Boston Police Department Warning: Loud Parties and Disturbances

The following message was shared with the Boston University off-campus community by the Boston Police Department on August 21, 2025. 

Please see a PDF copy of the letter here.

Dear Off-Campus Residents,

I’m Officer Scott Stenstrom from the Boston Police Department’s Community Service Office at District 14, serving the Allston and Brighton neighborhoods. We’ve seen a significant increase in 911 calls from residents reporting loud music and disruptive parties in areas where off-campus students live, especially between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM. These disturbances impact families, professionals, and other neighbors who have a right to peace at all hours.

As a lessee you are legally responsible for what happens at your address, even if you’re not home or hosting the event. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 272, Section 53, hosting or allowing a “noisy and disorderly house” is a criminal offense, punishable by up to 6 months in jail, a $200 fine, or both. This applies to repeated loud gatherings that disturb the community.

If an application for a criminal complaint is filed against you for a disturbance related charge:

  1. Your school will be notified with a copy of the police report sent to them.
  2. You will be summoned to appear for a hearing with a Clerk Magistrate at The Brighton Division of the Boston Municipal Court.
  3. If a criminal complaint issues, you’ll receive a Probation Central File (PCF) number, which is permanently attached to your name and date of birth.
  4. You’ll then appear before a Judge. Even if found not guilty, the PCF number and court appearance remain on your record.
  5. This information appears on CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) checks, which employers, graduate schools, and licensing boards often review. This could impact your future job prospects or career goals.

To avoid these serious consequences:

a. Keep music and gatherings at a reasonable volume, and keep the number of guests to a minimum.
b. Be mindful of your neighbors’ right to a peaceful environment.
c. Communicate with roommates to ensure everyone understands their responsibility as a lessee.

We want you to enjoy your time in Allston and Brighton, but please respect your community. One loud party can lead to a permanent record that follows you for years. If you have questions or need guidance on maintaining a respectful living environment, contact the District 14 Community Service Office at 617-343-4376.

Sincerely,

Officer Scott Stenstrom
Boston Police Department, District 14