Fireworks snitches wanted: Des Moines offers tips to help police
Des Moines is helping residents become fireworks finks by offering tips on how to report, testify against, and assist in convicting those who use them illegally.
Why it matters: City leaders are facing a frustrating dilemma — they must legally allow fireworks on certain days due to a new state law, while also dealing with hundreds of resident complaints, persistent property damage, and limited resources to enforce violations each year.
Driving the news: On Monday, the City Council voted to allow fireworks during certain times to celebrate the Fourth of July and New Year's.
Context: The city was one of several metro cities that had year-round personal fireworks bans until the Legislature took precedence over its authority this year.
Flashback: Police have long warned that widespread enforcement is impractical and that it can take police hours to respond to complaints.
Only a few tickets have been issued in recent years, mainly because securing a conviction requires a witness who can identify perpetrators and is also willing to provide testimony.
What they're saying: Among the most significant concerns is damage to Des Moines parks, Councilperson Joe Gatto said during this week's council meeting.
Mayor Connie Boesen said the city is also working to help the public understand what they should do to assist police in issuing a citation.
Zoom in: Videos of incidents are valuable, but sharing them on social media alone is insufficient for a conviction, Sgt. Paul Parizek tells Axios.
If an officer does not witness a violation, the department needs a complainant who will make themselves available for court hearings if needed, he said.
The intrigue: Generally, law enforcement can write citations up to a year after an illegal fireworks event, allowing time for investigations, Parizek said.
The City Council reduced fines from $625 to $200 last year to better align with consequences in other metro cities.
What's next: DSM's ordinance now permits fireworks on private property from 9am-10pm on July 3; 9am-11pm on July 4; and 9am to midnight on Dec. 31.
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