Crime-Riddled Town Takes Debatable Action

Are Small Town's Safety Measures, Including A 24-Hour Curfew, Constitutional?

(CBS)  Martha Coleman thinks her truck was set on fire because she spoke out against the criminals in her neighborhood. The gunfire outside was so bad she moved her family out of the corner bedrooms in the line of fire.

Now, six people sleep in the living room and five in the kitchen.

"They bring their mattress, every night we put them on the floor," she told CBS News correspondent Hari Sreenivasan. "It's safer here, because you got gunfire comin' from this way."

In Helena-West Helena, Ark., an impoverished town of 15,000 on the sunset side of the Mississippi River. Police are fighting to regain control of their town.

The mayor imposed a 24-hour curfew on a 10-block section of town. For three days, police checked the IDs of everyone in or out. They made 15 drug- and gun-related arrests and served another 18 outstanding warrants.

Some residents thought the tactics were too drastic.

"I feel like if you work and if you pay taxes you should have the right to walk anywhere you feel like, whenever you feel ready," said resident Jessica Johnson.

Others say they're tired of living in fear.

"I'm scared for my grandkids more than anything," resident Walter Vaughn said. "I'm gettin older ... but them children's got a life and I want 'em to have a good life. I think we doing the right thing by having the curfew."

With unanimous backing from the City Council, this week police expanded the curfew to the entire city. Now, on random nights, 18 police and sheriffs - three times the normal number - work 12- to 16-hour shifts enforcing the letter of the law.

While Sreenivasan was riding along with police, one car was pulled over for having a broken license plate light.

Police found open containers inside. A failed sobriety test led to a DUI arrest.

"They're deciding who to stop, they're enforcing the law depending on what the person looks like to them," said Rita Sklar, the executive director of the Arkansas ACLU. "That's what they do in dictatorships, that's what they do in China."

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Couric & Co.: Read more from Hari Sreenivasan's police ride-along.

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The ACLU says curfews like these are unconstitutional, violating the rights to assemble, due process and protections against unreasonable searches.

"I know they have problems there, and I'm very sympathetic but there are cities all over the country where there are hundreds of deaths and hundreds of violent crimes and they don't do this," Sklar said. "They do good policing."

"I've heard the critics, and they make an academic argument, but I invite them to come down here on the streets and deal with the problems we've been dealin' with," said Mayor James Valley.

Deciding between constitutional rights and a night of sleep is no contest for people like Martha Coleman.

"This is working," she said. "We can sleep now."

[freeandeasy2]

I think the Antiamerican Communist Loudmouth Union, (ACLU) should all go straight to h***. This mayor is doing what is necessary to protect his citizens and help them have a sfe place to live. If people don''t want to be treated like little children then they should act like adults. If I''m not mistaken it''s organizations like the ACLU that hve made it impossible to discipline your children without being taken to jail for child abuse. Maybe, if the ACLU think their so great and mighty, and that they are absolutley right in this situation, they should as the mayor said, come live in the midst of the crime that he and the police are trying to stop.

[baicas]

I am for if necessary having to go door to door to check to see if people have guns illegally, if they do, all guns need to be confiscated. If the person has the papers and has a valid Firearm''s card, then they are within the law and can keep their arms. It''s those who have these guns illegally who are causing all the violent crimes and deaths. Take their guns and ammo away, lock them up, and the situation will be solved.

[yankeerebel7]

I don''t know. This looks to be a little on the unconstitutional side to me. I know I''d be pissed if this curfew negatively affected my freedom to move about.

[patriot12436]

I think if this is mwhat it takes to restore justice to the community and the majority are in approval, then it should be their decision. Ok it is a black community. I am glad to see that at least this community is taking action to address the problems. If i lived there the police would be welcome to come search my house for anything illegal. If this improves life for the honest hardworking people, then i am glad to see they are taking action. It is about time the communities with these problems take their streets back.

[mydiatribe]

=="The ACLU says curfews like these are unconstitutional, violating the rights to assemble, due process and protections against unreasonable searches."==

THE SHEER GOOFINESS OF THIS SUBVERSIVE GROUP OF UNETHICAL ATTORNEYS never ceases to amaze me.
The POOR citizens of this town may well be DEAD but Hooray for their civil liberties.

