Dear Editor, I am writing to express my deep frustration and concern regarding the apparent unwillingness of our local police department to enforce the laws of our city.
During Hog Skin Holidays this past weekend, a large gathering in the 8th Street area produced music so loud it could be heard across town. My family and I endured it for approximately two hours, assuming that at a reasonable hour—particularly after 10:00 PM—it would be addressed. It was not.
After contacting authorities, I was told multiple complaints had already been received. Yet no meaningful action was taken. When an officer was finally engaged, his response was not to enforce the law, but to dismiss the situation entirely based on his personal opinion that the noise “wasn’t that bad.”
Let’s be clear about what a nuisance is. A nuisance is any activity that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of someone else’s property. When music can be heard across large portions of a town and multiple citizens have taken the time to call and complain, it is no longer a matter of personal preference—it is, by definition, a nuisance.
An officer does not have the privilege of deciding that such a situation is acceptable simply because, in his opinion, the bass “wasn’t too loud.” The law is not subjective. It is not based on personal tolerance levels.
It is based on whether the actions of one group are infringing upon the rights of others.
Yes, I raised my voice. Yes, I called the officer an idiot. I regret the tone, but I do not regret calling out statements that were, in fact, idiotic. When those entrusted to enforce the law instead choose to ignore it, frustration is not only understandable—it is inevitable.
I am not opposed to community events or neighbors enjoying themselves. But when that enjoyment comes at the expense of an entire town’s peace—especially late into the night—there must be accountability. Laws that are not enforced are meaningless.
The bigger issue here is not one loud night. It is a pattern of disregard. When citizens cannot rely on their police department to enforce even the most basic nuisance standards, trust erodes quickly.
If this is the kind of police department our tax dollars are supporting—one that picks and chooses when to enforce the law based on personal opinion—then it raises a serious and uncomfortable question: what exactly are we paying for?
And if this is the standard we are expected to accept, then perhaps it is time to consider whether a department that refuses to enforce the law should continue to exist at all. Sincerely, Charles McBryde
