But this quick change doesn't serve the city or its residents well. First, the officer needs to be protected. Residents would be warned of noise violations, and if a party is violent, a police officer would be ready. The lack of police presence goes beyond this one incident. Refusing to warn residents of noise violations is unfair.
All residents deserve a chance to lower the volume and avoid a fine.
This new policy also backs up the city's bureaucracy. Before, most warnings resulted in quieter parties. Two complaints are usually heard at each monthly board meeting, but two weekends have generated four or more hearings each. The Noise Control Board is overwhelmed. The city should protect the officer and return warnings of noise violations, allowing hearings to subside.