Each year during Veishea, a number of complaints from Ames residents, ranging from noise complaints to parking violations – incidents that generally occur during big games and events, are reported, said Tom Shelton, Ames Police Department community resource officer.

One of the bigger problems is the noise and disturbance for residents on campus, Shelton said, and usually the police get involved after they receive a complaint call.

The Ames sound ordinance – which states that sounds should not be above 60 decibels before midnight and 55 after – will be followed more closely during Veishea, said Doug Houghton, DPS program manager.

“[The officers] will use a meter, much like a radar, and will stand on the curb and use the instrument to measure the decibels,” Houghton said.

“The violation will be judged depending on the actual reading on the meter, and usually the owner of the building or person in control will be issued the fine.”

Often times, a call will mean more than just a noise violation, Shelton said.

“Frequently we find that there are more serious violations at these parties, such as underage drinking, public intoxication and parking violations,” he said. “The calls we receive usually help us to catch these things before they become serious problems.”

The Ames Police Department will be sending out more patrol officers, Shelton said, so those involved with Veishea should be take precautions with parking and alcohol.

“Be especially sure that the music isn’t too loud to avoid complaints,” he said.

“The enforcement will increase during Veishea, there will be more officers than on a regular shift so we are able to handle more complaints.”

Violators of the sound ordinance will either be issued a fine or even a criminal citation, depending on the amount of illegal activity occurring at the time.

“The fine will vary. We always hope it is simply a sound violation but usually there is more involved,” Shelton said.