Oxford City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday establishing the creation of an alcohol education program offered to offenders by the city.
The ordinance states that if anyone is issued a ticket for any of nine small offenses, such as underage intoxication, that offender may choose to participate in the Alcohol Education Program at the discretion of the Oxford Police Department chief of police. The education program consists of, but is not limited to, a 16-hour, two-day alcohol education class at the cost of $350, no more than 20 hours of community service and/or restitution. If the offender completes and satisfies the requirements of the Alcohol Education Program, then all charges will be dropped, however, an offender only has one opportunity to participate.
Furthermore, if the offender chooses to participate in the program and is assigned to the community service portion, the ordinance states he or she must pay $15 per community service hour worked in order to satisfy that requirement. The community service fees are submitted to the OPD Law Enforcement Trust Fund.
The ordinance was first read at the Sept. 1 city council meeting, but Councilor Alysia Fischer said she thought it would be best to include the Student Community Relations Committee in discussions about the ordinance and to postpone the final reading to when Miami University students could be present to provide comments.
At Tuesday's meeting, Miami students were mainly concerned with the cost of the program as well as where the money would be going.
Although the ordinance states "in case of economic hardship the Chief of Police may use his or her discretion to waive any portion of this ($350) fee," some students remained troubled by the fact they may have to pay the fees for Miami's alcohol education program as well if they are cited.
"When the students of Miami get a drinking citation, they have to pay for the Miami (alcohol education) class and this class along with court costs, altogether totaling nearly $550 per person," said Matt Ciccone, Associated Student Government secretary for off-campus affairs. "Are the students who can't afford all of this just going to have to take the misdemeanor?"
Fischer said the ordinance was not written solely in regard to students, but it pertains to anyone who engages in these activities throughout Oxford.
"It is necessary that our program is comprehensive in case the citizens of Oxford do not go through the Miami class," Fischer said. "We (the city of Oxford and Miami University) cannot always merge our programs."
Miami junior Christian Adams said he was concerned as to which department would receive the money for the program.
"It seems to me that this is discrimination against lower income students as well as legalized bribery," Adams said. "As far as paying for community service, it is my understanding that the money goes directly to the police trust fund. Are the things bought with this fund truly used to benefit the community and enforce the law, or are they toys for the police officers?"
Police Chief Stephen Schwein said the money does go to the Law Enforcement Trust Fund, which funds OPD's services.
"These funds are recognized by the state of Ohio for specific equipment needs," Schwein said. "These needs include control rifles (which were recognized as needed) after Columbine, bullet proof vests and squad cars. And every dollar spent out of these funds (is) appropriated by city council. And the option of paying for service hours is directed solely at people with exigent circumstances."
Councilor Doug Ross said he agreed with the ordinance because it enforces abusive alcohol intake.
"Is it legalized bribery?" Ross said. "Yes, it absolutely is. But you do not have to participate. It is your choice whether or not you use alcohol."
Councilor Richard Keebler agreed with Ross that the ordinance is necessary, helping to pass the ordinance with a 7-0 vote.
"Even though this is an expensive program, there is certainly a way to avoid it, and it is not to do the deed," Keebler said. "I think we need to go through with it."
