Readers on opposite sides of debate over noise ordinance To the Editor:

I am a soldier in the U.S. Army and moved to Killeen in February. I am married and my wife and I have a wonderful 6-month-old son.

Recently I was driving down Rancier toward the base when a Killeen police officer turned around very violently on a very congested street. He started to follow me. The officer switched his lights on and pulled me over.

He asked for my license and registration. When I asked why I was being pulled over, he said I was in violation of the noise ordinance.

He said he could write me a citation or take me to jail. Of course, I’m not going to argue with an officer.

I had my windows down and my radio on, but it was at a level low enough that I could hear it but not to the point where everyone else could.

He informed me that any noise that can be heard outside of your vehicle is a violation.

I understand that there should be a law going after people who play their radios so loud that you can hear it from a distance, but if any sounds at all are heard, that’s a little ridiculous, plus the fact that an officer can say that he “heard” sounds is a bit of abuse of power.

What if I had my son in the car and he’s crying? You can hear that outside the vehicle and that’s a violation.

Or if my wife and I are in an argument and we raise our voices a little; that’s in violation?

Not to mention that the penalties of the violation are absurd.

The crime should fit the punishment and at an average of $500 for a citation and second is jail time, if you ask me, that is in plain view of someone abusing their power.

Loud noises should not be tolerated disturbing others but making it where I don’t want to play my music in my car, or am afraid to take my son anywhere is not right.

It’s a law that I believe has been taken too far. It’s at a point where the police no longer needs evidence to write citizens tickets.

Where are the rights that I am fighting for?

A law taken too far is causing families to lose money and taking away our rights so the city can have a bigger budget.

Posted on Saturday, November 07, 2009 by Tristan Kindler Killeen