Can You call the police for noise complaints?

Can You Call the Police for Noise Complaints?

Noise complaints are a common issue in many communities, and it’s natural to wonder whether you can call the police to report excessive noise. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on various factors, including the type of noise, the time of day, and the local noise ordinances. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide guidance on when it’s appropriate to call the police for noise complaints.

What Constitutes a Noise Complaint?

Before we dive into whether you can call the police for noise complaints, let’s define what constitutes a noise complaint. A noise complaint typically involves excessive or unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of a neighborhood or community. This can include:

• Loud music or parties
• Construction or renovation noise
• Barking dogs
• Car alarms or sirens
• Loud talking or arguing

When Can You Call the Police for Noise Complaints?

While noise complaints are a common issue, not all noise disturbances warrant a police response. In general, you can call the police for noise complaints if:

• The noise is excessive and disturbing the peace
• The noise is causing a disturbance or disrupting the normal use of a property
• The noise is violating local noise ordinances
• The noise is causing a risk to public safety

Local Noise Ordinances

Local noise ordinances vary by jurisdiction, but most cities and towns have laws regulating noise levels. These ordinances typically specify the decibel levels allowed for different types of noise, such as:

If the noise you’re experiencing exceeds the allowed decibel level, you can call the police to report the disturbance.

When Should You Call the Police for Noise Complaints?

While you can call the police for noise complaints, it’s essential to consider the circumstances before making the call. Here are some scenarios where it’s appropriate to call the police:

• Excessive noise during quiet hours: If the noise is disturbing the peace during quiet hours (usually between 10 PM and 7 AM), it’s reasonable to call the police.
• Noise that’s causing a disturbance: If the noise is causing a disturbance or disrupting the normal use of a property, you can call the police to report the issue.
• Noise that’s violating local noise ordinances: If the noise is violating local noise ordinances, you can call the police to report the disturbance.

When Shouldn’t You Call the Police for Noise Complaints?

While it’s okay to call the police for noise complaints in certain circumstances, there are times when it’s not appropriate to make the call. Here are some scenarios where it’s best to handle the issue yourself:

• Noise from a neighbor: If the noise is coming from a neighbor and you’ve already spoken to them about the issue, it’s best to handle the situation yourself.
• Noise from a one-time event: If the noise is from a one-time event, such as a party or construction project, it’s best to wait until the event is over before calling the police.
• Noise that’s not disturbing the peace: If the noise is not disturbing the peace or causing a disturbance, it’s best to handle the situation yourself.

What Happens When You Call the Police for a Noise Complaint?

When you call the police for a noise complaint, they will typically send an officer to investigate the disturbance. The officer will assess the situation and take one of the following actions:

• Warn the noise-maker: The officer may warn the noise-maker to reduce the noise level or stop the noise altogether.
• Issue a citation: The officer may issue a citation to the noise-maker if they’re violating local noise ordinances.
• Make an arrest: In extreme cases, the officer may make an arrest if the noise is causing a risk to public safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while you can call the police for noise complaints, it’s essential to consider the circumstances before making the call. Remember to check local noise ordinances and consider the time of day, the type of noise, and the impact on the community before calling the police. By understanding when to call the police for noise complaints, you can help keep your community peaceful and quiet.