Arkansas Police Chief Claims Crime Stats are Probable Cause to Shakedown All Pedestrians for ID

Overreaction?

Mayor Mike Gaskill and Police Chief Todd Stovall of Paragould, Arkansas announced plans to patrol the streets with AR-15 rifles and stop pedestrians randomly for IDs and questioning.

According to the Paragould Daily Press:

'[Police are] going to be in SWAT gear and have AR-15s around their neck,' [Police Chief Todd] Stovall said. 'If you're out walking, we're going to stop you, ask why you're out walking, check for your ID.' 

Stovall said while some people may be offended by the actions of his department, they should not be. 

'We're going to do it to everybody,' he said. 'Criminals don't like being talked to.'

Is anyone else a bit creeped out by the increase in the police state? Everyone should be highly vocal and offended by this warrantless act. 

Does this sound like a violation of your 4th Amendment right to privacy without probable cause? Well, they claim that rising crime statistics provide all of the probable cause they need to stop any and every person who may be walking in the street.

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