While many University of Memphis students say dressing up for Halloween doesn't have age limits, the Memphis Police Department has a few safety recommendations for party lovers and those non-traditional trick-or-treaters.
Sgt. Vince Higgins, the public information officer for the MPD, suggests that all party-driven students should go out with familiar people, not indulge in a mass party full of strangers.
"In a crowd of strangers, never leave your drink unattended," said Higgins. "When they are (left unattended), you take the chance of having your drink tampered with. Hold on to your drink."
Higgins was referring to drugs or pills that can be placed in beverages to intoxicate the drinker.
"If you're at a bar and leave your drink, leave it and buy another one," he said.
Higgins also suggested rudimentary safety precautions, such as not drinking and driving or walking alone.
"Often times, when bad things happen to good people, it's because they haven't been as vigilant as they should have," Higgins said.Higgins said Halloween isn't any more dangerous than any other "drinking holiday", but precautions should still be taken.
The Student Health Center is organizing an awareness discussion entitled "Scary Stuff About Halloween" at the University Center today from 11a.m.-1p.m. The meeting will discuss the "four R's"-rides, rapes, roofies and rules. Health educator Jacqueline DeFouw couldn't be reached for comment.
With the dangers of Halloween in mind, some U of M students are prepared to safely enjoy the holiday.
Adia Corbin, a junior biology major, intends to celebrate with members of her church at Germantown Baptist Fall Festival, an event Corbin said is "innocent fun."
Freshman Sheron Taylor, also a biology major, is going trick-or-treating for Unicef. The charity has a 54-year-old tradition of trick-or-treating for donations as well as candy to help disadvantaged children worldwide.
The Black Student Association is working for Unicef which has raised over $100 million in its history.
