The University Police Department has purchased decibel meters to monitor noise levels near the university, but a student, faculty and community ride along with the UPD this Friday and Saturday could determine if the equipment will ever be used.

The ride alongs will be between late evening and early morning to watch how the meters will be used to monitor noise levels in situations such as fraternity parties.

“We’ll just go wherever there’s noise,” said George Lesica, senate external relations chair.

He said if everyone present does not agree with the meters usage over issues such as the noise level to warrant a ticket, warnings and strictness if a particular number is set for noise violation or the distance the meters are used from the noise source, the meters will not be used in the future.

“If we all agree that they should be used, we’ll obviously do more testing. The mayor’s indicated that if we agree not to use them, they won’t be used,” Lesica said. “I won’t support (it) if it leads to more tickets.”

Lesica, who will be on the ride alongs, said there could be further ride alongs if they are deemed a possible way to monitor noise after this weekend.

The meters cost $1,200, said Marty Ruhaak, student vice president for pubic affairs, who will be one of six students to test the meters this weekend.

Ruhaak was not satisfied with the meters after ride alongs conducted last semester.

“One thing I really like is the open line of communication (between students and other residents),” he said. “If I had to say now, I would say no to the decibel meters. You have an opportunity for more tickets.”

Ruhaak said the decibel meters were suggested as an option for noise control last semester by Mayor Dan Cougill after complaints from neighborhood groups.

A noise committee was then established to further the solution.

Ruhaak said the noise levels register differently on the meters depending on the dimensions of the neighborhood or where the equipment is positioned.

“When we went I think the highest was 70 (decibels),” Ruhaak said. “Me, being a student, I have a different impression of noise.”

He said if a certain decibel number is set as a legal noise level in a city ordinance, there could be issues of residents who still want tickets issued for a few decibels under the legal limit.

“It’s like the speed limit thing. You can’t have it both ways,” Ruhaak said.

Cougill, Bill Davidson, speaker of the senate, student senate members Allison West and Kyle Donash and External Relations member Brian Scios will also be participating with the ride alongs.