SIGNS PART OF DRUG WAR

Call it a sign of the times when it comes to Cornwall Community Police
Service's fight against the seedy business of drug trafficking in the
city. The force's street crimes unit has started leaving a "calling
card" outside residences where drug search warrants are executed. The
signs read "Drug Search Warrant Executed at (address)".

Chief Dan Parkinson told the Standard- Freeholder the signs are not
intended to shame those charged with drug dealing, saying such people
are not that easily shamed. The signs are posted, he said, to let
neighbours know that the police have taken action against drug dealing.

"It's part of our efforts to increase visibility and presence in the
community," said Chief Parkinson.

The first sign went up at a Carleton Street residence Wednesday
afternoon after a raid by the street crime unit.

Chief Parkinson's sign strategy will be applauded by law-abiding
citizens fed up with drug dealing activities in their neighbourhood,
but you can bet there will be some who protest and play the
rights-violation card.

But what about the right for law-abiding citizens to raise their kids
in a drug-free neighbourhood?

The drug business is a breeding ground for other crimes. Most
break-ins are committed by drug users in need of money to pay for
drugs. Often the drug dealers arrange for the fencing of stolen goods.
In extreme cases, drug users commit armed robberies.

No question that the signs are unique and could be questioned by drug
dealers and civil libertarians.

But you can be sure that law-abiding citizens will be saying good for
the police.