Saggy Pants Case Study

1251 Words3 Pages

The purpose of this document is to analyze a proposal introduced by a common council member to ban “saggy” pants with enforcement of a fine up to $500 and or jail time of up to 30 days. The council member argues that constituents in Albany have complained about the pants being worn below the buttocks, and this style of clothing has created a sense of fear. I will provide a brief history, further identify the problem, demonstrate the criminal justice implications of the policy, provide an alternate solution and conclude with my decision to support or decline the passing of a bill and why.
Back Story
Prisoners have been known to wear saggy pants because belts are normally prohibited attire. Belts have been used “to commit suicide by hanging …show more content…

The so what of implications are, cities like those mention above have already concluded fines and other reprimands are not a violation of the constitution as evident by the bills that they passed. This may lead to a spiral of second and third order effects effects negatively. The police who now have to enforce the bills must proactively engage anyone observed in violation. The possibility of what may at a glance appear to be a simple ticket issuance, then escalating to a police shooting is higher. It is procedure for law enforcement to verify a person 's identity and ascertain if any outstanding warrants may exist. The officer who had intentions of writing a ticket may become an arrest situation, the person stopped may already be aware they have a warrant which may cause them to flee or fight. If they flee, a foot pursuit will follow, which will prompt other officers to respond in a vehicle, which could end in the saggy pant wearer being struck by the police auto or other vehicle collision of responders with citizens who were unaware is a possibility. If the saggy pants wearer decides to stay and fight, the officer may find themselves on the losing end of a fight which will raise their elevation of force and may result in a fatality of the subject. All of this because the officer is bound by his duties to enforce a ban on saggy pants. One has no choice but to think to themselves was it worth …show more content…

Furthermore, it will give private business the right to refuse service to those who are in violation. Places of employment may fire those who are not in compliance with their dress code regarding sagging. If found in violation of the aforementioned, law enforcement may respond, to remove the individual or move them along and may only make arrest if the safety of others or the officer exist. The Bill will not prohibit those who are wearing saggy pants to move about in the public. An example of this, if a person is in transit from a friend’s house to another friends house they have the right to travel as they

Open Document