After the sea of orange empties Neyland Stadium on Saturday, the University of Tennessee Police Department will continue working through the night to protect university students.

And although UT and campuses across the country are considered "dry", it is no shock that alcohol consumption is prevalent both on and off college grounds. 

According to UT's Safety, Environment, and Education Center, 70% of UT students consume alcohol at some point during the week.

UTPD Captain Keith Lambert said, "Our goal is not to specifically stop all alcohol consumption, but to promote a safe environment.  The Ultimate goal is that we do not join other colleges that have had alcohol related deaths." 

Lambert said UTPD feels fortunate UT has never had a student die from alcohol poisoning. 

"Those are young people who lost their lives simply because they had too much to drink," said Lambert, "Our students' health and welfare is our big concern."

"UTPD has remained consistent about eliminating drinking on campus, but we do try to look at options depending on the circumstances," said Lambert.

If a student is highly intoxicated or showing signs of alcohol poisoning, UTPD will transport the student to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance.

"If there is a noise complaint, the UTPD is obligated to find out the problem," Lambert said.

Although drinking in the privacy of a house or apartment is not considered public intoxication, charging a fee for entrance and alcohol in residential areas is illegal. 

It also becomes a safety hazard as the attendance overflow past the property boundaries into the sidewalks and the streets. 

"The big blow out parties with 50 people congregating in the yard," said Lambert. "Those are the things that draw attention and officers have to take care of."     

UTPD focuses efforts from 23^rd Street to Henley Street and from the Tennessee River to Grand Street.

Lambert said, "Our officers will address any crime in progress on or off campus."

According to the last census, over 16,000 people live in the Fort Sanders area, which makes it the most densely populated area in the city.

And with the addition of the Laurel Apartments to UT property, almost 13,000 students live in a 50 city block vicinity, causing safety issues for the UTPD and KPD. 

"We want to take some shared responsibility in watching the Fort, but we can't ignore the rest of the campus problems either," said Lambert. 

From investigating criminal activity to assisting those locked out of their vehicle, the UT Police Department's main concern is the students. 

"Most of our students make great decision and are very responsible," Lambert Said. "We have very few problems and great interaction.  I think this campus is fantastic."   

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-editor