Community Task Force looking for members

Kelly Pickerel

The Community Task Force is ready to start patrolling parties, but it could use some new members first.

The organization is for students who are concerned about relations between the city and the university. The members are on a mission to educate off-campus students about city ordinances.

“We need about four people a night,” said Jonathan Bey, senator for community affairs and task force coordinator.

The group currently has its 10 student members but is still open to anyone who would like to take part.

Training for the organization starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Room 302 of the Student Center. Pizza and pop will be provided.

The task force walks around major partying areas, such as College Avenue, promoting responsible activities. The group wants to alert students before the police has to.

“We warn students about consequences if they are cited during a party,” he said.

Last year, the task force membership was limited to three members: the senator for community affairs, the dean of students and the Kent mayor.

The group expanded, adding five members representing the Interfraternity Council, Inter-Greek Programming Board, Panhellenic Council, Black United Students and the Undergraduate Student Senate. At least 10 seats are open to all students.

Jerry Lewis, professor emeritus of sociology, will lead the two-hour training session, Bey said. Lewis will speak about group dynamics and crowd control.

“We also do mock situations of things that may occur,” Bey said.

Street patrolling will begin once enough people are available to help with the task force.

“And of course we need the weather to cooperate with us,” Bey said.

Anyone interested in joining should e-mail Bey at [email protected].

Contact student politics reporter Kelly Pickerel [email protected].