Now that graduation season is here, many families will be hosting parties to celebrate the success of their graduates. I thought I would run this article once again to help potential hosts plan a party that will be incident free and enjoyed by all.

QUESTION:

My neighbors like to throw parties during the warmer months. Usually they are fairly quiet but sometimes they can get out of hand. With summer fast approaching and party season here, is there any advice you can offer to help keep these parties under control?

ANSWER:

The Brockton Police Department has become accustomed to the presence of noise and party related problems. When parties compromise the personal safety of citizens and negatively impact the quality of life within neighborhoods, the Brockton Police Department must take action to improve conditions.
If a neighbor or any person calls to complain about a party or noise problem, the Brockton Police Department will respond to assist that complainant.  Party hosts may also call to request assistance with shutting down an out-of-control party.
Please remember, noise ordinance should be the end time for loud parties, hosts should be reasonable about how late a party should continue, especially when the party lasts into the late evening.
Here are some suggestions to help make a party safe and successful:

Best Advice for a Safe and Successful Party

1. Make your neighbors’ aware before throwing a party.
2. Agree to clean up after the party, especially if trash or other debris has been deposited on the street or in a neighbor’s yard.
3. Leave a telephone number where your neighbors can call you to complain (and answer the phone if they call).
4. Keep party attendance to a reasonable number.
5. If unruly, uninvited guests show up, call the police to have them removed.
6. Do not disturb your neighbors.  Not only is disturbing the peace is illegal, you may do irreparable harm to the relationship built between you and your neighbors. You live in a community where late night noise and parties are not tolerated.
7. DO NOT ALLOW UNDERAGE DRINKING.  Just one underage drinker can result in the party’s host being arrested. Underage drinking is illegal and those who do so may be arrested.
8. Do not let drunken partygoers drive home. Make sure to take the car keys of those who drink prior to the party getting into full swing.
9. Illegal parking, late night visitors, outdoor loitering (smoking cigarettes or playing games), underage drinking, trash, unkept yards, and loud noise are actions that demand police attention.
10. There are ramifications for party hosts or partygoers who do not follow the rules such as arrests, parental notifications, fines and other sanctions including potential civil consequences.

Everyone enjoys a good party. Good party hosts and good neighbors must remember to respect the rights of nearby residents and ensure that their party is kept under control at all times. Following these simple tips will allow everyone to have a good time and help maintain the quality of life residents have come to enjoy.

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Brockton Police Department, 7 Commercial St, Brockton, MA 02302. You may also email your questions or comments to chief@brocktonpolice.com. Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons.

Brenda I. Pérez

Chief of Police