If the ACLU had been around for the 3rd Reich no doubt they would be suing Jews for smudging SS Troopers Bootshine with their faces???

No wonder our world is upsidedown, curfews now take priority over public safety!

CRAZY & EVIL = ACLU!!!
The ACLU doesn''t give a hoot for average law abiding citizens. One of the most anti-American wolves-in- sheep''s-clothing subversive operatives to ever pepetrate its fraud on the American culture.

[sistatee-2009]

I am for if necessary having to go door to door to check to see if people have guns illegally''

Posted by baicas at 07:41 PM : Aug 15, 2008

Without a warrant? And you''re for law and order?

[medisinman82]

I stand up for law enforcment and the towns mayor. It seems that there are always loop holes for criminals to get away with crime,unfortunately law abiding citizens will suffer for the criminals actions.

[u-r-right]

They should invite the ACLU to come in and police the city to see what it''s like. I''ll bet they''d tame down their whining after the first night.

[demwatcher]

AP - 15AUG - Obama demands that Russia withdraw all troops from Georgia.

In a formal press release, Sen Barrack Obama stated "It is imperative that all Russia military and irregulars withdraw back over the border into South Carolina with utmost haste, or they shall feel MY SQUIRRELLY WRATH!"

[my2centss]

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin

Never give up your Bill of Rights without a fight.

[mommakat64]

Invite the "so ultra left that they''re almost Marxists" to pull their weight and get down and dirty for once...not sit in their offices in their clean lawyer suits. They yap like little ankle-nipper dogs..all mouth and noise. And, yes, I know that the ACLU does do some stuff that actually helps the common folk, but, honestly, they usual just stir the pot into a big mess.

A woman that my husband worked with was astounded that my husband could sit on our front porch any time of the day or night, especially early morning, and smoke. She lives in southeast Portland, OR...they can''t even sit on their BACK porch and smoke at ANY time. THAT is being held prisoner in your own home...what about their "constitutional rights? Hmmm?!?

[bob5ford]

Drastic it is but if the majority of the citizens of the town approve then it should be done. No one wants to live in fear and no one should have to. A curfew and checkpoints is better then tanks rolling through the streets. Once the towns are taken back by the good guys the stops will end. Until then, more power to them for having the courage to do it.

[mommakat64]

Invite the "so ultra left that they''re almost Marxists" to pull their weight and get down and dirty for once...not sit in their offices in their clean lawyer suits. They yap like little ankle-nipper dogs..all mouth and noise. And, yes, I know that the ACLU does do some stuff that actually helps the common folk, but, honestly, they usual just stir the pot into a big mess.

A woman that my husband worked with was astounded that my husband could sit on our front porch any time of the day or night, especially early morning, and smoke. She lives in southeast Portland, OR...they can''t even sit on their BACK porch and smoke at ANY time. THAT is being held prisoner in your own home...what about their "constitutional rights? Hmmm?!?

[bob5ford]

To those who said you''d be "pissed off" if you couldn''t move about because of the curfew, could you move about better dodging the bullets?

[mommakat64]

When did victims lose THEIR rights? Being a prisoner in your own home is unconscionable, cruel and inhumane. Chicago''s projects welcomed the FBI and Chicago Police when they did a crackdown...they were da^ned sick and tired of having their children shot and killed while just trying to go to school...or bullets penetrating the walls of their apartments. And don''t give me "race" cr^p"...in most of the "high crime" areas it is black on black...and the victims are tired of it and want it stopped. They want to be safe and free in their neighborhoods.

[mommakat64]

When did victims lose THEIR rights? Being a prisoner in your own home is unconscionable, cruel and inhumane. Chicago''s projects welcomed the FBI and Chicago Police when they did a crackdown...they were da^ned sick and tired of having their children shot and killed while just trying to go to school...or bullets penetrating the walls of their apartments. And don''t give me "race" cr^p"...in most of the "high crime" areas it is black on black...and the victims are tired of it and want it stopped. They want to be safe and free in their neighborhoods.

