Greek system, talk to every house individually
· The resident halls, talk to each floor individually
· Various student groups that are social in nature, talk to each individually
· Provide liaisons not only between the University as a whole and the ICPD but
a liaison between students and the ICPD
· Increase the number of female police officers
2
Press Conference tYighlights ,:7
Public Opinion Class Survey :_: !; ,- -
Of Drinking Among University Students ~.-.~- .
December 10, 1998
Deaths from binge drinking on college campuses have become ~na{ion'~l
concern in recent years. A comprehensive survey of college student drinking:
behavior conducted by Harvard University in 1993 and 1997 revealed equally high
levels of drinking in both years. The Harvard study finds that more than four out of
ten college students nationwide could be classified as binge drinkers. Particular
concern about binge drinking occurs at The University of Iowa, which witnessed
the death of one student in 1995 due to overdrinking at a fraternity party. Also, the
Harvard study finds that compared to other students, The University of Iowa
undergraduates have a much higher rate of binge drinking, slightly more than six
out of ten students are classified as binge drinkers.
Yet, the definition of binge drinking utilized by the Harvard study has become
controversial. The definition focuses on the amount of alcohol consumed in one
sitting (4 or more drinks for women; 5 or more for men), but it does not take into
consideration the period of time over which the drinking occurs. Moreover, no one
has ever asked students themselves what they think about the Harvard definition of
binge drinking.
The survey of drinking among students at The University of Iowa is the very
first such survey designed and carried out by students themselves. Thus, the
survey reflects the types of concerns and attitudes that students themselves have
toward this important topic. Some of the major findings of the survey include:
I. Frequency of Drinking Among Students
· Almost 40% of students say there was never a time when they
consumed more than 2 alcoholic drinks in one day.
· 76.4% of University of Iowa (UI) students started drinking prior to the
age of 18 as compared with 50% of the adults in the Iowa
City/Coralville communities who report that they started drinking when
younger than 18.
· Among those who consumed more than 2 drinks in the previous two
weeks, 50.5% did so only on 1 or 2 occasions.
· 52% of the students (55% for males, 50% for females) report
drinking 4-5 drinks in one sitting as compared with the Harvard study
which found 63.1%.
1
· Students believe that 67% df the students who drink usually consume
more than 4 drinks in one sitting.
· 60% of the students believe that the level of drinking at UI and Iowa
State University (ISU) are comparable. 52% see University of Northern
Iowa (UNI) drinking level as comparable to UI.
· 54.5% of students perceive binge drinking as drinking 7 or more
drinks in one sitting; consequently, 55% felt that the Harvard study's
definition of binge drinking was too Iow.
II. Reasons for Drinking
· Popular culture and the news media tell us that the primary goal of
college students who drink is to get drunk. We find that most (74.9%)
UI students drink in order to be social and only a very small group of
students (7.2%) drink in order to get drunk.
· When students are asked to list the most important reasons why they
go to bars, most students name reasons unrelated to the consumption
of alcohol (meeting friends, the relaxed atmosphere of the bar,
listening to music, dancing) and very few name reasons related to the
consumption of alcohol (beer selection and drink specials).
· The findings suggest that the university should not focus their
prevention efforts entirely on increasing the quantity of university
sponsored alcohol-free programs since very few students see a lack of
anything else to do (22.4%) as one of their reasons for drinking.
Instead, the university should focus on increasing the social quality of
university sponsored alcohol-free programs since almost all students
(91.8%) state that they drink in order to socialize.
· We find that a large majority of students (65%) do not know the
punishment for drinking in the residence halls. This ignorance may
explain why so many students (76.4% males, 89.3% females) drink in
their dorm rooms before going to a bar. This ignorance could, also,
explain why almost half of the students (45.8%) state that they drink
in residence halls because they do not want to get caught drinking
underage in a bar. This is particularly true for female students who
apparently feel more comfortable drinking in their own dorm
environment than in the bars.
2
III. Drinking and Greeks
· Only 30% of those surveyed view the Greek system positively. Of
those surveyed, 20.4% have been or are still a member of a fraternity
or sorority.
· A larger percentage of non-Greeks think a drinking problem exists at
Iowa compared to Greeks (21.4% compared to 13.3%).
· 44% of Greeks are having fewer than 3 drinks in (~ne event, while
only 27% of non-Greeks are having fewer than 3 drinks.
· According to the Harvard Study definition, only 47.5% of Greeks
compared to 53.4% of non-Greeks are binge drinkers.
