Dalton Police Blog

New Chaplain Receives Badge

Ray Camp has been serving as one of the Police Department's chaplains for the past 10 months.   He was recently awarded his badge by Chief James Chadwick.  Chaplain Camp is one of 4 chaplains in the police department.  Three of the four chaplains are State P.O.S.T. certified as Law Enforcement Chaplains. 

Chaplain Camp was born in Hickory, North Carolina and has been the pastor of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church for the past two and one half years.  He and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 32 years and they have two children, Lisa and Charlie.

The Chaplain's Program was established with the Dalton Police Department in 1987.  Since that time the program's chaplains have donoted many thousands of hours in assistance.  In the last two months, the chaplains have voluteered over 200 hours.

Some of the major duties of the Chaplain Corps include:

• Serve as confidential counseling for police officers, their families, and other members of the department
• Aids the department in making death notifications
• Serves as liaison with other clergy in the community
• Offers prayers at special occasions, such as recruit graduations, award cermonies, and funerals

Following the September 11th, 2001 attacks, two of the department's chaplains travelled to New York City to assist at Ground Zero.

Police Chief James Chadwick (left), pictured with Chaplain Ray Camp

   

Police Participate in Hispanic Community Event

Officer Chris McDonald and Sergeant Chris Crossen attended the "Celebrating the Hispanic Community" Event on October 7th at the Rotary Pavilion of Heritage Point Park.

Following lunch and awards ceremony, Officer McDonald was part of a multi-agency question and answer panel where the attendees asked questions of the participants.

Questions regarding our department included road checks, police presence and information on gangs.

It was a good opportunity to inform the community on the police department's mission to:

"provide the community of Dalton a safe environment with professional quality police service through positive interaction with its citizens".

Beware of Scams

Remember the old saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is", well that is the basis of a scam.

After speaking with our investigators, they tell me they get calls every week from individuals asking about "deals" they have been offered.  The "deals" are almost always a scam.

There are three major scams going on right now but others are always around the corner.  All have similarities.

1.  Canadian Lottery Scam - This involves someone sending you a money order for a specific amount of money.  They then ask for approximately half to be sent back to process your lottery winnings.  The money order is no good but the account number is real.  The bank does not immediately determine it is a scam based on the real account number.  The scam is generally not discovered until the money order is returned as having non-sufficient funds.  By this time it is too late as your good money order is already on the way to them.

2.  Scams involving you selling something - This involves receiving more money than your asking price and then sending the overpayment back to them in the form of a money order.  The problem with this is the original money order you received is counterfeit.  Again, the account number is usually good so it is hard to identify it as part of a scam until it is too late.

3.  The third scam that is going around involves getting an email from someone posing as Paypal or Ebay.  According to the email, they notify you that someone has obtained your information and is using it.  They ask you to submit your personal banking information for verification.  Once they have your banking information, they can steal your money from that account.

So, how can you know if an offer is a scam? 

If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a target of a scam:

• Are the check proceeds for an item you sold on the Internet such as a car, boat, jewelry, etc.?
• Is the amount of the check more than the selling price of the items?
• Have you been instructed to "Wire" funds out of the country as soon as possible?
• Is the check from an individual you have communicated with via Email?
• Is the check drawn on a business or individual different from the person buying your item or product?
• Have you been informed that you were the winner in a lottery that you did not enter?
• Have you been asked to assist in the distribution of money from another country?

If you have any doubts about concerning a financial transaction or a solicitation, we ask that you contact law enforcement authorities or your financial institution for assistance.

Police Officers Receive Training in Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents

Dalton Police Officers receive training in the proper response to a hazardous materials incident.  The training is being conducted at the Dalton Fire Department's Station One by Fire Department personnel.

During this training, Officers are taught about the dangers of a hazardous materials incident and how to properly identify the chemical involved.

Also, as part of the training, the Officers are taught how to properly put on protective equipment issued to them by the department.  This equipment includes a gas mask, protective suit, and protective gloves.  This equipment allows the Officers more protection when assiting other first responders in evacuation and security of an incident scene.

Officers receive both classroom and hands-on instruction concerning Hazardous Materials

Police Looking for Suspect in Armed Robbery

The Dalton Police Department is looking for a person believed to be responsible for an armed robbery.  The robbery occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. in the parking lot of ABC convenience store located at 507 E. Morris Street.  The victim was making a delivery to the store when the suspect entered his delivery vehicle, pointed a small chrome colored pistol at the driver, and demanded his money.

The suspect, described as a black male, in his mid 50’s wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, fled on foot from the scene.  The victim went into the store and called 911 to report the robbery.  Patrol units and Investigators were called to the scene and the investigation is on-going.

If anyone has any information concerning this crime is asked to contact the Police Department Investigators at 706-278-9085 ext. 250.

Personal Security: Securing Your Home Part I

Property crimes represent the vast amount of crime in the United States.  While Dalton has seen a reduction of Burglary and other property crimes, there is still more that can be done to further reduce these occurances.

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your property is to simply lock your doors and windows, secure your garage door and any out buildings around your property, and lock up everything that is just laying around.  Many of our burglaries and thefts involve someone walking onto the property and leaving with the persons belongings that are not secured.

Another important first step is to look into starting a neighborhood watch.  The basis for this system of watching out for your neighbors has been around for many years and continues to be an effective deterent to crime.

Secondly, implement home security in layers. 

The first layer should be your property line.  Public property is open to all but you can limit access to your private property.  Establish clear indicators of your property.  Traditionally fences have been used but these can be unsightly and not practical especially in the front of your home.  Landscaping is also good for this purpose.

