According to Captain McGann of the Durham police, the town ordinance for noise does not permit amplified music after 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and after 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. In Somersworth, N.H., the town ordinance for noise is in effect from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. According to Somersworth police officer Brandon Drysdale, many parties are brought to their attention by phone calls and complaints. If the noise level is too high, it becomes a disturbance to those living in the area. Consequently, the police receive complaints from many individuals.
Folks call when people are rowdy and out of control.
There are half the number of calls if the noise level is down. McGann says the complaints that the police receive also depend a lot on the location of the party. If the party is in the downtown area, many of the complaints will be from motorists because people are in the streets, crowding the area or being irresponsible. Although noise is not the only factor that leads to police intervention, it is the most common. Crowds also bring attention to a party, and once the police have come, even if only to follow up on a complaint about the noise level, other factors may come into play.