Dalton Police Blog

Dalton Police Department Hires Five New Cadets

Five new cadets started December 27th, 2006 in the the department's orientation process in preparation to attending the 10-week regional police academy in Dalton.

Following the basic law enforcement training, the officers will conduct a 1 week mini-academy session in preparation for entering the 16-week Police Officer Training (PTO) program.

From left to right, Matthew Lee, 23 of St. Pete, Florida; Jimmy Nutt, 26 of Dalton; Brian Tison, 33 of Stuart, Florida; Jeremy Jolly, 24 of St. Pete, Florida; Crystal Shrader, 25 of Ringgold, Georgia

2007 Citizens Police Academy Class Starts March 6th

The Police Department is set to begin its 15th annual Citizens Police Academy on March 6th, 2007.  The academy classes give participants the opportunity to learn about all the different parts of the Dalton Police Department and what each division is responsible for.

The Class also provides each participant a chance to ride along with an officer on his or her shift, and get an opportunity to see and use some of the equipment officer's use on a daily basis, including firearms.

The class will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for a ten-week period starting on March 6th.  The classes will be held at the Dalton Police Department's Police Services Center.

Anyone interested in attending the academy can pick-up an application at the Police Department, apply on-line by clicking here, or you can call Sergeant Mike Dyer at (706) 278-9085 extension 109 to get an application mailed or faxed to you.

If you have any general questions about the Citizens Police Academy, please contact Sergeant Mike Dyer at (706) 278-9085 extension 109 or by email at mdyer@cityofdalton-ga.gov.

   

Caution Urged on New Year's Gunfire

Dalton Residents are urged to use extreme caution during the New Year's celebration, especially when it comes to use of firearms. In addition to the risks of encountering an intoxicated driver, recent years have seen a dramatic increase in residents firing rifles and pistols to celebrate the dawn of the new year. It stands to reason that many of these "revelers" are likely to be under the influence of alcohol, or near a gathering where alcohol is being served.

While caught up in the excitement, a few bullets fired into the air may seem harmless. The truth is, these projectiles have to land somewhere, and some cities have seen instances where people of all ages have been injured or killed.

The Dalton Police Department is asking all residents to be sensible and safe during your celebrations. We all expect noise for awhile at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day, but introducing firearms into the mix is asking for trouble, and it is illegal to discharge a firearm within the city of Dalton.

In the spirit of new beginnings, we always look to see who has become the first newborn of the year at our local hospital. Please use caution so that you, your loved ones, or an innocent bystander is not the first death of 2007.

Fatal Vision: Don't Let it Happen to Your Teen

Members of the Dalton Police Traffic Enforcement Unit recently presented Fatal Vision training to a group of thirty (30) high school-age driver's education students. The class, held at Dalton State College, involved students wearing specially equipped goggles that simulate what the world looks like to an intoxicated person. During the course, students attempt to navigate a cone course in a parking area, and see first-hand how alcohol affects reaction time and driving ability.

The driver's education classes are part of the new Georgia Teen Driving Laws. Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16-year olds applying for a Class D license must complete an approved driver education course and complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving. At least 6 hours of this supervised time must be at night, and all 40 hours require sworn verification from a parent or guardian.

For more information about approved courses, log on to the Georgia Teen Driver Education website. There, you will find information on methods of driver education, information about insurance discounts and possible tax credits as a result of taking the course and training.

You can get more information by clicking on the link in the paragraph above or in the links column at left. Remember, our streets and highways are more crowded than ever so be safe and responsible. Don't let your teen drink, and counsel them not to ride with others who are drinking.

Merry Christmas !!!

The Dalton Police Department wants to wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas holiday!!

Retailers Charged for Underage Alcohol Sales

The Dalton Police Situational Response Unit, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol and Tobacco Division, recently conducted a phase of "Operation I.D. Please" to check compliance with local and state laws forbidding sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years old.

The December 18 and 19 operation netted eight (8) violations and involved undercover agents and underage persons attempting to buy alcoholic beverages at the retail locations. The employee selling the alcohol and the business was cited by the agents. Including these cases, Dalton Police Officers have charged thirty-three (33) retail establishments with the same offense in 2006. This was the first time this year that state agents were involved, and a total of thirty-eight locations were inspected in this current phase.

