How does it feel to live in what may be the only county in Georgia that arrests minors for underage possession of alcohol?

It is ridiculous that Athens-Clarke County Police send college kids straight to jail for activity that other Georgia counties  punish only by citation. It would be like going over to Oconee County and getting arrested for driving over the speed limit.

We understand ACC Police may have switched over to this system in 2006 in order to curb underage drinking in Athens. But it hasn’t worked. Students are still flocking downtown at the same rate they were five years ago.

We recommend reviewing this policy to determine how effective putting teenage transgressions on record actually is. After all, being arrested for underage possession will show up on our records not only during our time in college, but afterwards when we are applying for jobs.

Where a student at Georgia Tech might receive a fine or community service hours for possessing alcohol underage, in Athens, we get documented for our transgressions. Who do you think will get the job: the squeaky-clean student who was punished with community service or the student who has an arrest under her belt?

Perhaps instead of arresting students, ACC could make a move toward a community service approach. Many counties use this method as a mode of reform with the advantage of getting free road work.

We have plenty of areas in town that could use an extra hand or paintbrush. This could also help college students revisit their idea of fun and encourage community outreach and civics over Beam whisky and tonics.

— Charles Hicks for the editorial board

The editorial board is made up of Rachel G. Bowers, Joe Williams, Adam Carlson and Charles Hicks