DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines City Council once again changed an ordinance regarding fireworks last week, lowering the fines Des Moines police issue from $625 to $200.
Fireworks are legal for purchase within the state of Iowa, but are illegal to be set off in most metro cities, including Des Moines.
In a city council meeting earlier this month, councilmember Josh Mandelbaum said this amendment will make "it easier to enforce, and it makes our fine schedule in line with others in the metro."
In previous years, when fines had been triple the cost than what they are now, Des Moines police didn't feel comfortable issuing such hefty citations.
"It was a little challenging to get an officer to write someone a $600 ticket when they are blasting off bottle rockets," said Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department.
In fact, on July 4, 2021, DMPD received 385 fireworks-related calls, but only issued two citations.
That's not the only change coming to the city of Des Moines for the upcoming Fourth of July: Beginning this year, DMPD will have officers specifically responding to fireworks calls around the city. The number of officers on this team has yet to be determined.
Last week, councilmember Joe Gatto said he realizes there are not enough police officers to fully stop fireworks use, but hopes this amendment "will stop them from using fireworks in parks."
The goal is that by changing a city ordinance, the city can deter illegal fireworks use and work on issuing fines to stop damage at city parks from happening again this summer.