Halifax Regional Police will have a larger presence in neighbourhoods surrounding universities over the next few weeks as students return to campus.

Officers call it Operation Fall Back, which is now in its 12th year.

“A lot of it is around noise, drinking, quality of life, parties, things that happen when people come back to university,” said Const. Robin Sherwood of Halifax Regional Police.

Labour Day weekend is generally a busy for students moving, with 30,000 students preparing to head back to class.

The thousands of university students flocking back to campuses means it's also a busy time for police officers.

“There are a lot of parties and this is all students living around here for the most part,” said student Cameron Levy. “You do see the odd older couple that lives in the area and you're like, ‘Wow, how are you doing that?’"

Some south-end residents say they're actually excited for the students to move back into the neighbourhood, but others are dreading the Labour Day long weekend because they're already noticing an increase in the amount noise and parties in the area.

“It's far too noisy,” said south-end resident Lesley Butters. “No respect. People are swearing, cursing, partying whenever they want to.”

Butters has lived in the neighbourhood for nearly 40 years. She says the trash that's left behind is one of the biggest issues.

“The garbage collects, the rats come, the raccoons come, the flies come,” she says.

Last year during Operation Fall Back, officers responded to 96 noise complaints – an average of more than three a day.

In total, 85 tickets for noise complaints and alcohol-related infractions were handed out and two people were arrested for public intoxication.

“We ask that you enjoy yourself in a safe and responsible way, but just respect your neighbours and respect the law,” says Const. Sherwood.

Operation Fallback will run until the end of September. After that, certain universities will pay to keep the patrol going Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during October, and Friday and Saturday nights in November.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Matt Woodman.