A Do-Over?

Even when there are no arrests to be made, this paternalism seems to be an important part of the enforcement pattern. Back on that Saturday night, when Timothy Kervin and Mills finally found a party and pulled up, the soiree broke itself up almost immediately.

The large crowd in the driveway dispersed in a matter of seconds, as student-cum-partygoers dove into the surrounding bushes and scampered off. By the time the officers exited their car, the entrance to the house was silent and its lights had been extinguished. But a few tell-tale signs remained: The front hall smelled of beer, and the floor was covered in plastic cups.

When Kervin and Mills encountered the hosts in the living room, they casually began to make small talk.

"You should really clear out that entry; that's a fire hazard," Mills told one. The four hosts, dressed in black and gray t-shirts, jeans and khakis, were quiet.

"Can I help you with anything?" one asked meekly.

"Guess," Mills retorted. "Why do you think we'd come in here at 2 a.m?"

"It was the World Series game," another of the hosts responds.