RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--It only takes a few seconds to tell VCU police where your party's going on and, if you register as a party host online, they'll give you a free strike if a noise disturbance call comes concerning your home.
VCU police say they are giving students an option.
"We know where the parties are at,” said Chief John Venuti. “It's not that hard."
Venuti and VCU alum Gordon Miller, the CEO of G3 systems, are teaming up and using technology to give students who host parties a pardon from a police visit--if a noise complaint is made about a party.
It's called PRTY SMRT, (no vowels to mimic texting language) a web-based service that gives participating hosts the opportunity and the tools to regulate their own parties and avoid noise violations.
"It saves police time and everyone else’s time. I think it's a great idea," said Nicholas Grad, a VCU junior, who says he attends two to three house parties a week and really hates hearing a knock at the door.
“You know when your heart goes into your throat, when the cops knock,” Grad said.
"It's a way for police to know where the parties are. But if you aren't doing anything illegal, then I don't see what's wrong,” said Hannah Statham, a VCU senior. “It just keeps you ahead of the game."
Venuti says registering your party doesn't make you a target for police check-ups. He says the sole purpose of the program is to eliminate calls for service that take his officers away from more serious crimes that can take place at any given time on campus.
"If we receive a noise complaint and that's it, then we notify the individual by text that they are causing a concern or problem in their community," said Venuti.
It's a three strikes and you are out program, but not before giving you two chances and 30 minutes to get your party under control before police show up at your door.
Halloween night is the kick-off. You can start registering your campus parties Thursday. If you do sign up, Chief Venuti says he sends a link to your e-mail with useful crime prevention party tips.
Click over to website PRTY SMRT for info.