I live in Little Rock and have been to Helena-West Helena several times. My wife was offered a job in the city and we turned it down partially on account of the crime rate. Honestly, I''m not sure exactly how I would feel living in this town and being under this kind of curfew. Yes, it does infringe on the rights of the general citizenry. However, I think that if you are not doing something that you''re not supposed to be doing, the only thing it will do is inconvenience you for a little while. I would compare it to a permanent sobriety checkpoint. If you are doing something wrong and you know that this particular area is more heavily policed, then you avoid it. I think that''s what they are trying to do. So, I guess I''m for it. The crime rate their is awful!

[Renegade.Rivers]

Yes, just give up your rights in the name of safety. Give up your rights to quell the fear. What next will you be willing to give your rights up for?

From the research I have done, this is not a failure of the citizens, it is a failure of the authorities, Unfortunately, the citizens are the one who have to suffer, and give up their rights. What if ever police force lets the crime level rise in more cities to such a proportion that this same scene is replayed over and over? Are you going to hunker down in your homes in fear, and allow the police, who in reality have not done their jobs, run ramshod over you and the other citizens, in the name of safety?

This is plain and simple a case where because the police failed to perform their jobs as is expected, and proper, the citizens pay with their loss of rights. Seems to me that the logical solution would have been to fire the police chief, and get a chief who could handle the situation, without having to take every citizens rights.

Believe me, if the citizens allow this to happen in one place it will happen again and again. We are getting closer and closer to a complete police state, is that what you all really want? The time is near where you must decide if a little safety more important than freedom. You better think about what you are getting, because it maybe a lot more than what you are bargaining for.

[mommakat64]

Sorry about the doubles....

[dkhorse1]

Rita Sklar, the executive director of the Arkansas ACLU.
"I know they have problems there, and I''m very sympathetic but there are cities all over the country where there are hundreds of deaths and hundreds of violent crimes and they don''t do this," Sklar said. "They do good policing."

Hundreds of deaths and hundreds of violent crimes in other cities and she claims they do good policing without curfews? ACLU logic and wisdom at its finest. I%u2019ll bet she would never walk around there at night without a police presence.

[lol620]

I lived in West Helena for 3 years and spent mostly every summer there. My family still lives just on the outskirts. To those of you that think its not okay to be told you can''t leave your house after a certain hour, believe me, there''s nothing to do in this town late at night that would justify going out after the set curfew time. And you don''t know the half of all the bad things that go on in this town. Not only are people being shot and killed but they are also being raped, robbed, etc. Don''t assume you know the whole story by simply reading an article. This stuff has been going on there for many years. It''s about time someone decided to do something about it. If national attention is what it takes to fix the problem then so be it. It''s time for a change...

[baicas]

SISTATEE, If they are law abiding they don''t have anything to fear, and they wouldn''t need to worry about a warrant. However, as someone else just mentioned, if marshall law is enacted your rights for that warrant goes right out the window. I would rather let them search without a warrant, than have marshall law invoked. Let them do what it takes to restore Law and ORder into their community.

[closethippy1]

As an ACLU supporter I wish they would keep quiet on this one and let the town be for the moment.
I''m sure the 24 hour curfew and the other measures they''re taking is going to work.
Unfortunately human nature being what it is these measures will only work for so long before the trouble makers will find a way around them.
It''s then when the ACLU should speak up and the town should get serious about finding a rational solution to their crime problems.

[idnnsg]

Here''s what Founding Father Benjamin Franklin had to say about the people of this town:

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

So, the frightened little pinheads who argue in favor of enacting a police state so they can feel "safe" are NOT true americans.

[pollroller1]

Those poor people. Having to live in fear of those thugs. Man, that is terrible. I sure hope that the honest people can take back their town.

[r9119111]

Say hello the the early indications of an OLIGARCHY (Police State). You voted for it when you voted Republican (neo-conservative) in recent elections. Let''s see if you are willing to give up more of your freedom for security? Vote Republican again, if you must, but know that in the process you are voting to give up your freedom for security.

[mydiatribe]

The ACLU spews more misinformation and does more to corrupt American society than Vladamir Putin and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ever will.

Since when is the individual''s right to skulk around after dark to freely commit their crimes supercede the rights of innocent citizens to live in safety???

The ACLU is always, and I do mean ALWAYS on the side of criminals.
If the ACLU were operational during the reign of the 3rd Reich, they would likely be suing Jews for smudging the bootshine of their SS oppressors with their faces.

