AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Amherst and UMass Police can call Sunday a success. Sunday’s Fearing Street Festival was a block party where students, residents and the police gathered together.

Instead of arresting, the police assisted in the party, which featured inflatables, food, and of course football on a big screen. The Fearing Street area for years has been a trouble spot for rowdy off-campus student partying. The street is lined with fraternity housing.

22News visited Sunday’s block party to find out what made the day such a success.

Scott Livingstone, the Amherst Police Chief said, “Really just exchange ideas, thoughts, and meet people.”

Tyrone Parham, the UMass Police Chief told 22News “Many of us are not in uniform. We just want to interact and let students know that we are part of the community and we are here for them.”

Nick Rampone, a UMass Junior said, “Events like these that build positive relationships carry over and have a snowball effect.”

The Police told 22News they hope their participation and interaction went a long way toward continuing to build a positive relationship between students, residents and law enforcement and to establish trust and respect.