THON Weekend Update from the State College Police Department
/February 16, 2026
Dear Resident,
We are writing for your assistance and cooperation with a very important matter to the State College/Penn State community. In past years, the weekend between THON and Spring Break has been a challenge, resulting in more crime, more criminal arrests, and more alcohol overdoses than a typical winter weekend.
Many who engaged in excessive drinking were from out of town and were visiting students and residents living in State College. As a result, we had many problems with the number and severity of alcohol violations, noise complaints, vandalism, and fights in apartment buildings and through the community during this particular weekend.
As tenants, we are seeking your assistance in helping keep the weekend safe and peaceful. You play a critical role. Some of the ways which you can help include:
Limit the number of guests to your apartment or house;
Prevent guests from yelling or throwing items off your balcony or from your house;
Do not permit anyone less than 21 years of age to consume alcohol at your apartment or house. You can be arrested if anyone under 21 years old consumes alcohol at your apartment or house;
Do not serve large quantities of alcohol at your apartment or house;
Keep any music or other noise in your residence at reasonable levels. Noise violations will be strictly enforced all hours of the day and night. The minimum fine for a noise violation is $750.00 plus court costs.
Ensure the exterior of your property is free of litter or trash, such as plastic cups, beer cans, food containers, etc.
Though the conditions have significantly improved in recent years, to assure safety in our community, the State College Police Department will be working with surrounding local police departments to provide a substantial police presence. All officers will assertively patrol for violations of the law. During the weekend, officers will focus enforcement on apartment buildings and other rental properties in the downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods. Some police officers will be working uniformed patrols details, while others will be working in plain clothes.
In addition, the State College Police Department will be working closely with your rental property managers and their staff. Many rental property owners or managers will have extra staff patrolling the apartment hallways. Disorderly conduct and other unlawful activities in apartments or houses will be reported to the State College Police Department and strictly enforced. Police officers will also be patrolling your apartment building during this weekend, checking for underage drinking, furnishing alcohol to minors, disorderly conduct, and other crimes.
Property managers and tenants are encouraged to contact the police for assistance in dealing with unruly parties or other illegal acts. These self-report violations are not counted as violations under the Nuisance Property Ordinance.
You friends and neighbors in helping maintain a safe and peaceful atmosphere throughout the weekend.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.
Sincerely,
Chief Joseph Merrill
State College Police Department
Deputy Chief Matt White
Penn State Police Department
Danny Shaha, Ed.D.
PSU Asst. V.P. for Student Affairs and Dean of Students