Police commanders in Areas B-3 and C-11 are stepping up efforts to curb after-hours house parties, which have historically been a breeding ground for gun violence. Most recently, three people were murdered on Mt. Ida Road on March 28 outside a party that was still going on at 4 a.m.

While police have not definitively tied the victims in that incident to the party, the incident is the latest reminder of the potential for problems that surround such gatherings.
“There’s been an acceleration of after hours parties this year,” says Captain James Claiborne, who commands the B-3 district. “We’re not talking about family birthday parties here. The problems are with people selling liquor and charging admission, which are both illegal.”
Claiborne and his counterpart on C-11, Capt. Richard Sexton, say that they have ordered sector cars to check on properties that have been venues for illicit after-hours spots in the past. The BPD’s intelligence unit watches social networking sites for news of upcoming parties and officers are on the lookout for fliers that promoters often distribute to bar and club patrons as they leave at closing time.
“We’re developing strategies to nip these parties before they get up and running,” says Claiborne. “It’s become a total disruption to the community and folks get injured.”
One weapon that police plan to use as a deterrent, Sexton says, is to enforce a city ordinance that will allow cops to seize sound equipment found in use at such a party. That, they hope, will discourage DJs from putting their livelihood in jeopardy.
In a notice issued through his community service office last week, Claiborne asks for residents to help by reporting signs of an after-hours party including double-parked cars, furniture being moved to create room and large amounts of alcohol and equipment being brought into residences. Tips can be called into B-3 CSO office at 617-343-4717. For C-11, the number is 617-343-4520.