enthalpy

Thursday, October 19, 2006


Tired of cops dealing with real crime? Then don't hesitate to pick up the phone and give 911 a buzz when you find someone smoking where they're not supposed to.
If you catch someone smoking in a non-smoking area in Omaha, Neb., call the police. The Omaha Police Department (OPD) is encouraging city residents to call 911 in the wake of the citywide ban on smoking that went into effect on Oct. 2.

Teresa Negron, sergeant in charge of public information of the OPD, explained that the department encourages observers of infractions to pick up the phone to report the infraction -- just like they would for any other crime they observe being committed.
Car-jacking, rape, murder, smoking at Denny's. . . . those are all just about the same thing, right? So what's the kick-back to the city fine imposed for such an offense?
The penalty is a citation and fee for individuals caught violating the ban -- $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $500 for the third and subsequent offenses, according to a summary of the city ordinance posted online.
What?!? You mean it's not a capital offense? Why not? If it's such a hideous act, $500 for a third offense isn't that much of deterrent. I would suppose that they've considered shipping off third time offenders to GitMo, but I guess living in Nebraska is punishment enough.



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