Police patrols to target loud or disorderly parties

Western Today staff

October 17, 2013

Over the next few weeks, officers from the Bellingham Police Department, Western Washington University Police and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office will join resources to increase party patrol efforts in the residential areas of Bellingham.

Bellingham and Western Washington University Police will provide extra staffing in this previously planned enforcement effort. Bellingham Police will use the “Party Bus” to respond to problem parties. If needed, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office will provide their mobile booking vehicle, along with corrections officers to assist with processing the arrested individuals.

“Parties that get out of control are not only a noise or nuisance concern, they are a public safety issue. And we will not tolerate any outbreaks of violence,” said Chief Clifford Cook, of the Bellingham Police Department.

Police are not trying to ban parties, but will respond to complaints. If there is a loud or disorderly party in your neighborhood, call police at 360-676-6911.

Police offer a few tips if you are planning a party:

  • Keep your party a reasonable size. Social media can lead to many more people showing up than you want.
  • Touch bases with your neighbors; let them know you are planning a party and listen to their concerns, such as noise, parking and litter.
  • Keep the party indoors. When the party moves outdoors things can get loud.
  • If you generate noise that unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort, and repose of your neighbors, the police can issue a public disturbance noise citation.
  • Even if you didn’t intentionally invite anyone underage, you might end up with underage people at your party. If the Party Patrol busts your party and find that alcohol is being served or consumed, then those under 21 will be cited for a minor in possession (commonly known as an MIP). You as the host also could receive a citation for furnishing alcohol to minors. In addition, hosts may have liabilities for neighborhood damages caused by their party guests.
  • If you believe your party is getting too loud or large call the police department to assist you in clearing it out.