Jail Bookings Down Amid More Kinnick Citations

IOWA CITY - Fans and law enforcement officers are getting ready for the final Hawkeyes' home football game at Kinnick Stadium.

The citation numbers average much higher in 2010 when compared with 2009.  Throughout the first six home games, officers write an average of 110 tickets, most for open container violations.  In 2009, the average was 38 citations for each home game.

"The officers on the street have done an outstanding job," said Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek.  "They see it is a large crowd and maybe even more tolerance for some of the other revelers."

Back in September, Pulkrabek said he was concerned that more alcohol-related citations would lead to more jail bookings at the Johnson County Jail.  Yet the trends of more tickets did not turn into more bookings.  So far in 2010, each home football game only nets an average of nine jail bookings, about half the average the previous two years.

"In the past, whenever they (University Police) physically arrested someone over at the stadium, they went to a temporary holding cell and then came here," Pulkrabek said.  "Now if they can find a sober, responsible person and it wasn't that serious of a crime, say, public intoxication, they will sign them out there."

University of Iowa Public Safety Director Chuck Green stressed praise should also go to the Hawkeye fans who have adjusted to the new focus on enforcing alcohol-related tailgating policy.

Total number of citations (with open container violations) issued for the first six home games:

Eastern Illinois: 160 (119 open container)

Iowa State: 148 (80)

Ball State: 36 (19)

Penn State: 153 (73)

Wisconsin: 100 (63)

Michigan State 63 (33)