The Salt Lake City Police Department announced a stepped‑up patrol presence around the University of Utah after receiving a surge of complaints about underage drinking and excessive noise from parties held just off campus. Residents say the constant gatherings have become a serious disruption to family life in the long‑standing residential area surrounding Rice‑Eccles Stadium.
Community concerns
“This has been a residential neighborhood all the time, the whole time my in‑laws, my wife and I have been here for 47 years and it should maintain that character,” said longtime resident Neil Glad. Glad and other neighbors report that parties often start after 10 p.m., continue into the early morning hours, and sometimes involve students who become so intoxicated they require medical attention. “People were literally aspirating and drunk on the lawn and people were stepping over these people and not paying attention to them,” said Jennifer Neal, another local resident.
Police response
In a video posted to social media, a police spokesperson emphasized the department’s commitment to public safety and respect for the university’s fan base: “We all want to have a good time and we all want to support our Utes, we just ask that you do it with respect.” Lt. Steve Wooldridge explained that the department now has a historic number of officers on its roster, allowing for more frequent patrols in the affected neighborhoods. “What we’ve found is an older model but we fortunately have the staffing to do it, a lot of people won’t conduct illegal acts in the presence of uniformed police officers in marked vehicles,” Wooldridge said.
Potential penalties
The department also warned that hosts of illegal parties could face a $1,000 fine if officers are called to intervene. This enforcement measure is intended to deter future disturbances while giving responsible students a clear expectation of consequences.
Mixed reactions
While many applaud the increased police presence as a necessary first step, some community members caution that a heavy police footprint may not be the only solution. Neal argued that “bringing in outside forces just to solve a problem that could be solved simply by being friendly isn’t necessarily the way to go.” She and other residents suggest that open dialogue between students and long‑time neighbors could help calm the situation without relying solely on law‑enforcement action.
Looking ahead
The police department plans to continue monitoring the area and working with the university to promote responsible behavior among students. Community leaders hope that a combination of increased patrols, clear penalties, and constructive conversation will restore the quiet, family‑friendly atmosphere that has defined the neighborhood for decades.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
