Being a good neighbor is always a good idea, but it is not necessarily the first thought on students mind as they move into off-campus housing for the new school year. Recently some schools in conjunction with local police departments took the opportunity to welcome students into their communities. On one hand the visits are an attempt to foster relations between the students and their new neighbors on the other it was meant to inform students that police are here to help them and to enforce the law.
Students are often presented with information about the community along with coupons, school policies and local ordinances and laws. Some of the subjects covered are local noise ordinances and associated fines. Some communities have implemented an ordinance that can designate a residence as a disorderly house, making the property owner liable for a fine for each noise-related offense at the residence.
Students need also be aware that in many communities anyone who provides alcohol to an under aged person can be criminally charged.