UMass police: fighting unruliness will take time

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) -- The chief of police at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst is warning residents that combatting student behavioral problems is "a marathon, not a sprint."

Chief John Horvath spoke at a community forum Tuesday to address weekend gatherings that have grown unruly and seen UMass officers assaulted by bottles and cans.

Residents complained of wandering groups of bored students, urinating and vomiting on property and committing "unspeakable acts of unneighborliness."

Horvath said there aren't enough police to curb disruptive behavior just through enforcement. But he said the school is working on ways to cut down on problems.

Officials said that includes more activities to keep students on campus, new student orientation and programs to reduce high risk drinking.