Leesburg commissioners followed through with a request from Police Chief Robert Hicks to beef up the city’s disorderly conduct policies earlier this week.
The ordinance, which was adopted Monday, followed a presentation Hicks made to the commission in April. It targets a variety of issues, ranging from violence to property damage.
Under the ordinance, any person acting in a “violent or tumultuous manner” toward someone that creates a reasonable fear for their safety can be charged with disorderly conduct. That also includes damaging or destroying property as well.
People who provoke or engage in fights, brawls or riotous conduct can be cited, as can those who assemble or congregate with the intent to engage in illegal activities.
The ordinance also targets those who attempt to illicit money from others in public places through fraudulent schemes, tricks or devices, those who “force” their company upon others and anyone who by threat or violence interferes with someone’s pursuit of a lawful occupation.
Those who block pedestrians or traffic after being told to disperse by police also can be cited, as can anyone who distributes objects to or receives them from occupants of vehicles that are stopped on public roadways for traffic control devices.
