I don't know about the police part. I think people should be able to party during the weekend. Maybe it's just my berliner perspective, but if you don't like noise you shouldn't live in the city - I don't want to tip-toe around because someone else can't be arsed to close the windows (and if someone has a single-pane window that's not my fault).
When it comes to buildings concrete is basically the answer; it is an excellent noise insulator.
>> if you don't like noise you shouldn't live in the city
I couldn't agree more. It's unfortunate that it's quite hard for people working in some sectors to avoid cities -- and I feel that the New Urbanites and their opposition for out-of-town developments deserve some blame here.
When it comes to buildings concrete is basically the answer; it is an excellent noise insulator.