Law targeting University of Delaware 'super parties' immediately enforceable
Newark's new law targeting "super parties," passed unanimously by city council on Monday, is immediately enforceable according to Lt. Andrew Rubin of the Newark Police Department.
Some laws include provisions that delay implementation after passage, but others go into effect immediately. The unruly social gatherings ordinance did not include a section to delay enforcement.
The ordinance allows police to give hosts or organizers of a party with as few as four people a civil citation that would require a fine and community service. To qualify as an "unruly social gathering," police must observe at least three behaviors that threaten “health, safety, and good and quiet order.”
THE LAW: Newark passes law targeting unruly University of Delaware 'super-parties' after complaints
Officials say the law will reinforce respect among neighbors, but college students worry the law will shut down smaller parties along with the big ones.
Most small gatherings have nothing to worry about, as long as they are not playing music ridiculously loud, jumping on the roof, publicly urinating, trespassing or doing anything else listed in the ordinance, said Sgt. Greg D'Elia, the bill's sponsor.
"This is no different than before," he said. "This is just if those violations are occurring, then you will get another charge on top of the one, two, three that you would have gotten before."
Newark Police officers have been educated about the new law throughout the week, according D'Elia. They will not change tactics or response methods, but will cite people when the law is violated, he said.
Some students are still skeptical.
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"I don’t think that the police would necessarily target small groups," said Ryan Yohn, 20, a junior accounting and management information systems major. "But the fact that they have the ability to is concerning.”
Allan Carlsen, a senior and president of the UD Interfraternity Council, spoke at Monday night's City Council meeting. He said that the law would hand troubling discretionary power to police.
Acting City Manager Tom Coleman, whose office is responsible for implementing city policies, was not available for comment.
D'Elia is working with the university to inform students and hopes to send a mass email.
This is a developing story. Come back to delawareonline.com for updates.
Contact Leanna Smith at lcsmith@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2261.
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