Getting off enforcement’s radar...

 

Change your reputation. When it comes to enforcement, having a reputation as an individual or a group who officers can expect to violate the law is NOT a good thing. Getting off the radar means doing everything you can to avoid problems including disassociating yourself from those who attract police attention, so that you can build trust and a positive reputation.

Don’t advertise the party. This means not advertising parties online (via FaceBook or My Space), in print, or via posters, especially to minors. These are all public venues which police and city/university administrators look at regularly. Besides, advertising is an open invitation to those who want to target your house for theft during the party. Also, don’t allow the behavior of friends/group members to attract attention while they’re with you.

Know what attracts police attention. Police stop and check out situations when they have probable cause. This includes any type of behavior that is loud, disruptive, or inappropriate, or any behavior that looks as if the person is unsafe or needs medical assistance. Shouting, screaming, fake or real fighting, throwing things, breaking things, playing loud music, staggering, vomiting, urinating in public and other similar behaviors give the police a cause to investigate.

Don’t argue. Remember that the police have to enforce the law, so if you have been drinking and have caught their attention, they can’t just look away. If you are underage and choose to possess or consume alcohol, or if you are breaking any other law, you face a risk of legal consequences – whether you believe the law to be fair or not. The police can’t decide if they “like” the law they are charged to enforce –they just enforce it. Debating it on the street won’t help. In fact, many students get cited for giving false information, resisting arrest, and mistreating an officer AFTER they’ve been caught for a smaller violation. This also gives you a reputation among officers that keeps you on the radar.

Alert neighbors when you are having a party. Most folks understand that they are living in a college town and that students want to have a good time. Talking with neighbors ahead of time shows respect and encourages neighbors to approach you with concerns, instead of immediately calling the police

Take frequent walks around the outside of the house. You’ll find out if music is too loud, people are too loud, there is a line to get in (this is sure to signal to the police that your party is too big!)

Keep all guests in the back yard or back of the house. This will draw less attention to the party and discourage people from wandering around through neighbors’ yards.

Use fans and vents to keep the temperature cooler inside the house. This will help keep people from passing out or getting sick. It will also decrease the need for people to stand outside to get cool, which will lessen the noise outside.