The much criticized TABC operation of arresting people before they break a law is hitting the small towns like Victoria harder than the big cities. The Houston Chronicle reports on what they can decipher from the TABC's shitty record-keeping and cluelessness about their efforts. In some cities, the TABC gets the local police to make the arrests so they are not reported as part of this operation. In other cities, the number of DWI arrests have not changed even though they're pulling people out of bars like a house on fire.
This 'operation' by the TABC is 100% wrong. If you want to get stinking drunk in a bar, that's your right as an American. Now taking a step out the door with your car keys in your hand while whistling Dixie is another matter altogether.
"while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger the person or another." Leaves itself open to a wide range of interpretations. Me with a wicked hangover may be considered an endanger to myself to you...but maybe just another Tuesday to me.
Absolutely! PI is one of those swiss army knife crimes that cops use to accomplish whatever pernicous goal they may have.
Couldn't agree more, both of you. A third point - why the FUCK don't the cops hang around the parkinglots and check people who are ACTUALLY GOING TO THEIR CARS???????
Christ.
Why the FUCK don't the cops leave people the hell alone until they actually commit real crimes?
http://hammeroftruth.com/2006/04/10/more-texan-tyranny-out-of-staters-beware/
Ok, that didn't work. Try clicking on my name.
PD, I think you have a common misperception:
Penal Code 49.02. PUBLIC INTOXICATION. (a) A person commits an offense if the person appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger the person or another.
A bar is a public place. Now, the decision whether TABC should be wasting its time enforcing this law (or getting local cops to do it for them) is proabably a point we can both agree on.
My own take on the issue? It's a great way for police departments to pad their racial arrest stats. Arresting too many minorities? Go to a primarily white bar and find as many whites as you need.