Think of it as a crackdown on cracks.

Augusta Commissioner Corey Johnson says the city needs a law against sagging pants, a fashion fad he says has young men dressed as though they're looking for prison sex.

Unlike ordinances passed in other communities that have raised the ire of civil rights advocates, his version would only cite those whose low belt lines cause "exposure of the buttocks."

"I'm not trying to infringe on anybody's rights," Mr. Johnson said. "I just want young people to think about what they're doing."

The trend, popularized by hip-hop artists, originated in penal institutions, where inmates are denied belts and strings to prevent strangulations.

In the free world, saggers usually wear baggy jeans around their thighs or just above the knees, exposing boxer shorts. The town of Delcambre, La., first outlawed the practice in June 2007, and other bans have been passed in Connecticut and the Georgia towns of Hahira, Hawkinsville and Warner Robins.

The American Civil Liberties Union has said that the laws are unconstitutional infringements on free expression that unfairly target young blacks.

Proposed bans are pending in Atlanta and Charleston, S.C. In October, the Waynesboro City Council approved a first reading of an ordinance imposing fines and community service for pants worn three inches below the pelvis, with a final reading expected early next month.

Mr. Johnson's proposed change to Augusta's public indecency ordinance will come up for a vote at the Dec. 2 commission meeting. Staff attorney Andrew MacKenzie said at the Public Service Committee meeting Monday that the rule wouldn't stir as much controversy because it prohibits exposure of body parts, not shorts.

According to a draft, violators doing nothing else wrong could not be arrested or searched. They would be summoned to court and subject to fines of $25 to $150 and eight hours of community service. Minors would be turned over to juvenile court.

"Mr. Johnson, are plumbers excluded from the ordinance?" Mayor Deke Copenhaver joked.

Some commissioners expressed concerns. Betty Beard said the ordinance isn't necessary, and Calvin Holland said he worried about it targeting only a certain group.

"A lot of folks don't wear baggy pants, but their behind's still out," J.R. Hatney said.

The Public Services Committee split 2-2 on the ordinance -- Mr. Johnson and Joe Jackson for it, Mr. Holland and Jerry Brigham against it -- so it goes to the commission next month without a recommendation.

Mr. Johnson conceded the rule might need more work. He suggested working with Richmond County schools to teach classes on dress etiquette.

"Kids need to understand that people do take notice of how they dress," he said.

Reach Johnny Edwards at (706) 823-3225 or johnny.edwards@augustachronicle.com.