On behalf of the Pullman Police Department, I wish to welcome new and returning WSU students to Pullman! My staff and I are committed to the safety of everyone in our community, and we will do whatever we can to provide a safe environment for those living and learning in Pullman. We ask all WSU students to contribute to these efforts by promoting the safety of themselves and their peers.

Fortunately, crime rates in Pullman are low, but that does not mean you should not be careful. Of those criminal activities that do occur, most can be linked to alcohol as a contributing factor.

Listed below are some examples of frequently enforced violations. Please familiarize yourself with local laws.

Civil

• Be familiar with your lease agreement to know which violations result in monetary fines and/or eviction.

Infractions

• Noise complaints: Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., any resident can complain about almost any kind of noise; first contact: warning or $150 ticket; second contact: $150 ticket; third and all subsequent contacts: $500 ticket and mandatory court appearance.

• Electronic noise: Complaints about amplified noise can be made at any time.

• Urinating/defecating in public (outdoors): $100 ticket.

• Open container or consuming alcohol in public (beyond apartment/balcony/patio; includes adults and minors): first contact: $350 ticket; each repeat contact: $500 ticket.

• Offenses Against Peace and Order; Disorderly Conduct or Fighting; first contact: $350 ticket; second contact: $500 ticket.

• Public Nuisance (involving any of the above or other violations): $250 ticket.

• Display, open, or use of marijuana in public (if possessed legally): $103 ticket; Possession in a vehicle where the driver has access, or is being consumed: $136 ticket.

Criminal Offenses

Misdemeanors (M) are punishable by 90 days in day and a $1,000 fine. Gross Misdemeanors (GM) are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Felonies (F) incur harsher penalties.

• Minor (under 21) in possession of liquor: GM

• Furnishing liquor to minors (beverages or place to drink): GM

• Minor in public exhibiting effects of consuming alcohol: GM

• Indecent exposure: M

• Malicious Mischief (property damage): GM

• Reckless Endangerment (risk of injury): GM

• Trespass (enter or remain unlawfully on property or in building): M or GM

• Theft: GM or F

• Minor (under 21) in possession of 1.41 ounces or less of marijuana: M

• DUI: Driving under the influence of Alcohol or any other drug: GM (Minimum of 1 day in jail and a $941 fine)

• Assault: GM or F levels depending on injury and intent.

• Possession of a Controlled Substance (drugs, including medications or more than 1 ounces of Marijuana): F

• Up to 1 ounce of marijuana is legal for adults (21 years and older) to possess, but possession is prohibited on WSU property

Pullman Officers will not enforce alcohol or drug violations when responding to overdose calls. If someone needs medical care, call 911 immediately.

Pullman has a very low crime rate, and we work hard to keep it that way. Because we can’t be everywhere at all times, we need your help to keep our community safe. Call 911 for any emergency threatening life or property, or for a crime in progress. For less urgent calls, use the non-emergency police dispatch line at (509) 332-2521.

Officer Alex Gordon is the College Hill Officer for the 2017-18 academic year. Officer Gordon’s primary responsibility is to work with students and student groups in education and prevention efforts. Alex is a resource for you. Do not hesitate to contact him with questions, concerns, advice, etc. His cell phone number is (509) 432-9564.

You’ll find the police department web page at http://www.pullman-wa.gov/departments/police. We are also active on social media:

• Instagram: @pullmanpolice
• Twitter: @PullmanPolice
• Facebook: City of Pullman Police Department
• MyPD Mobile App (Android & Apple)
• YouTube: Pullman Police

I would like to wish you a rewarding, successful and safe year. I look forward to our partnership in keeping Pullman a great place to live, work and learn.