Student pranks can be costly, say Halifax Regional Police
Halifax Regional Police have helped CBC News calculate what some local pranks would cost students
As a police officer who has worked in Halifax's downtown and south end for almost 10 years, Const. Shawn Currie has pretty much seen it all when it comes to student behaviour.
"Sometimes, they get a little crazy and sometimes a little outrageous ... They get a little funny sometimes," he said.
The almost 30-year veteran police officer sees the humour in the standard pranks that exist year in and year out, such as toilet papering a house or car at Halloween, putting bubble bath in a public fountain or streaking at a sports event (even though it's considered an indecent act).
"It's one of those ones you laugh at because if you trip and fall, I wouldn't want that turf burn," said Currie.
Currie said most encounters students have with police are alcohol-fuelled or relate to noise complaints.
Thinking about punching a ceiling tile?
Alcohol abuse in particular can result in some bad decisions. Last year at a Dalhousie University residence, a student thought it'd be a good idea to jump up and punch the ceiling tile.
"Unfortunately, he missed the ceiling tile and hit the sprinkler head. Because of that, he caused $150,000 of damage," said Currie, adding the student is on hook for the repair bill.
Currie works the beat on a bicycle, which means students often don't realize he's a police officer when they first encounter him. They sometimes show him hospitality that could make matters worse for themselves.
Don't offer police alcohol
"I've been offered drinks. I've been offered drugs. I've been offered [invitations] to come into parties," said Currie.
Then the moment comes where students realize who they're dealing with.
"Their faces completely change and they go white. 'Oh, I'm in so much trouble now,'" said Currie.
Should students find themselves dealing with police officers, Currie recommends they be respectful. Yelling and screaming will only make matters worse.
He advises students to use common sense and not to get wrapped up in what others are doing as it will sometimes lead them into trouble.
Feeling devious? Here's what it'll cost you
Each year, the York Regional Police in Ontario put out a list of frosh week pranks and what they'll cost students. CBC News and the local police have tweaked it to come up with some Halifax references. Here's what some student shenanigans could end up costing you:
- Ordering a ton of donairs and having them delivered to someone else's place — Up to two years in jail, a $5,000 fine and a guaranteed "major tummy ache," warns Halifax Regional Police.
- Growing weed in your dorm room at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College — Up to 10 years in jail.
- Using your drone to record cheerleading practice at Saint Mary's University — Five years in jail, a $5,000 fine and "zero chance of getting a date," said police.
- Cutting off a hipster's man bun — Up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
- Egging a Halifax Transit bus — Up to two years in jail, a $5,000 fine and "no breakfast," police said.
- Drinking alcohol on a Halifax Transit bus — $467.50 fine.
- Playing Pokemon Go on the city's train tracks — $125 fine and possibly an "unwanted run-in with a train," said police.
- Hacking the CBC Nova Scotia Twitter account — up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Have fun, but not too much
Currie said incidents involving students spike when school begins but settle down soon after.
He said police want students to enjoy their experience at school, but responsibly.