By Billy Davis

Panola Sheriff Dennis Darby told county supervisors this week deputies would crack down on “saggy pants” if the Board of Supervisors approves an ordinance.

Darby mentioned the topic during a break in the Monday budget meeting in Sardis. Violators could be charged for indecent exposure, he said.

Batesville aldermen are also moving forward on a similar ordinance and viewed a first draft at their August 21 meeting.

Aldermen Ted Stewart said other municipalities have experienced court challenges, but Assistant City Attorney Colmon Mitchell said the draft language was taken from a successful ordinance in Albany, Georgia.

At the county meeting, supervisors voiced support for Darby’s suggestion and voted to take the issue under advisement.

The topic was resurrected at the Wednesday budget meeting, where board attorney Bill McKenzie cautioned the county board to produce a definition that would hold up — get it!? — in court.
McKenzie said the topic was discussed at the recent annual supervisors convention in Biloxi.

“The general consensus was don’t mess with it,” McKenzie said, referring to talk among county board attorneys across the state.

Darby noted that schools have dress codes that address sagging pants, apparently suggesting if the schools can establish concrete rules, so can county government.