For the first time in three years, Chittfest did not turn into a riot.

Students kept to the sidewalks as police patrolled parties Saturday night.

The good weather, combined with the number of people in the city, had many discussing the possibility of more riots. But police took extra precaution to make sure parties were kept under control.

Some officers lined the sidewalks of potentially troublesome areas while others on bicycles moved between blocks. Squad cars were parked on both sides of the street, aided by parking bans placed on 11th, 12th, 13th, Chittenden and Norwich Avenues for the weekend.

Also, police placed cameras in off-campus locations which have been hot spots in the past.

Chittenden Avenue, the street of most concern due to Chittfest, had only a few minor skirmishes which police quickly defused.

“Considering the last few years and history of this street, it’s been pretty quiet,” said Columbus Police Officer Larry Geis.

The parties on Chittenden, as well as in surrounding areas, were smaller this year compared to past years and those leading up the riots after the Michigan game in November. Students confined themselves mostly to porches and balconies. A few curious groups drifted past, finding nothing more than a relatively quiet block party.

According to Bill Hall, the vice president of student affairs, the zero tolerance policy is one reason no violent event occurred during the weekend.

“I think the policy helped,” he said. Hall also said the same policy will be enforced next year.

Hall said the majority of the students find riotous behaviour to be immature, and the few who did engage in rioting finally got the message.

“Things went really well,” said Patrick McColley, a sophomore in industrial and systematic engineering. “The police really stepped up, and because of it, nothing really happened.”

Police shooed students out of the street, and in some cases, asked residents to clean empty cups and cans out of their yards.

“Most of it’s just to be visible – to let people know we are out here,” Geis said.

Geis also said the police made several arrests, all for small violations. Local media reported nine arrests were made Saturday night.

Students said the police were more courteous than in the past.

“They were really cool with us,” McColley said.

As the parties wrapped up, the number of officers declined. The problems the weekend was expected to bring were virtually nonexistant.

“Overall I’m pleased with the way the weekend went,” Hall said.