City officials are inviting students and Mifflin residents to an informational meeting on the upcoming Mifflin Street Block Party where residents can register their house parties with police.
The House Party Protection Plan is a voluntary agreement between homeowners and police where residents can request police assistance to clear out-of-control parties. Registered residents who call police will not be punished as long as they end the party.
In addition to city officials, police and fire department residents will attend the meeting to clarify rules for the weekend.
The meeting takes place Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St.
Visit www.dailycardinal.com for a list of frequently asked questions from the Mifflin Street Block Party Planning Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mifflin Street Block Party
Can you be in the backyards (like in past years)?
Police Officers will be actively policing the backyards. If the property is posted "no trespassing" you could be subject to arrest.
Will people receive a warning to get out of backyards?
The “No Trespassing” signs are your warning.
If you lie about knowing someone in the house of the backyard you are in, what will happen?
Lying to the police about an investigation is "obstructing a peace officer." People who lie to the police are subject to arrest.
Can you drink in back yards? (Over 21)
Yes...if you have permission to be on the property and you have the resident’s consent to be there drinking.
What happens when you get arrested? What are the charges associated with that?
They will be handcuffed, taken to an arrest processing bus, transported to the CCB. If they have ID (Wisconsin Drivers License or Wisconsin College ID) and are residents of WI they may be ticketed and released. If they have no id or if they are from out of state (without WI ties) they will be taken to the jail where they will have to post bond ( or pay the ticket to be released).
If you are not from Madison (meaning attend a different school, or from out of state), what will happen once you are arrested? (the process, cost etc…)
People without ties to Wisconsin will taken to the arrest processing center. They can post bond (the face value of the tickets the received) with any major credit card. If they can't post the bond they will go to jail and will be released after they see a judge, Monday or Tuesday.
Will there be random breathalyzer tests?
No. Breathalyzer tests might be used for people who are attracting attention ( loud, fighting, falling over). They will be looking for open containers (water bottles don't fool the cops).
Will police actively be trying to keep people out of the street? And if so, how?
Yes. There is no permit to block the street. People cannot stand in the street if they do they may be subject to arrest. I can respond to each concern but a blanket statement on this is impossible.
Is it actually feasible to arrest thousands of people? How?
Yes. How? One person at a time. Be aware that the police presence will be significantly larger than in years past.
What qualifies as trespassing?
If you do not receive permission from the residents who live there you cannot be in their backyard.
Academic record
The University will review incidents/behaviors reported by the police and others to determine if formal misconduct charges will be appropriate. Factors considered are behaviors that endanger health/safety, criminal actions (whether charged or not), prior violations, and behavior that affects the University's interest and reputation.
These questions are courtesy of the Mifflin Street Block Party Planning Committee.
