Proposed Changes to Paragould Street Crimes Unit Draws Concern from ACLU
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: December 19, 2012
A city's suggestion for assault rifle street patrols is raising concerns from the American Civil Liberties Union.
For 2013, Paragould Police proposed to have officers with rifles in high crime areas to ask people for identification, where they live and their purpose in the area.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, police must have reasonable suspicion someone has committed a crime to require them to answer questions or detain them.
"A police officer can stop and ask you a question, but you don't have to answer it," says Rita Sklar, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas.
A news release on the Paragould Police Department website says the town hall meetings to address the proposition have been canceled.
To see that release, click here.
For 2013, Paragould Police proposed to have officers with rifles in high crime areas to ask people for identification, where they live and their purpose in the area.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, police must have reasonable suspicion someone has committed a crime to require them to answer questions or detain them.
"A police officer can stop and ask you a question, but you don't have to answer it," says Rita Sklar, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas.
A news release on the Paragould Police Department website says the town hall meetings to address the proposition have been canceled.
To see that release, click here.
