Rave Parties in a Nutshell
Scott (2004) defines a rave party as a dance party marked by ‘electronic’ rhythmic music, light and animation shows. Such parties are a part of youth rave culture, which philosophical foundations revolve around relatively positive aspects – peace, tolerance, love, friendship, unity and respect. Yet, rave parties are notorious for one notable feature – to boost their stamina for dancing all the night the attendees take a variety of drugs. Although in comparison with the late 1990 and early 2000 the problems associated with rave parties somewhat declined, still they pose a serious challenge to the law enforcement communities across the country.
The commentators emphasize that in some dimensions the problems associated with rave parties are unique, because the phenomenon of such parties presents a mixture of behavioral patterns, social rules, attitudes. At the same time, the culture of rave parting should be viewed simply as the latest development of criminological facet of entertainment, rebellious youth and self-discovery through the use of substances.
Coping with the rave party problems is sometimes is particularly difficult to the police (John, 2009). Thus, one side of the problem is that the law enforcement is pressed by the society to stop such parties, because many young Americans prematurely die because of drug overdose and intoxication. However, on the other side, the popularity of such parties among the generally law-abiding young people is substantial as well. The scholars speculate that excessively strict response actions of the law enforcement authorities may lead to alienation of a significant part of the young population from the police institutions. In addition, the research shows that health hazards associated with rave partying culture are seriously exaggerated by the public. In practice, the problem of crime (drug possession and trafficking; rape; minor molestation etc.) is significantly more serious than health concerns in this context (Scott, 2004).
In general, the following problems, associated with rave-partying culture, may require law enforcement responses:
Drug abuse, drug overdose, and different medical hazards associated with them.
Commission of drug trafficking crime and violent actions of the attendees.
Drunk-driving
Noise, made by the music.
The first two aspects of the problem are especially important, because lives of the attendees and members of the community may be jeopardized. Therefore, the police should be aware how to react on arrival to the rave scene.
Rave Party Substances
Despite the fact that the drugs, which are used at the rave parties are various, and notoriously evolving, the practice shows that certain categories of drugs are traditionally associated with the rave culture. Thus, according to the numerous police reports, the following drugs are the most popular at such parties:
Ketamine
Amphetamines
Methamphetamines
Cannabis
MDMA (often referred to as “ecstasy”)
LSD (known as “acid”)
Furthermore, police practice revealed that crack and cocaine are gaining popularity in some states. Another side of the problem is that because of partying atmosphere, the ravers are not necessarily aware of what type of drugs they ingest.
Responding to Rave Parties
Practically, there is nothing wrong with the rave parties, if drugs are not involved and public order is not violated by loud music. However, it hardly imaginable that a rave party can go without a “booster” (John, 2009). The best way of preventing drug-related crimes there is to establish a network of informants, who will be supplying the local law enforcement with information about the upcoming parties.
In addition, having arrived to the crime scene, the law enforcement authorities should create a cordon to ensure that no one can leave the area until the checks are finalized. At the same time, the police officers should respect individual and collective rights and liberties of the attendees.
References
Scott, M. (2004). Rave parties. Washington, D.C: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
John, G. (2009). Technomad Global Raving Countercultures. London: Equinox Pub.
