Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Area routinely leads the City in party-related crime and quality of life problems. Foothill Division led the City with 3404 "Disturbance Party" and "Loud Party" calls compare to 43,614 calls throughout the City in 2003. With an average of 10 party-related calls a day, parties clearly represent a drain on police resources and a significant impact on the safety and quality of life for Foothill residents.

While peaceful family parties are part of our Southern California lifestyle, some parties are unlawful and even dangerous. Last month, two young partygoers were killed at a residential party that had been advertised by flyers at local high schools. Several gang members entered the party and fatally shot the victims during an argument.

This Memorial Day weekend, Foothill Area officers will conduct a "Zero Tolerance" policy on parties that disturb the peace of the community or engage in unlawful behavior. Foothill Area has established a "Party Car" that will rapidly respond to, and cite or arrest violators on the first visit to a loud or disturbing party. The officers may also impound any sound or noise amplifying equipment.

Potential party planners should be aware that it is illegal to charge admission for any party, to furnish alcohol to minors, to disturb the peace, quite, and comfort of neighbors or to produce amplified music audible from 150 feet from the property line. They also need to remember that they are responsible for the nature of their party and the conduct of their partygoers.

Anyone with party-related complaints in Foothill Area can call Foothill Area Police Station, at 818-756-8861.

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.