Students from our state and across the country will begin migrating to Ohio’s colleges and universities this week. Before students settle in on campus, agents with the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) want students to be on the lookout for drugged drinks.
Drugging drinks or participating in excessive alcohol consumption are methods some people use to subdue their would-be victims and could lead to a sexual assault, theft or kidnapping.
That is why OIU wants to make sure everyone knows:
- Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be drugged;
- Not to leave your drink laying around or turn your back for just one second;
- Do not accept drinks from anyone you don’t know or trust; and
- To watch out for your friends and others – if you see something, Don’t Turn Your Back, ACT.
Also, you must be 21 or older to consume, possess or purchase alcohol in the state of Ohio.
“Bystanders can make all the difference in someone’s safety,” Agent-in-Charge Eric Wolf said. “We believe drinks are being drugged, but they’re not being reported.”
Wolf added that many times the person may be too embarrassed to come forward, or may not have a full recollection of what occurred.
Bystanders are asked to let someone know their drink has been compromised, get the individual out of the situation and call 9-1-1 for help immediately. Bar staff are encouraged to get the individual out of the situation and contain the evidence.
The Ohio Incident Based Reporting System (OIBERS) shows in 2012 there were 14 incidents of forcible rape with drug as a weapon. In 2011, there were 11 cases. (It is important to note that not all police departments in Ohio report their crimes to OIBERS).
The Ohio Investigative Unit agents are plain-clothed fully sworn peace officers. OIU is charged with enforcing the state’s liquor laws and is the only state law enforcement agency specifically tasked with investigating food stamp fraud crimes. Agents also investigate tobacco violations.
Follow OIU on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Ohio-Investigative-Unit/165782203506269 and on Twitter by logging onto twitter.com/Ohio_OIU.
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