As a long-time resident and small business owner in Proctorville, I had a conversation today with a friend who recently moved to our village.
This discussion opened my eyes to the detrimental effects that over-policing can and likely is having on our local businesses.
My newly relocated friend shared an experience where they were issued a citation for an expired tag during a traffic stop.
There was no other infraction (I saw the ticket). No speeding, no swerving, no non-working lights, etc.
The stop seemed unnecessary from a public safety or crime prevention perspective, which made me reflect on how such policing practices impact our community and our local business environment.
Who does a stop of this nature serve?
From all appearances, not the citizens or the local businesses that serve them.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not defending driving with expired tags and my friend fully intends to resolve the expired tag issue appropriately.
He explained that he would have already done so had he not realized just three weeks before his move that they were expired, putting him in the situation of renewing in West Virginia – just to pay to transfer them to Ohio a few weeks later – or wait and just register in Ohio after the move.
I likely would have made the latter decision myself.
But, back to my point.
Over-policing of non-safety issues and minor infractions, such as an expired tag, can have significant and unintended consequences for a small village like Proctorville.
When residents and visitors feel excessively monitored for menial violations, it fosters a climate of fear and frustration.
This can lead people to avoid areas and businesses where they feel they might be unfairly targeted, choosing instead to bypass those routes.
Consequently, this avoidance impacts the local businesses that form the backbone of our economy.
My new neighbor expressed this exact sentiment, stating that he would avoid the in-town route. Instead, he would use the bypass to get to Huntington where he could do his business without, as he put it, “living in fear of police state surveillance.”
You don’t have to take my word or even my friend’s personal experience as your only evidence in support of this issue.
Research supports the notion that over-policing can negatively impact local economies.
A study by the Institute for Policy Studies found that communities with heavy-handed policing practices often see a decline in local business patronage(1).
When people fear unnecessary interactions with law enforcement, they are less likely to frequent areas perceived as high-risk for such encounters.
This trend can lead to reduced foot traffic and sales for local merchants, ultimately harming the economic vitality of the area.
This is especially true considering Proctorville’s and several other local village’s proximities to Huntington and the many business options it provides just a quick river crossing away.
Moreover, a report by the U.S. Department of Justice highlights how trust between communities and law enforcement is crucial for the well-being of any locality(2).
Over-policing erodes this trust, making citizens feel alienated and less willing to engage in community activities or support local initiatives.
This breakdown in trust can create a vicious cycle where diminished local economic activity leads to further budget constraints and potentially even more aggressive revenue-generating policing tactics.
Proctorville is a village with immense potential, but the perception of over-policing for minor, non-public-safety or non-crime prevention-related infractions could stifle its growth and is a complaint that I’ve heard not only from several local citizens but now also a new resident with less than a week in our town.
By re-focusing law enforcement efforts on crime prevention, genuine public safety concerns, and fostering a more supportive relationship with the community, Proctorville can create an environment where both residents and businesses thrive.
I urge our local leaders to consider the broader implications of current policing practices.
Let’s work together to ensure that Proctorville remains a welcoming place where citizens and visitors alike feel safe and valued by their fellow citizens and by those sworn to protect and serve them.

Sincerely,
Trevor Hunt

Sources:
(1) Policing and Violence – Institute for Policy Research. https://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/what-we-study/trending-policy-topics/policing-and-violence.html.
(2) Building Trust Between the Police and the Citizens They Serve. https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/RIC/Publications/cops-p170-pub.pdf