In an effort to reduce property damage, theft and sexual assault, the Milwaukee Police Department is cracking down on house parties, officials said.

Last week, Michael Massa, District Five police captain, sent out an alert bulletin to warn University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students of the fines that will be incurred upon police investigation of a house party.

“(We sent out the bulletin) to inform the student population so they will modify their behavior,” said Bruce Scott, District Five community liaison. “No one’s saying you can’t have a party. We’re just saying be responsible and respect your neighbors.”

Scott said the main reason that house parties are shut down or fined is the safety factor. He said that many parties are so overcrowded in basements and attics that there is no safe escape route in case of emergency, and fights or sexual assaults are likely to occur at these huge gatherings where plentiful amounts of cheap beer are poured.

Last year, two students fell when climbing out of second-story windows, injuring themselves, when trying to flee from police, Scott said.

“If you’re issued a citation, it’s a civil forfeiture, not the crime of the century,” he said. “Don’t sustain permanent injury over it, and plus you always have your day in court.”

Other reasons for house party busts include:

• Charging a cover
• Selling shots
• Keeping the party an open event
• Getting so out of hand that the party moves into the street and the neighbors’ yards
• Noise nuisance
• Publicizing the party
• Serving alcohol to minors

Students can prevent police from showing up by responsibly hosting parties. The department encourages residents to alert their neighbors when having a party and exchange phone numbers. Also, take frequent walks around the outside of the house to find out if the music is too loud and if the guests are disturbing neighbors. Keep all guests in the backyard; this will draw less attention to the party. Use fans and vents to keep the temperature cooler inside the house. Not only will this keep people from passing out or getting sick, but it will also reduce outside traffic and ultimately the noise outside. Finally, put a sober person at the door to monitor rowdy guests.

Last fall the police issued 162 noise nuisance citations, one citation for public drinking, seven disorderly conduct citations and 14 citations for licensing requirements, a Class A misdemeanor with a fine up to $10,000 or nine months in jail.

UWM allots money to fund the MPD to patrol overtime in the areas surrounding the campus in addition to UWM’s own police department. The mission of the University Police Department is to provide essential law enforcement and emergency and protective services to students, staff, faculty and visitors.

Sgt. Arthur Koch of the UWM Police said that house parties are not an ongoing issue for his department because they mainly occur off campus, although there are “a couple in the dorms.”

Scott said a student internship with the MPD is in the works for next fall, during which a group of students will work one-on-one with him in an effort to reduce crime on campus.

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