The University of Denver is teaming up with the Denver Police Department to crack down on house parties that are becoming a nuisance to DU neighbors.

Warren Smith, director of news and public relations, said that residents are fed up with the loud noise, rowdy drunken students and trash that these parties produce. Smith said that the administration will work closely with the Denver Police Department to prevent these parties from disturbing the neighborhood peace or violating city noise ordinances.

The administration is strengthening its efforts to curb student parties because of an increase in complaints. Smith said the university has received more complaints than in previous years. Complaints ranged from drunken students urinating in yards to loud noise in the early morning hours. To combat these problems, the university is informing neighbors that they can call police to have these parties broken up. A neighbor can call police and sign a report, on the night of the incident, noting that his or her “peace was disturbed.” Police can then break up the party and issue citations.

But police don’t have to wait for a neighbor’s complaint to end a disruptive party. Denver Police will be strictly enforcing city ordinances that prohibit amplified noise after 10 p.m.

Smith said students need to be aware that there are fines of up to $1,000 and punishment of one year in prison for disturbing the peace.

Police will make note of the houses that continue to have disturbingly, loud parties. Police then make the occupants aware of the nuisance abatement law and inform them about the consequences of future violations. In some cases, because some neighborhood houses are rented out to students, police can contact the landlord directly.

The university is determining who the occupants are at six addresses on South Williams and South High streets. Any student occupant will be directed to meet with Citizenship and Community Standards staff.

Campus Safety has begun scouting potential problem houses. The university is also preparing a video surveillance system to gather information about students committing violations in the neighborhood.

Smith said that the university is not trying to trample over students’ fun, but the university will not condone activities that sometimes lead to destruction of property or have neighbors’ tranquility disrupted.

The university is also increasing its efforts to offer students other sources of entertainment. The Department of Residence and the Department of Student Programs will be offering students weekend activities that will give students an alternative to house parties.