Those who publicly advertise their parties, whether it be on Facebook or a kiosk (read: telephone pole), are probably aware that these ads attract the attention of both party-goers and police alike. It’s no secret that police use this kind of information to deter illicit activity, and why shouldn’t they?
What might surprise you is the fact that the Iowa City Police Department are using these public advertisements to track down and visit party hosts well before any partying has actually begun.
In an article published today by WHOTV in Des Moines, Iowa City Police Officer Jorey Bailey says, “The best way to prevent, to keep people safe is to educate them. So we take the opportunity to go out, if there’s an address listed, and speak to those residents, those tenants in the apartments or house and let them know kind of the consequences.”
Such behavior seems innocuous, but it brings up a few questions. If law enforcement shows up unsolicited to one’s private residence and no crime is being committed in sight of the officer, what happens to the resident who says, “No thanks” and shuts the door? Does that resident even need to answer, or can they sit on the couch and politely wave at the officers standing outside? If the resident does indeed cooperate, under what pretenses are they doing so?
“When we find out about it and can trace the party host(s) down to a specific address we will often send an officer by to introduce themselves and then discuss the potential issues they are about to have with their neighbors,” Iowa City Police Chief Sam Hargadine wrote in an email to Little Village. “More often than not this works and they tone down the enthusiasm to have a large uncontrollable event.”
So what happens to the stubborn ones?
“They certainly can refuse to talk to the officer but that’s probably going result in increased scrutiny during the party,” Hargadine said. “Most would rather have a chat about what can and can’t happen rather than have to deal with the police when the party has gotten out of control. And they can easily get out of control.”
Hargadine says that the Iowa City Police Department’s priority is neighborhood stabilization.
“We want permanent residents to feel like they can live without being bothered by drunks hooting and hollering as they walk up and down the streets,” he said. “We don’t want property values to decrease because of neighborhood deterioration. We want young people to have fun, be safe and hopefully respect and get along with their neighbors.”
Hargadine says he’s not aware of anyone being arrested as a result these pre-party knocks at the door (through whatever circumstances that might arise). “That’s not what this is about,” he added.
So there you have it, folks. The party may not be rockin’ quite yet, but don’t be surprised if the police still come knockin’.
