VCU news

By Corey Byers

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department is unveiling a new tool to help control noise levels from parties and other events hosted by students living near VCU’s Monroe Park Campus.

This afternoon, VCU Police Chief John Venuti will give local media the first look at the department’s new noise suppression unit. Throughout the academic year, the unit will be used in the neighborhoods surrounding VCU as both a noise deterrent and noise monitor.

The new unit is the department’s way of adding another step in the routine process of handling noise complaints. During the most recent academic year, VCU Police visited 186 residences after receiving complaints about loud parties. VCU Police has a dedicated external relations officer who verifies complaints, educates students on their responsibilities as renters, notifies landlords of ongoing issues and, in some cases, assists landlords with evictions.

“The quality of life for our neighbors has been a high priority for VCU administrators,” Venuti said. “The noise suppression unit shows the community that we are taking every possible step to ensure our students are following laws and the university’s code of conduct.”

An unveiling is scheduled for 2 p.m. today, Aug. 13, at the Compass Plaza on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. The plaza is located between Shafer Court Dining Center (801 Cathedral Place) and James Branch Cabell Library (901 Park Ave).

Additional details about this initiative will not be released until the media event this afternoon. Reporters interested in attending should email byersc@vcu.edu.