AMHERST - Unusually rowdy behavior at off-campus parties have prompted the University of Massachusetts and Amherst police departments to begin holding joint patrols next weekend.



Amherst police report they haven been increasingly greeted with thrown projectiles in recent years when they arrive to break up large and unruly gatherings. This fall semester the problem has been especially pronounced.

"It's a real safety issue for officers that respond to these calls," Lt. Ronald Young said last month, adding that police are now making a concerted effort to arrest those seen throwing projectiles during such gatherings.



Newly sworn-in UMass Police Chief John Horvath told The Daily Hampshire Gazette Thursday that he has agreed to start up the joint patrols on Friday and Saturday nights starting Oct. 12.



Horvath said two UMass police officers will likely be paired with two Amherst police officers for about four weeks and patrol targeted neighborhoods.



Similar patrols are planned for this spring.

