THE ANNUAL U-C-S-C, PORTER MEADOW, 4-20 SMOKE-OUT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST ANNUAL EVENTS ON THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS. THE U-C-S-C POLICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THE EVENT, WHICH DRAWS HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, IS MORE OF A NUISANCE (AND BUDGET DRAIN) THAN ANYTING ELSE. EVERY YEAR POLICE HAVE TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE WHO GET OVERLY INTOXICATED AND POSE A PUBLIC SAFTEY THREAT. IT WILL COST THE UNIVERSITY 50 THOUSANDS DOLLARS TO ENSURE CAMPUS SAFTEY OVERNIGHT, AND ALTHOUGH POLICE WOULD PREFER THE EVENT DID NOT OCCUR AT ALL. THEY STATE THAT IT WOULD BE MUCH MORE PROBLEMATIC AND COSTLY TO TRY TO KEEP THE GATHERING OUT OF THE MEADOW.
