Underage students might want to be more cautious and rethink drinking at house parties this weekend.

Charleston Police Department, in conjunction with the University Police Department, issued 156 alcohol-related citations during the first weekend before school began.

Most of the citations were for underage drinking, said David Chambers, deputy police chief for CPD.

He said seven extra officers patrolled the city Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The extra patrols will continue for six weeks as CPD and UPD try to limit the illegal behavior that results from drinking, such as property damage, Chambers said.

Last year, CPD issued 141 alcohol-related citations during the first weekend of school.

Adam Due, chief of police for UPD, said university police are working with CPD more frequently than in past years because of a new Illinois grant, titled “Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws,” which encourages universities to work with local law enforcement agencies.

“We have, but not to this degree,” Due said about working in the past with CPD in curbing alcohol-related violations.

He said the grant makes collaborating with Charleston police seamless and efficient.

Stephen Di Benedetto can be reached at 581-7942 or at sdibenedetto@eiu.edu.