This totally AMORAL group of LOONIE LIBERAL COMMUNIST attorneys (ACLU) ought to be prosecuted for this heinous hoax they are contining to perpetrate on the American culture.

This organization is the proverbial Trojan Horse. They are disgusing their true purpose. Never do they take the side of law abiding citizens, ask yourself why that is?

[lewiston14]

Watch the video 10 times. It should become abruptly clear what the problem is. The Bain of so many other towns

[ofbyfor1]

This is plain and simple a case where because the police failed to perform their jobs as is expected, and proper, the citizens pay with their loss of rights. Seems to me that the logical solution would have been to fire the police chief, and get a chief who could handle the situation, without having to take every citizens rights.

Believe me, if the citizens allow this to happen in one place it will happen again and again. We are getting closer and closer to a complete police state, is that what you all really want? The time is near where you must decide if a little safety more important than freedom. You better think about what you are getting, because it maybe a lot more than what you are bargaining for.

Posted by renrivers at 11:46 PM : Aug 15, 2008

The most sensible post I''ve seen in response to this story.

''Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.''--Ben Franklin

Unfortunately, that seems to describe too much of this country these days. Our founding fathers would be disgusted!

[ofbyfor1]

Here''''s what Founding Father Benjamin Franklin had to say about the people of this town:

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

So, the frightened little pinheads who argue in favor of enacting a police state so they can feel "safe" are NOT true americans.

Posted by IDNNSG at 07:41 AM : Aug 16, 2008

Worth repeating.

If the police in this town were doing their jobs properly, extreme tactics like this wouldn''t be necessary.

[mydiatribe]

Posted by ofbyfor1 at 09:29 AM : Yeah, right???

And the governor could call up the National Guard, too.
I guess you missed the part where this is a POOR town.
Fire the Police Shief, yeah that''s good.

Just who do you think will want to replace him?

ANS: One of the gang members, maybe??

[mydiatribe]

=="...if the citizens allow this to happen in one place it will happen again and again." ==

It has, that''s PRECISELY why STRONGER MEASURES are REQUIRED!

CRIMINALS ARE LAZY COWARDS! They will react well when you make life difficult for them. Duh??
That usually requires a show of force.

[patriot12436]

offby1
The problem is a town of 15k has a very limited expense account for anything including law enforcement. The criminals out number the police probably by 20 to 1 and also have a lot more money and firepower, plus they have already intimidated the citizens of the town. This situation calls for drastic measures. I would seriously consider calling in the national guard and do a complete sweep of the town.

[ofbyfor1]

Posted by mydiatribe at 09:37 AM : Aug 16, 2008

Do YOU do a half-a$$ed job just because you don''t make mega-bucks? Make the police do their JOB and this nonsense wouldn''t be necessary! If they have the force necessary to enforce a CURFEW, then they have the force necessary to do their original JOB!

[ofbyfor1]

Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.--Ben Franklin

[patriot12436]

dkhorse1
Your right you won''t see any of the aclu walking around those streets at any time. They will sit back where it is safe and make their comments.

[patriot12436]

Back inthe early 80''s they had the same situation in Houston with an apartment complex. The city came in put up a high fence around the place and eviction orders to all residents to be moved in 30 days. At the end of thirty daysd the city bulldozed the complex and turned it into a city park, end of problem.

[ofbyfor1]

Posted by gunfighter51 at 10:06 AM : Aug 16, 2008

Am I a ''liberal'' because I expect that my hard-earned tax dollars should be well-spent and expect the police to do their jobs competently?

Again, if they have the force to create a curfew, then they have the force to do their original jobs! What is difficult for you to understand about that?

If you want to call me a ''lib'', my friend, make sure that you know that it stands for LIBERTARIAN!

[r9119111]

r9119111,
Please tell me what freedom you have when the thugs control your freedom.
We all saw what a liberal government will do for you in New Orleans.
Please start your own country and take your liberalism with you.

Posted by gunfighter51 at 09:55 AM : Aug 16, 2008


gunfighter51: Thank you for your comment. I never gave leaving the country a thought. Maybe you are right. I always thought that if you disagreed with proceedings you had the right to say so. Everyone is supposed to have a voice and be represented. I could be wrong. Your approach is exactlty what I think America should be afraid of. Our diversity is our strength and always has been. Since when did it change? I''m waiting for you honest reply. Thanks again.

