Last week, acting deputy police chief Brian Cookman of the Kingston Police had a tough job to do. He had to explain to the police services board why the department spent $296,000 policing Homecoming at Queen’s University.
Homecoming is an annual tradition at campuses across North America, and the Queen’s celebration on Aberdeen Street draws thousands yearly for a weekend of partying. This year, only 25 per cent of those arrested were identified as Queen’s students, the rest consisted of out-of-town students and older partygoers not affiliated with any university.
Over two days, the Kingston police department spent 5,300 police hours, chalking up 619 provincial offence tickets, 138 arrests. These numbers are up significantly from the roughly 50 arrests made in 2006 and 2007.
“It’s becoming edgier and it has been described as more dangerous,” said Cookman, adding that the number of arrests would have been even higher if there had been more holding cells and police officers. The Ontario Provincial Police and Toronto Police contributed around 90 additional officers.
“Someone is going to die. […] It’s not a matter of if, but when,” wrote Dr. James Landine, who was on duty in a Kingston emergency room Saturday night, in a letter to the mayor, police, Queen’s principal Tom Williams, and local newspapers.
Still, officials are hesitant to simply cancel the bash. With an estimated 9,000 attendees, the event brings a significant boost to the local hospitality industry. The university, the city, and student groups are currently discussing how to tone down Homecoming, and expect to reach a decision in a couple of months.