The second layer includes the property line to the exterior of your home.  Here is were most of our security measures are done.  Steps here include:

• Keeping landscaping trimmed so criminals cannot conceal themselves
• Installing dead bolts into solid exterior doors
• Installing 3" screws into the door jam and door hinges
• Installing or upgrading exterior lighting to include motion sensor flood lights that cover all areas around home
• Window locks
• Dog

The third layer is the inside of your home.   Common security measures for this layer include alarm systems and timers to automatically switch on appliances or lights while you are away.

In future articles, we will explore these layers in more detail.  I should have a checklist available soon for you to do your own security check of your residence.

Officer Chris McDonald, Crime Prevention Unit

Newly Promoted Supervisors Receive Their Badges

Chief Chadwick hosts ceremony in recongnition of newly promoted supervisors at The Dalton Police Department. 

Lieutenant Cliff Cason and Sergeant Chris Crossen recently received promotions to supervisory positions within the department.

Lieutenant Cliff Cason will serve as the Lieutenant in charge of the day to day operations of the Uniformed Patrol Division.  Lieutenant Cason has been with the department for 13 years.

Sergeant Chris Crossen is assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division.  He will be responsible for the supervision of uniformed police officers.  He has been with the department for 11 years.

Police Broaden Search for Suspects in Entering Auto Cases

Investigator Matthew Locke has broadened his search for a male and female to three North West Georgia Counties.  The suspects committed crimes involving the Entering of Autos.  Checks and credit cards obtained in the thefts have been used at various businesses.  The counties were the suspects have been linked are Bartow, Cherokee and Whitfield counties.  It is believed by investigators that the suspects have ties in one or all of these locations.

The crimes occurred from September 8th to October 9th, 2006.  Newer surviellance footage gives a much better image of the female suspect and it is the hopes of our investigators that someone will recognize her and contact the police department with information on her identity and whereabouts.

Anyone with information about these crimes, especially the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Detective Matthew Locke at 706-278-9085 ext. 320.

Female suspect seen here passing stolen check at liquor store

Police participate in community safety event

The Dalton Police Department participated in Community Safety Night at K-Mart on W. Walnut Avenue.  The event was hosted by Safe Kids of Dalton.  Supporting agencies included the Dalton Chapter of The American Red Cross, City of Dalton Fire Department, Whitfield County Sheriff's Office, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services, Teen Resource Center, Amerigroup, and the Epilepsy services of Northwest Georgia. 

The Police Department hosted the Fatal Vision DUI simulation using goggles that simulate being under the influence of alcohol and having to drive a golf cart through an obstacle course.  This event shows the driver just how difficult it is to operate a motor vehicle when impaired.

The event also involved child safety seat checks, a bicycle safety class, and child identity packets.

The next Community Safety Night is scheduled for October 14th at the Lowe's Home Warehouse located on Glenwood Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Officer Chris McDonald waiting on another driver for the fatal vision demonstation

A young rider navigates through the bicycle rodeo obstable course

Personal Security: Safety outside your home

With very few exceptions, most of us spend about one third of our time outside the home.  So, what steps can we take to reduce our chances of being a victim?

1.  Be Alert -  We must be aware of our surroundings.  Levels or conditions of awareness are taught to all of our officers in the Basic Academy class.  They are summed up as:

• White - State of complete unreadiness; oblivious to your surroundings
• Yellow - Relaxed attention; aware of your surroundings
• Orange - Specific problem noticed; possible problem developing
• Red - Awaiting mental trigger to launch a response
• Black - In a Fight; Stay focused (not part of the original conditions of readiness but added by other trainers)

Unfortunately, most people operate in condition "White".  Driving down the road, shopping, walking down the street, etc.  Train yourself to be in condition "Yellow" (alert) anytime you are outside your home.

2.  Travel with a friend (whenever possible) - Bad guys will seek an easy target.  Having to deal with you and another person will be risky. 

3.  Stay in well-lit areas - Criminals generally do not want to attract attention to their actions.  If they can attack you and no one see it, that is their preference. 

4.  Consider Carrying a light - Lights have become so small, lightweight, and inexpensive there is really no excuse not to have one.  Even the very small LED lights that fit on your keychain can provide enough light to guide you through a darkened area.  The basic idea is to allow you to spot someone before they are within arms length of you. 

5.  Walk Smartly - When walking, keep your head up and scan.  Try and make eye contact with people when walking.  Do not approach doorways, hidden areas or alleys within arms reach.  These are all excellent hiding places for the criminal to launch a surprise attack against you. 

6.  Don't engage in conversation with strangers - A common tactic used by criminals is to engage you in conversation then launch their attack when you are distracted.  A common example is asking you "What time is it?" or "I'm lost, do you know where such and such is?".  When you look at your watch or look down at their map or look away trying to show them were to go, they seize this opportunity to launch a surprise assault.  While not everyone that asks you for the time, directions or engages you in other conversation is an attacker, it is worth noting that this is a common tactic used and you should up your awareness to "Orange" if this occurs.

7.  Dress for the occasion - Especially footwear.  Your best, or possibly only, option may be to flee the area.  Proper clothing and footwear will be an asset.

8.  Get Moving - When going to your car, have the keys out and ready.  Get into your car quickly, lock the doors, and get moving.

Keep in mind these are some of the very basic steps that can be taken to reduce your chances of being a victim.  If you encounter someone suspicious, contact authorities immediately.

Remember, to have a specific security issue addressed,  send me an email at Officer Chris McDonald