A drunken neighbour burned my back fence one year by lighting off a rocket horizontally. Apparently, this was his way of celebrating a Seahawks Playoff Game. Fortunately, I came home from work early that night and was able to put out the fire before it spread to my house.
I think it’s fair to say that I now have some feelings on this subject. 🙂
The City Of Des Moines has a ban on fireworks and a very stiff penalty. Unfortunately, like many crimes of annoyance, the difficulty is enforcement. The legal standard seems to require a witness and officers are traditionally reluctant to write such citations.
The good news, however, is that there are a variety of related technologies referred to as “noise cameras” that are currently being trialed in several countries. Basically, they “hear” a certain noise profile they are programmed to listen for. And when they detect it, they connect the signal to the source (vehicle license plate or address) and… just like a red light camera… mail you a citation. No police officer required.
Sadly, the tech is not quite ready for prime time here. But I wanted you to know that they’re gettin’ closer every day.
And as soon as they are… let me tell you, Sonny Jim, if elected I will make it my mission that the City Of Des Moines budgets their purchase and writes the appropriate Ordinance.
I’ll even pay for the postage stamps out of my own pocket. 🙂
$503, pal.