Do We Really Want Law Enforcement in Cedar Key?

Citizens have complained that a Cedar Key police officer, while stopping a car for a traffic violation, overreacted when he observed a firearm in plain view and within easy access of the occupants. He also saw open containers of an alcoholic beverage in the car. Both of these things are against the law in Florida. The sight of the weapon prompted the officer to pull his gun and call for backup. The driver and a male passenger were put in jail.

A group of young people spoke out at the City Commission meeting (8/13/02) about the officer's conduct. They felt that the police department was harassing them and they were insulted when the officer pulled his gun. "The police could accidentally shoot someone," they said, "besides, everybody around here carries guns." They completed their argument by pointing out that, "it used to be that some things were allowed to slide in Cedar Key."

Chief Swogger responded to these comments by saying that the police department was going to enforce the laws. He added that written citizen complaints would be investigated just as rigorously. Aside from the "wounded" in the audience, the people at the meeting voiced their support for Chief Swogger.

The question triggered by this occurrence is whether we really want rigorous law enforcement in Cedar Key. Either we let the cops do their job or give up on enforcing the laws. Police officers can't take any middle road. They swear an oath to uphold all the laws regardless of a violator's age, sex or social status in the community.

Perhaps, it is time that both cops and citizens understand that times have changed in Cedar Key and that the Wild West days are over.

Drop that clam, pardner!

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