By Ace Grado / Staff Writer

With more house party calls to the Marshall Police Department this semester, Missouri Valley College students are asking what counts as a violation and what happens when officers respond.

Corporal Justin Smith of the Marshall Police Department explained how the department handles college house parties and what laws and policies guide those responses.

“Most of the calls we get start because of noise complaints,” Smith said. “Neighbors hear music or yelling late at night and give us a call. When we show up, our main goal is to make contact with whoever’s hosting and try to resolve it without anyone getting cited.”

Marshall’s municipal code treats loud and disruptive noise as an offense under its Noise and Public Peace section. The city’s noise ordinance, updated by Ordinance No. 8446 on Oct. 1, 2018, makes it unlawful to create unreasonably loud or unnecessary noise. Sound that can be heard 100 feet or more from its source, including from a private residence, may be considered a violation. 

The Disorderly Conduct section, Ordinance No. 5901, allows officers to address disturbances that annoy or disturb residents.

“When we can hear the noise from more than a hundred feet away, that’s usually enough to take action,” Smith said. “We don’t want to shut down every party, but if it’s affecting other people’s peace and quiet, we have to step in.”

Marshall’s alcohol regulations set the framework for how alcohol is handled within city limits. These local rules work alongside Missouri state law when underage drinking is involved. Missouri law makes it a misdemeanor for anyone under 21 to possess or purchase alcohol, with penalties that can include fines or other legal consequences.

“If we find underage drinking or anything that could put people at risk, like damage to property or fights breaking out, then we have to handle that according to procedure,” Smith said. “Usually that means citations or contacting college officials if students are involved.”

Missouri Valley College’s Student Code of Conduct and Drug and Alcohol Policy prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and drugs on college property or at college activities. The 2024–25 student handbook states that violations are handled through the student conduct process and may result in sanctions such as warnings, probation, suspension, or fines. Program-specific handbooks, like the BSN handbook updated in August 2024, follow the same rules.

Between Marshall’s city ordinances and Missouri Valley College’s student policies, students can face consequences both from law enforcement and the college. Officers often try to de-escalate and give warnings, but repeated disturbances, underage drinking, or safety issues can lead to citations and campus discipline.

“For most students, it’s just about learning where that line is,” Smith said. “If you keep the noise down, make sure everyone’s of age, and respect your neighbors, you probably won’t have any problems. But don’t be afraid to call 911 if any problem occurs.”

Officers advise students who host parties to keep noise within limits, avoid serving alcohol to minors, and respect the community. Marshall’s 2018 Noise Ordinance and Missouri Valley College’s 2024–25 Handbook both emphasize that while students are encouraged to have fun, they are expected to do so responsibly.

Keeping a party legal in Marshall comes down to common sense, know the noise limits, keep alcohol away from minors, and cooperate if officers show up.