Chief’s Column: Don’t force the police to be uninvited guests at your party

Graduation season is here and, despite the COVID-19 Pandemic limitations, many families may be hosting parties to celebrate the success of their graduates. We hope everyone will follow the proper safety precautions during these gatherings including inviting a limited number of family
or friends, social distancing, staying six feet apart, no shaking hands or hugging, wearing masks, washing hands, using sanitizer and telling guests to stay home if they are feeling ill. For those that do hold parties, 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 Grafton Police Department has become accustomed to the presence of noise and party related problems, especially from its younger population. When parties compromise the personal safety of citizens and negatively impact the quality of life within neighborhoods, the Grafton
Police Department must take action to improve conditions.

If a neighbor or any person calls to complain about a party or noise problem, the Grafton 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, while there is no set
time for a party to end, 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

• Ask your neighbors’ permission before throwing a party.
• 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.
• Leave a telephone number where your neighbors can call you to complain (and answer the phone if they call).
• Keep party attendance to a reasonable number. (Maybe less than 10.)
• If unruly, uninvited guests show up, call the police to have them removed.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Illegal parking, late night visitors, outdoor loitering (smoking cigarettes or playing games), underage drinking, trash, unkempt yards, and loud noise are actions that demand police attention.
• 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. They must also remember the precautions that need to be taken during this COVID-19 crisis. Following these simple tips will allow everyone to have a good time and help maintain the quality of life and safety Grafton residents have come to enjoy.

Members of the Grafton Police Department offer their sincere congratulations to the
graduates of the Class of 2020. We wish all of you the best of luck and success in your future
endeavors.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.
Chief of Police