Local residents in the Village of Endicott often complain from time to time about noisy neighbors, dogs barking, loud music. But what's a person to do with no noise ordinance in your community! Do you really have to put up with it! After all, many folks want to enjoy sitting out on their porch with a cup of tea or a good book. Isn't it your right, to peace, being violated by these unfavorable incidents!
Endicott Police Department located on Park Street and Jefferson Avenue
Here's what Chief Patrick Garey from the Endicott Police Department had to say on the topic.
"Hello everyone. If you are having noise issues in the village please call the police department (607) 785-3341 when it’s happening. It’s true there is no noise ordinance; however it’s not needed because there is a law against unreasonable noise. Here is the catch...due to the level of offense (it’s a violation or petty offense - similar to a traffic ticket) for an officer to make the arrest, the officer must observe the violation personally (i.e. they must hear the noise and deem it unreasonable). That’s why you have to call while it’s happening and hopefully we hear it. The other option is for you as the person who believes the noise to be unreasonable to “make the arrest.” That means you call the police, we help you fill out the paperwork to charge the person and it all goes to court where the judge will decide. The violator will receive a summons to answer the charge and you will have to describe in the charging documents and possibly in court as to why it was unreasonable. Feel free to take video while it’s happening (only record what you can legally) and show you can hear it inside your house or wherever and note the time of day and other pertinent facts to support your case as to why it’s unreasonable. Also, the more neighbors who hear it and are bothered by it the more it will support the idea it was unreasonable. Hopefully this helps but please do not hesitate to call the department so we can be aware of the issue. We can’t help if we don’t know about it." One other thing the Chief advises against is the who can play their music louder game. Tit for Tat...
"Please don't do that...then we will be talking to you!"
Thanks Chief Garey for spreading awareness and keeping the public informed. Don't forget folks, the Endicott Police Department has a Crime Alert Program and Camera Watch Program. For breaking news and updates be sure to follow us on Twitter @wspickerman
