MU and the Columbia police departments are planning to strengthen the collaboration between the two agencies and increase patrols near campus.

The departments will increase their patrols in Greektown and East Campus during the evening hours from Wednesday through Saturday.

MUPD spokesman Brian Weimer said patrols in those areas are being increased due to the high rates of crime.

“These are areas where individuals live so there (is) more (crime) during the evenings,” he said. “Residence halls are more closely monitored with staff.”

In addition to the increased patrols, the departments will work on increasing crackdowns on alcohol-related incidents.

“We are concentrating on alcohol as it is often a contributing factor in major crimes (such as rape and sexual assault),” Weimer said. “We hope that reducing alcohol related-crimes will also curb the more major crimes that stem off from it.”

One step in reducing alcohol related crimes is to make students aware of the serious consequences they can face.

“Being part of a crowd does not make you immune from getting in trouble,” Columbia police officer Robert Dochler said. “Underaged drinking is an area of focus for our department, especially with the downtown units.”

Columbia Police Chief Ken Burton said in a news release that the departments hope to make campus safer through their increased cooperation.

“We are delighted to be working with MUPD on this important effort,” Burton said in a news release. “The crimes and disorder related to overuse of alcohol are unfortunately common in university communities. This partnership should enhance both agencies efforts in addressing these issues.”