The state intends to allow cities to legally detain alcoholics

The state intends to allow cities to legally detain alcoholics (Alberta Times) The state's legislature is advancing a bill that would give cities the power to arrest people for drunken riots...

The state intends to let cities legally detain drunken people (Alberta Times) The state's legislature is advancing a bill that would give cities the power to arrest people who pose a threat to themselves or others due to drunkenness and disorder. Senate Bill 1351 would allow cities to operate their own detention facilities or contract with counties or states to use detention facilities to detain people who are excessively drunk in public places and pose a danger. The bill has been passed by the House of Representatives, approved by the governor, and needs a final vote by the Senate. The case was brought by Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills. He said the bill does not conflict with existing traffic and drunk driving laws. The law originated from a local law enforcement incident. On December 20 last year, Scottsdale City Judge James Blake ruled that the city of Scottsdale violated the law in enforcing the law on drunken troublemakers and prohibited counties and cities from using state laws to arrest drunken people. Scottsdale police say arresting drunken people in downtown's bustling entertainment district has become one of their main priorities. The area from Scottsdale Road east to Camelback Road south is a high-density area of ​​nightclubs and bars, as well as a gathering place for alcoholics. "We want people who are addicted to alcohol to be able to find their way home and at least have a safe way to find their families," said Jim Nolan, president of the Scottsdale Police Fraternity. Without arrest powers, Nolan said he and his colleagues often see hungover people on the streets, leaving them to fend for themselves.