· Also, a greater percentage of Greeks are taking more than 5 hours to
drink those drinks (25.5% compared to 16.$%).
· Fewer Greeks are going to the bars with the intention of getting drunk
compared to non-Greeks (39.3% compared to 49.1%).
· Pertaining to the ban on alcohol in fraternity houses that went into
effect on August 1, 1998, 60.7% of those surveyed approve of it.
· But, 60.2% think that it isn't effective.
IV. Evaluation of University Programs to Curb Binge Drinking
· Only 11% of students have heard of the Stepping Up Program, this is
exactly the same percent of adults in the community who know about
the program.
· For the most part, students think that the University has done an
effective job in controlling binge drinking (46% see the University as
effective, 41% believe the University is ineffective), except
Sophomores and Juniors (35%) see the University as effective.
· Aside from Graduate Students (49% believe the University could do
more) most (47%) think the University doesn't need to do more to
control binge drinking.
· All but Sophomores and Juniors think that implementing an Alcohol
Education class for drinking offenders would be a good idea (see
Figure 8).
· As students get older their views about what can be done to control
binge drinking change to reflect that they feel something can be done
to control binge drinking.
V. Perceptions of Iowa City Police Treatment of Students
· The majority of students feel that the Iowa City Police (ICP) focus too
much attention on UI students.
· Most students feel that the attention directed at them by the ICP is
negative attention.
· More seniors than freshmen believe the ICP attention is negative. Half
of the graduate students see the ICP as negative in their attitude
toward students.
· Overall, the students who had been involved with citations given by
the ICP were evenly split in their assessment of the police treatment
of them as respectful vs. disrespectful.
· A majority of sophomores, juniors and graduate students involved with
citations saw the police behavior as conveying disrespect.
Methodology
The survey is based on telephone interviews with 308 students. The
respondents were a simple random sample of all studenta enrolled for fall term at
The University of Iowa with working telephone numbers. The random sample was
provided by the Registrar's office. The survey has a sampling error of ± 5.0
percent. The response rate was 79 percent. The average length of the interview
was 14 minutes. The interviews were conducted between November 13 and 20,
1998.
For more information, contact Professor Arthur H. Miller at (319) 338-3373
in the mornings and (319) 335-2328 in the afternoon.
Figure 9: Perceived University Effectiveness
Q35. University of Iowa Effective In
D¢creasinl~ Binge Drinking
A~ee Disagree
Freshman 51.8 32.5
Sophomore 34.7 56.5
Junior 37.0 50.0
Senior 47.8 43.5
Graduate Students 52.8 32.0
Q36. Should University Continue With
Current Efforts Or Do More
Continue More
Freshman 49.0 32.1
Sophomore 36.2 23.4
Junior 36.5 28.8
Senior 67.4 18.6
Graduate Studnnts 44.1 49.2
Q37. University Should Implement a
Required Alcohol Education Class
For Underage Drinkin~ Offenders
A~rc¢ Disa~-ee
Freshman 45.9 49.4
Sophomore 35.4 60.4
Junior 41.0 44.6
Senior 54.2 43.7
Graduate Students 76.2 22.2
Q41. Effectiveness of Options In
Curbing Binge Ddnldng
University Can Do Nothing
Freshman 55.0
Sophomore 61.7
Junior 50.0
Senior 34.8
Graduate Students 22.4
City of Iowa City
M MORANDUM
Date: June 7, 1999
To: Chief of Police
From: City Manager
Re: Attendance at PCRB Meetings
As I review the minutes, meeting records, and other correspondence of the PCRB, I realized
that the Police Depadment is not represented on regular basis at the meetings of the PCRB. We
have many boards and commissions operating within the City government structure, all of which
provide advice and information. To the best of my knowledge, each such board has a
representative of the staff of the particular department whose work the board reviews. For
example, the Parks and Recreation Commission, Airport Commission, Planning and Zoning
Commission, Library Board, etc. each have, on a regular basis, a representative of the
respective department at their meetings.
Effective immediately please assign, and it can be on a rotating basis, a command officer, either
captain or lieutenant, to attend each PCRB regular or specially scheduled meeting. This is not to
preclude your involvement on an invitation basis, which appears to be the general practice of
the PCRB. I believe this to be an opportunity for our command officers to have first hand
knowledge of the activities and discussions of the PCRB.
cc: PCRB
Marian Karr ~'
Im~mern~sa6-7.doc