The local police force in Santa Cruz will acquire new sound level meters or enhance the software of the three existing devices, which are currently “not certified” to address community concerns regarding noise, whether stemming from local disputes or from commercial activities or music in nightlife establishments. This decision was reached yesterday during the municipal plenary session, where a motion put forward by the PSOE was unanimously endorsed, urging the officers to recommence their duties of measuring noise pollution in the city.
The Councillor for Security, Gladis de León, acknowledged that police have ceased noise measurement activities due to alterations in regulations, “despite having three sound level meters and a total of 34 officers trained for this purpose.”
Additionally, the Councillor for Public Services, Carlos Tarife, highlighted that “each time a complaint about an establishment arises, the Police respond and then technicians also measure the noise; if it surpasses the allowable levels, it results in a disciplinary case.”
The motion championed by socialist Mónica Brito includes a request for the Security department to provide training sessions aimed at local police personnel for the proper operation and upkeep of the sound level meters.
