Police Issue Warning to Incoming College Students In An Effort to Prevent Quality of Life Issues
As area colleges welcome students back to campus, the Dover Police Department typically sees an increase in loud party complaints and underage drinking violations. The department has taken a zero tolerance approach to these quality of life violations in previous years and is issuing a warning to college students that this year will be no different.
Parties/Loud Noise
The department is reminding the public that audible music and bass outside of 50 feet is illegal and can result in fines ranging from $50-$107. If a person is renting a residence and receives 2 or more noise violations within a 12 month period, they are subject to mandatory eviction as well. Violators may also be charged with Disorderly Conduct and/or other applicable criminal charges.
Underage Drinking/Alcohol Violations
It is no secret that alcohol use is a major concern on college campuses across the country. The department will proactively enforce all alcohol violations to include underage drinking, providing alcohol to underage persons, open containers, and other applicable state laws/city ordinances. Open container violations can result in a minimum of a $25.00 fine and underage drinking violations begin at $100.00. Other associated acts such as littering, lour parties, disorderly conduct, and lewdness will also be heavily enforced.
Parking
The Dover Police Department requests that students new to the area, particularly those attending Wesley College, to be mindful of the parking signs in the downtown areas. On weekday nights, there is no parking permitted on certain street sides to allow for cleaning. Each street is clearly marked with signs providing the days and times parking is not permitted. Violators will be ticketed and fines will increase if not paid on time.
The department will heavily enforce these violations, especially in the downtown college and residential districts. Students cited or arrested for ANY criminal violation or city ordinance violation are also subject to disciplinary proceedings by their school. While the department wishes for each student to SAFELY enjoy their college experience in the capital city, we must ensure students do so without disturbing the quality of life for the residents around them.