When a routine traffic stop for a noise violation turned into a drug arrest earlier this week, the Selma Police Department hoped the incident would demonstrate the importance of enforcing the city’s ordinance prohibiting loud music.

Selma Police Chief Robert Green announced in early June that his officers would no longer issue warnings about loud noise, but it seems many people are still not getting the message to turn down the volume.

The ordinance has been on the books for years. But it wasn’t until a few months ago, when the police department began receiving numerous complaints about loud music, that the ordinance became strictly enforced.

Officers are now required to give citations to those who commit the violation in their presence.

The recent arrest serves as an example of how the new policy works to locate those who are committing other crimes besides playing loud music.

Those who are cited for playing music too loud while in their vehicles, on the street, or even in their homes will be forced to pay stiff penalties.

The ordinance makes it unlawful &uot;for any person to make, continue or cause … loud or excessive noise which unreasonably interferes with the comfort, health or safety of others.&uot;

Hinson said police officers are aware they will not be able to catch all the violators, but they want to continue encouraging citizens to call department headquarters with noise complaints.