Recent Incidents Ruin Summer Fun

Keeping the peace in a fun-loving resort community like Coeur d’Alene can be a challenge.

Downtown businesses - especially the taverns and restaurants - have a big financial stake in keeping Coeur d’Alene’s image as a fun place to drink beer on a warm summer evening. Car d’Lane, a classic-car show that attracted car buffs from around the region last weekend, was the kind of event that drives this town’s economic engine.

What’s tricky is when the fun gets out of control and police are forced to restore order. In years past - particularly during Fourth of July festivities - Coeur d’Alene police have been criticized for losing control of unruly revelers.

That’s all changed now. Police are accused of being heavy-handed in their enforcement attempts following last weekend’s car show. Some witnesses claim the police inadvertently incited the downtown melee. We’d like to give the benefit of the doubt to the Police Department. And the rowdy drunks who responded by throwing beer bottles surely deserve to be punished.

Regardless of whether the police acted appropriately initially, they most certainly alienated some of downtown’s best customers and have left local residents baffled.

This isn’t the first time aggressive police actions have been criticized. During last summer’s Aryan parade, a number of peaceful protesters were arrested on questionable grounds. Several have sued the city.

The usual throng of partiers is expected this coming Fourth of July weekend, and a group of racists will be in town for their annual gathering. A big challenge for police will be striking a proper balance. Sometimes that may mean leaving the ticket book in the back pocket.

Just as important, police need to tell people exactly what to expect if they go downtown this weekend. The aggressive new police tactics have been implemented without public scrutiny. In fact, the city still refuses to reveal the strategy it chose to use for last year’s Aryan parade. How can the public judge whether police tactics are appropriate if they’re kept a secret?

Ultimately, though, the Police Department is responsible only for cleaning up messes created by the city’s party atmosphere, not trying to change its image with a show of force.

Businesses that serve alcohol also share much of the responsibility for keeping the peace. Tavern owners may not want police to crack down on “minor” offenses such as underage drinking, having open containers and squealing the tires of a motorcycle.

But tavern owners need to seek a better balance, too. They should question, for instance, the wisdom of allowing sidewalk beer gardens. They may be good for business, but they certainly don’t help police keep the peace on sultry summer nights.

No one wants Coeur d’Alene to lose its reputation as a safe, fun-loving resort community.