[mandylou4u]

The police can only do so much in their line of duty. They are limited by laws too. You cry out if a officer abuses someone who just shot a little kid, yet when you are getting abused, you want the cops to do anything to keep you safe. This poor town is over run with crime. It''s not a bad thing to enforce a curfew for a little while. It won''t be in place forever, they are just trying to show the criminals in the city that they are not welcome. What do you all mean by "do their jobs in the first place?" They have been trying to do their jobs, i''ve seen it first hand. The criminals get away with alot of stuff out here.

[jennmarikp]

I think the citizens of the town have to make a choice about what''s more important. Either deal with the crime with no end in sight or deal with the authorities checking every move. At least with the police watching everything there is an end in sight, hopefully.

[bob5ford]

To those who said you''d be worried about your rights if you couldn''t move about because of the curfew, could you move about better dodging the bullets? Given that the criminals have rights that exceed those of honest citizens, the two choices real seem to be curfew or control by the criminals. I''ll take the curfew in this case. Since honest citizens can not control dishonest ones anymore what other choice is there??

[r9119111]

I can imagine what you would do, hide in the corner and pi$$ in your pants until some conservative came along and rescued you.

Posted by dmw1167 at 12:01 PM : Aug 16, 2008:


We should remember that it is the conservatives who have set the fearful warmongering and predatory policies that created this situation. There has been no accountability from the very top down for a number of years now. We are seeing the results as they are beginning to show up in our own country. There is an equal and opposite reaction for every aggressive action. Our war of aggression should never have taken place. Now, we must all pay the price and work together if a workable solution is to be achieved. Our own people are suffering. May God help us all to act responsibly.

[bob5ford]

"Here''s what Founding Father Benjamin Franklin had to say about the people of this town:
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin also signed the Constitution, the same one that has the Second Amendment in it. Did he mean for armed citizens to form a militia and combat crime? That would be a solution, although the ACLU would never stand for it.

[hawksprings]

r9119111,
What planet do you live on?
The Democrats and liberals have owned Arkansas forever.
This is what happens when Democrats run things.
Just look at Detroit, Lousiana, New Orleans, ad nauseum.

[kazoodan]

dkhorse1
Your right you won''''t see any of the aclu walking around those streets at any time. They will sit back where it is safe and make their comments.

Posted by patriot12436 at 09:58 AM : Aug 16, 2008

-------

Where are YOU sitting?

[r9119111]

r9119111,
What planet do you live on?
The Democrats and liberals have owned Arkansas forever.
This is what happens when Democrats run things.
Just look at Detroit, Lousiana, New Orleans, ad nauseum.

Posted by HawkSprings at 12:51 PM : Aug 16, 2008


Sorry HawkSprings, the last time I looked, these areas were largely red areas. Good try. By the way, I think I''m still on planet "earth."

By the way, Can we agree that there has been no demonstration of accountably from the top down?

[r9119111]

Posted by r9119111 at 12:41 PM : Aug 16, 2008

WRONGO! it is the failed liberal social programs! Most of these THUGS are probably 4th or 5th generations that have been suckling on the welfare teet. Nothin but a BURDEN thank you LBJ! What a GREAT SOCIETY!

Posted by angryman55 at 01:18 PM : Aug 16, 2008


Very likely you could be right. Now, can we agree that there has been a huge lack of over-sight and accountablity from the top down, no matter who is responsible for it?

[jackp32]

It is obvious that none of the employees at the ACLU office live in the secured area. Why is it that they never take up causes that personally impact any of them?

[email4gary]

Evil hates the light so dirty deeds can be done in secret. Fear of death each bullet brings, but the good must choose what they will choose between. Loss of freedoms says the ACLJ, small town cops see it another way. Who is right? You must choose today, else everyone of you will eventually lose. The saint says a prayer and the ungodly will curse while others sit back and simply observe the worst. Save me government it''s my right, while others hide in fear of night. Peace only comes with a price, the shed blood from who is innocent may suffice. Invite him in your heart today, claim your right to Christ and the evil in you and your town will fade away.