Stealing, Stabbing, Smoking: Same Thing

The city of Omaha has officially elevated smoking in public to the status of a criminal emergency, like a rape or a stabbing. From WorldNetDaily, via Hammer of Truth:

Omaha’s tough new anti-smoking ordinance banning the practice in nearly all public places comes with an even tougher enforcement policy. The Nebraska city’s elected leaders and police department are urging residents who see violations to call the 9-1-1 emergency system for an immediate response.

Omaha banned smoking in public Oct. 2. Penalties are $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $500 for the third and subsequent infractions. Teresa Negron, sergeant in charge of public information for the police, explained 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.

Comments

[Windypundit]

That's nothing. In Glenview, IL, they want you to call 911 for, well, you really have to see the sign:

http://www.windypundit.com/archives/2006/08/beautiful_crimefree_glenview.html

[ben]

It's called snitching, isn't it?
Last I heard, they took a butt into custody ... the smoker was long gone before the SWAT team arrived.

[Dave]

Good to know the police dept. has all other crimes under control. There must not be any rapes, murders, thefts or armed robberies to worry about any more. Were I a taxpayer in Omaha I would be raising hell to cut the police budget if they have resources to spare for this.