Town By-Law / Massachusetts General Law Educational Initiative

The Amherst Police Department, in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Police Department, will be conducting an educational initiative September 14th through September 17, 2009. Throughout this period, Officers will disseminate literature and educate the college community on the Amherst Town By-Laws and Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to alcohol, noise and unlawful assembly.

Officers will target residential areas, both on and off campus, disseminating information and speaking with residents regarding open containers of alcohol in public, minors in possession of alcohol, keg possession, complaints of excessive noise, and riotous behavior. The goal of this initiative is to curb excessive drinking and noise disturbances in order to improve the quality of life within the community we serve.

The Amherst Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of all town residents, the safeguarding of all constitutional guarantees, and the protection of property. This can be accomplished by the education and enforcement of all applicable Town By-Laws, Massachusetts General Laws and the rapid suppression of any and all riotous activities.

For questions regarding this enforcement initiative please contact Amherst Police Department Sergeant William N. Menard at 413-259-3000 or University of Massachusetts Police Lieutenant Thomas O'Donnell at 413-545-3578.

This initiative is funded by the Executive Office of Public Safety Community Policing Grant Funds.