Profanity Police
WMC-TV
November 12, 2008
From her perch on a downtown planter, Martha Murphy Rhodes recently opened up during an interview with Action News 5.
Rhodes, who has lived on the streets for nearly 10 years, said she’s seen and heard a lot – including a lot of bad language.
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
“Everything,” she said, “and I’m not a cusser, so I don’t speak such words.”
Those who do may find themselves off the streets and behind bars.
Willie Norfleet – recently sited for aggressive panhandling, public intoxication, an open container violation, and fighting – is the poster child for the new crack-down on bad behavior in downtown Memphis. The Center City Commission’s new bike patrol even arrested him for cursing.
Public safety coordinator Larry Bloom makes no apologies for policing profanity.
“Everyone should be allowed to enjoy the public space, and when the language being used tends to incite or breach the peace, then it becomes against the law,” Bloom said.
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
In most cases, those caught cursing are usually involved in an argument or fight.
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