AFA DENIES DOWNTOWN BAN

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Mar 1, 2008

Air Force Academy cadets have been warned about trouble spots in downtown Colorado Springs, but the academy is denying that it amounts to a ban, the Air Force Times reported.

In an e-mail sent to cadets, Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Susan Desjardins classified the city's downtown as an "area of concern" and warned that visiting it will carry consequences, said the article, which was published Feb. 10.

The academy's Public Affairs Office said late Friday that it was unaware of any statements declaring downtown offlimits to cadets.

Air Force Times reported that it had been told by the academy's Public Affairs Office that the notice was intended as an alert to the broader consequences of hanging out at trouble spots and wasn't meant as a threat of punishment for cadets entering the downtown area.

Desjardins also reportedly held an assembly at the beginning of the semester in early January at which she used a map to brief cadets on violent incidents that occurred downtown.

The briefing cited specific nightclubs, including Rum Bay, where police have been called in recent weeks to break up fights and other incidents, the independent military newspaper reported.

Air Force Times quoted Desjardins as saying in the e-mail: "As your commander, it is my responsibility to ensure your protection and safety. In light of this, I am directing the area depicted on the attachment be avoided, particularly during night hours. If you choose to visit an establishment that falls into this area, there will be consequences. Use your situational awareness, your critical thinking, your wingmen, and make the right decision."

Several cadets contacted by Air Force Times told the newspaper the commandant's message was interpreted as a ban on going downtown.

Police and downtown merchants are currently formulating a plan for patrolling several blocks of the downtown area that have been the scene of brawls and other crime in recent months.

The notice issued by Desjardins cites past downtown incidents involving cadets found unconscious, drugged, face down in blood or sexually assaulted, Air Force Times reported.