Police to crack down on Bates College parties after complaints

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Police say they will crack down on raucous, off-campus parties near Bates College after complaints from neighbors that the students are “out of control.”

The Sun-Journal reports that Lewiston police will now respond to complaints directly instead of referring them to school security at Bates College. Officers will issue an initial warning but will make arrests if they have to return.

At a community forum Thursday, Police Chief Brian O’Malley said the department will warn students that enforcement is being ramped up. He said the hope is that no students will be arrested but he doesn’t think that is realistic.

Police will also track complaints at problematic off-campus apartments and will follow up with tenants in the days after a party is broken up.

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Information from: Sun-Journal, http://www.sunjournal.com