05/08/2026
UW Oshkosh Police Department recognizes that UW Oshkosh students simply want to spend time with friends and enjoy the event responsibly. However, one of our biggest concerns is that the continued popularity of Pub Crawl attracts individuals who are not connected to UW Oshkosh or the Oshkosh community, creating safety concerns for students, residents, and neighborhoods.
As these gatherings grow, it becomes difficult for hosts and attendees to control who enters homes, garages, yards, and parties. What starts as a gathering among friends quickly becomes overcrowded and unpredictable. This increases the risk of fights, property damage, medical emergencies, and other dangerous behavior, that unfortunately, includes the presence of weapons.
UW Oshkosh Police Department's data from this year’s Pub Crawl reflects those concerns. During April 10 and 11, UW Oshkosh Police recorded 29 incident contacts, with alcohol involved in 90% of those incidents. Officers issued 9 citations, 7 warnings, made 2 arrests, and assisted in two medical transports to local hospitals. Of the individuals involved, 23 of the 28 identified were under the age of 21.
The data also shows that many of the individuals involved were not UW Oshkosh students. Seventeen of the incidents involved non-students, compared to 8 involving UW Oshkosh students. Additional contacts included students from other colleges and universities.
The concerns surrounding Pub Crawl are not simply about underage drinking or enforcement. They are about the broader safety risks that come with large, unsanctioned gatherings involving individuals who may have little connection to or concern for our community.
The UW Oshkosh Police Department will always remain focused on the safety of our students, residents, and community partners. We encourage everyone participating to think beyond the tradition itself and recognize how individual decisions impact the safety of others and the wellbeing of our community.
