Allentown task force reviews noise complaints; police cite peak hours and loud music as top issues

The Allentown City Public Safety Committee received its first update from a newly formed quality-of-life task force that will focus on neighborhood nuisance problems including loud music, modified mufflers and fireworks.

“We officially held our first meeting,” Chair Candida Afla said, describing the task force as a cross-departmental effort that includes council, the administration, the police department, DCR and public works. "This task force is not intended to be a committee where we're just ... we are trying to solve these problems," she added, and said the group will meet again "this Thursday" to review enforcement and DCR processes.

Police Chief Charles Roca presented a complaint analysis covering 2022 through April 2026. “The peak hours of noise complaints occur between 7PM and 2AM,” he said, and he identified Saturday and Sunday as the days with the most activity. “The most cited violations for sweep tickets or citations are issued for loud music coming from our residents from our homes, followed by amplified sound from vehicles,” he said.

Roca asked residents to report ongoing problems to the police communications center or via the city's 411 platform, and said the department is exploring new technology to better identify and sanction disruptive vehicles. He also thanked council and partner agencies for participation in recent police-week events.

The task force aims to review best practices from other municipalities, strengthen cross-department coordination and, if necessary, develop enforceable legislation. The committee said it will provide monthly updates as the task force progresses.