WHAT A SHAME FOR DRUG DEALERS

Shame can be a powerful behavior modifier, and we're happy to see the
Belleville Police use it in the fight against drugs.

The department is getting some criticism for putting up signs that
point out drug houses -- including from a resident of an apartment
building on West H Street who says the sign at that location unfairly
targeted him (the signs don't have suspects' names on them, so why is
he so sure the sign is about him?)

The truth is, you often don't need a sign to point out a drug house;
they're often easy to identify because of all the comings and goings
of people at all hours of the day and night. The formal sign just lets
everyone know that the police are aware of the problem and are not
going to tolerate it.

As far as concerns the police-placed signs will bring down property
values: A sign won't cause nearly as much damage as letting a drug
house continue to operate freely. If drug dealers decide the jig is up
and move on, so much the better for the neighborhood.