Corpus Christi Grind Fine Smells at First Whiff

Oh I wish this were about fine grind espresso wafting through the air, but no. Of first blush it seems hopeful, even. I wonder. The City Council of Corpus Christi, TX has authorized the Police to write tickets up to $500 for skaters grinding city property. That's cool because it's about grinding not rolling, as Police Chief Bryan Smith explains...

"All we want to do is restrict the use of non-wheel skate parts on city property."

If that means the kids can roll around but not grind on city property that's awesome!

If that means you'll fine kids you see damaging property, great! Just leave the ones you don't see damaging your fine city alone and let 'em roll.

But if the article is right, that's not the takeaway message from the meeting. I can't see how this can be constitutional...

Before the ordinance, which took effect immediately, police only could cite skaters seen directly damaging city property. Officers now can cite skaters, even if no damage is witnessed.

Now hold on, Barney. I hope this is just bad beat reporting by a newbie (forgive me if not and writer feel free to join and explain). Well it must be, because this sets off alarm bells for anyone thinking with even a vague notion of civil liberties. Surely the ordinance is not writ thus.

It's always good to figure out an automotive example to see if it smells. If the police were to see auto/truck tire marks leading to a broken parking meter, say, but didn't see the meter get broken, could they then come along and ticket the next car parking in that spot? I should think not! This is ridiculous. You either see it or you don't; you can prove it or you can't, in a court. But finding a wall with damage then finding a skater nearby doesn't make a connection. Surely there's enough crime to see without imagining it?

I'm absolutely for ticketing damage the Police observe (you know like, with their EYES) legally. Good luck proving who did it if you didn't see it, Fife.

If damage is so pervasive as to need an ordinance, observation and even documentation of this damage occurring should be easy! A megathermal of coffee, two boxes of doughnuts and a video camera in a police van near a grinding spot should suffice, right? Stake out the criminals and catch 'em with proof. Should be like taking happy from a skatey! But do it legally.

Just because kids may not know their rights doesn't mean you shouldn't respect their rights.

Maybe it's not safe to drive into Corpus Christi and spend money?

Real law enforcement doesn't require any loss of liberty for the innocent to lawfully ticket and prosecute the guilty.