Police to inspect homes and yards in March
Police Chief Charles Chapman said that in March, the day shift police officers would be walking from house to house, in front and back yards in Adrian, looking for nuisances such as old cars, and for animals such as pit bulls. The officers will also be checking for properly displayed house numbers on the front of homes to aid emergency services.
“All violations will be written down and a letter informing you of the violation(s) will be taped to your front door,” Chief Chapman said. “Thirty days after the letter, you will be issued a citation for uncorrected problems.”
“If you have an uncontrolled animal that barks or tries to attack the officers during the inspection, you will be required to implement the proper procedure for securing said animal(s).
“During the inspection, if you have more than four dogs, you will be required to reduce the number to four.”
The City ordinance allows a maximum of four dogs and four cats over six months of age, per household. There is no limited number to dogs and cats under six months of age because they are not adult animals and are not registered.
“We will be carrying a list of registered pet owners who have paid license and taxes,” Chief Chapman said. “If your animal is not
licensed or taxed, that will also be on the letter informing you have thirty days to correct the problem.”
“I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” he added. “But we are striving to make Adrian a cleaner, safer place to live. If you see an officer in your backyard or alley, remember, he is authorized to be there. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 297-2106.”
addition to previous comment
After a discussion with the mayor, the police will not be "searching" yards, but just driving down the alley and looking around. I'm not sure this is much better, but I do not that as a violation of our rights.
An unconsitional search???
These searches of everyones yards is clearly a breaking of the amendment 4 of the Bill of Rights:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
This allows all of to live in peace that no goverment or official will search you or your property without first proving to a judge that they have probable cause that you are breaking the law. Not that we "pretty sure" some of you have broken the law.
While I commend the city for there aspirations, I condemn them for using Gestopo like tactics from World War II Germany. Many of our Forefathers and many of us have served our nation to keep things like this from happening.
Finally, as a city that I know needs to watch its budget, I would encourage that this action cease and desist before someone sues the city and our tax dollars are spent defending that.