Police stress prom safety

By Daily Globe Staff

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Wakefield - With high school prom season here, Michigan State Police advise students to make smart decisions and take extra precaution to stay safe while celebrating.

On Thursday, Community Service Trooper Jerry Mazurek from the Wakefield Post spoke to Ironwood high school students.

"Prom is an exciting time for high school students, and we want to encourage teens to have fun by making good choices," he said. "Students should know the consequences of underage drinking. There are legal ramifications, but most importantly, you can get yourself or someone else seriously injured or killed."

Mazurek said not only is it illegal for anyone under 21 to have alcohol in his or her system, but it is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess alcohol at any time, regardless of whether they've consumed it.

Consequences of underage drinking can be an arrest for minor in possession or for operating while intoxicated if a teen chooses to drive. Additionally, Mazurek said many employers, colleges and military recruiters take alcohol-related offenses into consideration when hiring or accepting applications.

When getting in a vehicle, Mazurek said prom-goers should make sure the driver is sober.

"They can be drunk and take out your life or somebody else's," he said.

Mazurek reminded students of a car accident years ago in Marenisco involving two Bessemer high school students who were pronounced dead with alcohol in their systems.

Mazurek said students should be mindful of what they're consuming. "Be careful of your drinks," he said. "We have date rape drugs in this community."

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about prom plans and how to get in contact with them. He said parents should confirm details of parties with other adults, making sure alcohol will not be present at any gathering.

"Keep pertinent phone numbers and addresses on hand for any location their child is visiting and arrange for safe transportation," he said.

Mazurek warned prom-goers about sexual assault. If a person chooses to push the envelope after being told "no," the action can be considered sexual assault and he or she could be listed as a sex offender, he said.

Mazurek said the recent shooting at a prom in Antigo, Wis., last weekend can happen in the area. He said prom attendees and people going to the Grand March should expect to see a law enforcement presence.

"It is our priority is making sure our schools are a safe environment for our communities to gather," he said.