Homecoming and “Fauxcoming” or FOCO, celebrations saw a significant decrease in fines this year.
The University District Safety Initiative (UDSI), a period of time where there’s increased police presence in the University District and greater fines for nuisance parties and noise, lasted from Oct. 17 to Nov. 3 and included both Homecoming and FOCO weekend celebrations. This year, 73 violations were issued during this year’s Homecoming and FOCO weekend celebrations, compared to last year’s 135 violations, according to the data sent to The Journal by the Kingston Police.
During Homecoming 2024, Kingston Police issued 60 infractions under the Liquor License Act (LLA), 58 of which were for open liquor and two of which were for public intoxication. Homecoming also came with seven infractions under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This year, FOCO saw four violations of the LLA.
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In comparison, Homecoming 2023 saw 135 bylaw enforcement charges—134 of which were for open liquor, with two criminal charges. Last year, Aberdeen St. was declared a nuisance street party, but with the regular gathering spot being under construction to “upgrade underground infrastructure and improve the pedestrian space,” the street was strictly closed off.
More than $57,000 in fines were issued during the 2023 Homecoming weekend. This year, the police didn’t disclose the total value of fines to The Journal.
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This year’s decline also marks a significant drop from Homecoming 2022, which saw 92 monetary fines totaling $44,000. Of those, 66 were LLA-related charges.
Under the UDSI, Kingston Police can issue increased fines for nuisance parties, noise violations, and LLA infractions, with fines reaching up to $2,000.
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