Recommendation to modify HBMC § 8.42
Lieutenant Thoby Archer
April 2nd, 2024
The Problem
The police department has received multiple complaints (often related to Independence Day celebrations) of items being thrown into the street from residences.
Perpetrators are often difficult to identify and hold responsible as they are often seeking refuge inside a residence.
It is a unique problem, but not unsimilar to calls for service at loud parties, for which HBMC § 8.42 was initially created.
The proposed amendment would expand the authority of officers to issue civil citations to responsible parties who allow or permit this behavior.
Scope of the Problem
PLACEHOLDER FOR VIDEO
Necessity for Change
In 2023 there were 9 separate calls for service requiring multiple officers to respond to related calls on Alabama Street alone on Independence Day.
These are precious resources that could be allocated to other priority calls for service.
Public Information
We intend to have a robust education campaign to include:
Water Billing Notification
Social Media Posts
Hand delivered fliers to specific locations known to have previously engaged in this behavior.
Enforcement
Holding property owners or tenants responsible for the activity occurring at their property is a tried method of enforcement of laws.
HBMC § 1.18.030 Allows for citations to responsible parties.
HBMC § 1.18.020 Defines responsible parties, such as a person who is the owner of, and a person who is a lessee or sublessee with the current right of possession of, real property where a property-related code violation occurs.
This change would slightly expand the definition of activity in the municipal code, to include the aforementioned activity.
Questions?