West University Community Association

Living in a University Neighborhood-Resjdence Guide

Issues involving students in the neighborhood

As you are consistently reminded, you share a neighborhood with University
of Denver students. For many university students living in the near off-campus neighborhood, this is their first experience with living independently, away
from home and away from a residence hall. The West University Community Association and the University of Denver have developed a student guide
to help them understand the expectations of living in an adult community.

The University of Denver recognizes and emphasizes that the near off-campus neighborhood is NOT a University neighborhood. It is a Residential Neighborhood where families and students share a common goal – a quiet residential living.

The University of Denver also takes its responsibility of educating students seriously,
and believes that student conduct while living in the community is a reflection
on the University.

We have developed a systemic approach for prevention and reaction to issues involving students in the neighborhood. With that said, it is important for neighbors to know their rights and responsibilities. In cooperation with the Denver Police Department’s District 3 Office, WUCA and DU have developed this guide for you, to provide that information.

Before beginning with the protocol of addressing a problem, let us ask: Do you
know your neighbors? Have you met your student neighbors? Have you talked to them about the expectations of living in the neighborhood? Second, when a problem
arises, decide whether you want to talk to the neighbor or not. Oftentimes, speaking with the neighbor will resolve the problem. However, if you choose not to,
please contact the appropriate city authority.

Ending Disturbances

What exactly is a disturbance? The City of Denver Municipal Code Ordinance defines disturbances as:

Disturbance of the peace

i. It shall be unlawful for any person to disturb the peace of others by violent, tumultuous, offensive or obstreperous conduct or by loud or unusual noises or by unseemly, profane, obscene or offensive language calculated to provoke a breach of the peace or for any person to permit any such conduct in any house or upon any premises owned or possessed by such person or under their management or control, when within such person’s power to prevent, so that others in the vicinity are or may be disturbed thereby. (Ch.38, Article IV, Sec. 38-39 of the Revised Municipal Code of the City and County of Denver.), and

ii. No person shall use or operate or allow to be used or operated any loudspeaker, public address system, radio, tape player, disc player or other sound-amplifying equipment in or on a motor vehicle in such a manner as to be plainly audible at twenty-five (25) feet from the motor vehicle unless a permit has been signed by the manager of excise and licenses pursuant to subsection (e) herein which allows such amplification (Ch.38, Article IV, Sec. 38-89 of the Revised Municipal Code of the City and County of Denver).

What You Can Do - A complaint protocol

To seek assistance with ending disturbances, call the police dispatcher at District 3 police station, 720-913-2000.

· If you want to file a formal complaint, insist politely that an officer respond to your residence to take a signed complaint. Be aware that if you sign a complaint, you are committing to follow through with the legal process. You may be asked to appear in court to testify against the accused party.
· If you want to file a complaint, but do not want the police to come to your home, make arrangements with the dispatcher to meet the responding officer somewhere else nearby. The dispatcher may tell you that the party has already been reported and that things are under control. However, you have the right to insist on being contacted by an officer.
· If you are one of several persons contacting the police, you may be listed as a complainant, or you may be listed as a complaining witness. Complainants must sign, witnesses must give names, addresses and birth dates. From the officer, get the following information: the officer’s name, badge number, the case number of the complaint (verifying that a ticket will be issued). Politely, but firmly, insist that a ticket is issued.
· The following day, please call the West University Community Asso- ciation liaison to report the informa- tion; she will keep a record and contact DU and the police regarding the disposition of the incident. The WUCA Resident Impact Liaison is Barbara Steinmeyer, cwaterwork@ aol.com, 303-744-3130.

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Contact WUCA for complete GUIDE.