More than three months after the Selma City Council approved an ordinance to put an end to sagging pants in the area, city officials and law enforcement are still ironing out the wrinkles.

Selma Chief of Police William Riley said his department is still awaiting the approval from city hall before moving forward.

“We haven’t issued any citations at this moment,” Riley said. “Once we’re notified, we will move forward to enforce it.”

The ordinance states pants worn by anyone regardless of age, must not fall more than 3 inches below the hips. For the juvenile that commits the offense, the parent or legal guardian of the offender will be fined a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $200 for each offense. For an adult who violates the same ordinance, he or she will also receive a $25 citation. Court costs can be waived but the violator may receive 10-to-40 hours of community service.

The fad, which was started by inmates in prison, quickly became popular with urban and suburban youth in the 1990s. District Attorney Michael Jackson, who argued for the ordinance back in August, said young people hurt their future by dressing in that way.

“If they knew where it began, they wouldn’t do it,” Jackson said. “Other kids don’t need to see folks walking around with their rear ends showing. You can’t get a job with your pants sagging and this ordinance allows people to present themselves in a respectable manner.”

Holly Dickson, American Civil Liberties Union staff attorney in Arkansas, said she believes the ordinance, which has also passed in eight other states, increases racial profiling aimed at black males.

Though many may disagree with the measure, local officials think the ordinance is necessary.

“It’s a good thing to have in place,” Selma city attorney Jimmy Nunn said. “The trend doesn’t look good, and with the citations I think there will be a difference in how individuals dress.”