Kingston Police shut down seven nuisance parties over weekend

In the days immediately after Kingston Police and the City of Kingston thanked the student community for their responsible behaviour on St. Patrick’s Day, partygoers spilled onto some streets in the University District on Saturday, continuing the celebrations.

Police and Bylaw Enforcement issued 39 administrative monetary penalties (AMPs), with additional charges and arrests on Saturday, Mar. 19, 2022. In total, seven nuisance parties were declared on Saturday with upper Aberdeen Street becoming temporarily obstructed in the early afternoon, according to a media release.

“Community partners worked quickly throughout the day (Saturday) to respond to large gatherings in the University District. We saw an increase in gatherings and fines, but disruptions to the community were limited,” said Kyle Compeau, Manager of Bylaw Enforcement. “On behalf of the City, we want to thank those individuals that chose to attend smaller gatherings or local establishments instead. These responsible decisions play a crucial role in maintaining capacity for emergency services.”

Kingston Police caution against aggressive behaviour

Gatherings on March 19 produced increasingly aggressive behaviour, according to the release, including one incident in which a Kingston Police officer was struck in the head by a drink container. Police caution partiers that behaviour can have serious long-term impacts:

“While the weekend’s gatherings were smaller relative to last year’s Homecoming, we continued to see aggressive and dangerous behaviour toward police and bylaw officers,” said Kingston Police Chief Antje McNeely. “Assaulting a police officer is an extremely serious offence, and a charge or conviction will have long-term implications on career prospects.” 

According to the release, enforcement partners primarily issued AMPs where applicable and Part One Court Summonses were also issued in some situations, meaning a mandatory court appearance, with the individual’s identity being retained as part of a permanent court record. Arrests or charges under the Liquor Licensing Act could also mean a permanent record.

Individuals who receive a fine during the University District Safety Initiative will also have their identities disclosed as part of a reciprocal agreement in place with Queen’s University, with the intent of facilitating non-academic sanctions.

Kingston Police statistics – March 19

Liquor Licensing Act Charges:

• 18 open liquor charges, resulting in a court summons
• 7 public intoxication charges
• Administrative Monetary Penalties: 
• 1 for amplification of sound, resulting in a $200 fine
• 2  for obstructing an officer, resulting in a $500 fine

Police also attended 27 noise complaint calls and issued 4 Highway Traffic Act charges.

Bylaw Enforcement statistics – March 19

Administrative Monetary Penalties:

• 13 for failing to leave premises of a nuisance party, resulting in a $500 fine
• 8 for hosting or sponsoring a nuisance party, resulting in a $2000 fine
• 6 for amplification of sound, resulting in a $200 fine
• 6 for yelling or shouting, resulting in a $100 fine
• 3 for obstructing an officer, resulting in a $500 fine

Provincial Offences:

• 1 notice for obstructing a highway (street), resulting in a court summons