DAMASCUS, Ark.-A prosecutor has asked the Arkansas State Police to investigate whether police in the small city of Damascus have abused the state's speed-trap law.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that prosecuting attorney Cody Hiland wrote to the state police director that the decision to investigate was fueled by complaints and the city itself wanting to know if it was compliant with the law.
Under state law, abuse of power refers to the use of police power to enforce laws for the purpose of raising revenue rather than public safety.
Damascus City Attorney Beau Wilcox believes the city manages its public roads in a lawful manner, but said it would be best to conduct an audit.
According to Wilcox, the town generally has three or four full-time police officers, including the chief, and usually has two or three part-time officers. Damascus has a population of about 385 residents, and has no stoplights.
After the investigation, a prosecutor will decide if the city violated the law. Prosecutors may order sanctions, including ordering the city to stop patrolling highways or ordering the city to pay all or part of future revenue from traffic violations to a county fund for public schools.