Three Ways the Government Encourages Criminal Activity

In the 2007 blockbuster film, "American Gangster", Frank Lucas' deal with New York City detectives hinged on his cooperation in sending crooked policemen to jail. In essence, many on the police force during the mid 1970's were taking pay-offs from criminals in exchange for keeping their drug operations on the streets in full swing. To this day, much criminal activity still goes unnoticed. Whether they be petty misdemeanors, or even offenses on a grand scale---a great number of criminals seems to escape detection. The laws put into place are supposed to prevent citizens from behaving in a fashion which is detrimental to society. Failure to do so typically results in some form of punishment. Or does it really? Here are some interesting ways that the law seems to encourage criminals and criminal activity.

Just Say No...(To "Drug Paraphrenalia")

It only takes one casual trip into an adult novelty store or "smoke shop" to observe the range of materials and products sold as alternate tobacco-smoking implements. Large pipes, rolling papers, cigars, and all sorts of other utensils are sold in these novelty shops. However, it is widely known that these instruments and accessories are more commonly used in illegal drug activity, such as marijuana and even cocaine use. (Perhaps this is why these accessories are sold in stores where children and teens are not permitted.)

In any event, it is incredibly ironic that while cigars and cigarettes are sold in pharmacies, convenience stores, and supermarkets, such materials purportedly sold for tobacco smoking, are sold in places where one must be at least 18 years of age. This would imply that lawmakers know what the products are really being used for. Furthermore, if drivers are caught in their vehicles with a small "tobacco pipe," they may find themselves in trouble for carrying what police officers call 'drug paraphrenalia.'

Off The Field Sobriety Tests

I have often wondered how it is that police officers can idly stand by and observe obviously intoxicated persons leaving bars and nightclubs and hopping into their cars. For instance, if an intoxicated person has pulled over onto the side of the road to collect his/her "faculties", he or she can actually be taken to jail for driving while under the influence (DUI). According to the Colorado Supreme Court, one need not actually be driving a motor vehicle to be arrested for DUI; one case in this state found a person guilty of this offense even though the defendant was in a private parking lot with the engine off. The point is that police officers never seem to be around at times when people are reaching the point of inebriation. It appears that they wait until said offender has already gotten behind the wheel. Certainly, a person shouldn't be arrested simply for socializing. But performing field sobriety tests on people before they get into their cars would prevent a lot of highway heartache.

Sex, Lies, and The Law

In the United States, prostitution is only legal in one state: Nevada. Federal taxes are even collected on a woman's earnings. Additionally, there are other regulations which apply to this colorful profession, including mandatory condom laws. The rest of the country however, does not have the luxury of legally offering this occupational option. Of course, that does not stop the practice from existing. In fact, in Atlanta's weekly Creative Loafing newspaper, there is an entire section dedicated to escort ads, "lingerie modeling" shops, and "body shampoo" services. Though the ads don't necessarily mention sex for sale, the intent is more than obvious. That being said, it would behoove metro Atlanta police officials to target these businesses in a series of covert sting operations. Ironically, the number of these services continues to grow, instead of decrease.

Permission to Sin?

There are too many instances where police corruption has played a part in eroding the moral structure of communities. Citizens expect their police departments to protect and serve their neighborhoods, instead of contributing to the crimes. It appears that for every criminal law that exists, there is an equivalent loophole. But it would seem that since legal authorities have enhanced their ability to fight crime, they would also utilize that same acumen to prevent it.