Operations of this kind typically involve an underage person, acting as an agent for police, entering the store to purchase alcohol. In cases where violations are found, the store attendants seldom ask for ID, and if they do, they do not check it closely. None of the underage operatives consume any alcohol, and the purchased items are entered as evidence in the case.

The goal of these type operations is to curb underage alcohol consumption by reducing the number of sources for potential buyers. Although the fines and penalties can be expensive, the best way for retailers to avoid this is always ask for ID, and do not sell to underage persons. The police department offers posters, brochures and DVD/VHS information to each licensee in the city in hopes that owners and managers will instruct employees to be careful and follow the law.

Police Department Personnel Receive Training on Reverse 911 Emergency Notification System

Dalton Police Officers are currently receiving training on the new Emergency Notification System commonly referred to as Reverse 911.  Selected individuals, many of whom are supervisors, will receive this training in preparation for this system's usage.  As part of this training, the officers will be able to access the system remotely and enter data that will be sent to residents in the event of a emergency.  .

Once this information is entered and the system is activated, calls will begin to residents in the areas that are affected.  A pre-recorded message will be played that will advise the resident of what they should do.

Callers having unlisted phone numbers or cellular phones will need to contact the police department to have their phone numbers entered into the system if they wish to be notified in the case of an emergency. That contact can be made using a website registration form.

An open house will be scheduled in the near future.  Members of the police department as well as other first responders and Reverse 911 representatives will be present to explain how the system works and to answer any questions.

Sergeant Chris Crossen instructs officers in the Emergency Notification System

Sergeant Pat Meyer of the patrol division entering data into a lap top computer as part of the Reverse 911 Emergency Notification System training

Continue to Keep Up Your Guard for Scams

Scams are alive and well.  A recent scam involves lottery winnings and a promise to share the money if the victim will give money up-front, for a promise to share the winnings in return. Often, the "scammer" will tell the victim that he/she needs cash to "claim" the lottery winnings. Once the offender has the money, they are gone forever.

Keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  If in doubt, contact either the bank or the police department for advice.  If you become a victim of a scam, please report it to the police department so we can investigate the crime and warn others.

To report a crime during normal business hours you can call the Police Services Center at 706-278-9085.  If you need a police officer to respond to a problem you are having you can call the police department's non-emergency number 706-278-3333.  And finally, if it is an emergency, dial 911.

Dalton Police Department to Host MATEN II Roadcheck

The Dalton Police Department will host a MATEN II road check on December 21st, 2006 within the city limits.  The exact location will be announced at a later date.  Officers from the Special Operations Unit and the Situational Response Unit will work in conjunction with other law enforcement officers form agencies in the northwest corner of the state, which make up the Mountain Area Traffic Enforcement Network II.  MATEN II is one of 15 different networks across the state of Georgia, that meet monthly for a network meeting and to conduct a road check.

During the road check, officers will be checking motorist for such things as proper driver's license, compliance with Georgia's Safety Belt Law, proper insurance, proper vehicle registration and drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In addition to the MATEN II road check, the Dalton Police Department will be holding several other road checks from now until the end of the year.

The department would like to remind motorist to watch their speed, obey Georgia's Safety Belt laws and drive defensively, especially during the Holiday Season.

For information about this release or information concerning traffic laws, please contact Officer Steve Zahn at (706) 278-9085 extension 124 or you can reach Officer Zahn by email at: szahn@cityofdalton-ga.gov.

Dalton Police Department Officers Take Part in Operation Zero Tolerance

The Dalton Police Department will take part in the state wide Operation Zero Tolerance beginning today and running through January 1, 2007.   Operation Zero Tolerance is a statewide mobilization of law enforcement agencies to combat drivers driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.  Typically, the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years can be the most deadliest and dangerous times of the year to be on the highways. 

Dalton Police Department’s Special Operation Unit, Situational Response Unit and Patrol Division will be concentrating its efforts in fighting drunk driving during the holiday season.  Concentrated patrols and random roadchecks will be conducted throughout the city at strategic locations in an effort to crackdown on motorist driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The Dalton Police Department would like to remind motorist that drunk driving is not the only killer on our roadways.  The department asks that motorist watch their speed and please obey

Georgia’s Safety Belt laws, to help prevent injuries and fatalities.      

This years national campaign slogan: OVER THE LIMIT, UNDER ARREST