Dalton Police Blog

Georgia Drivers Should Remember to Move-Over

Georgia Driver's are being reminded to obey the State's "Move-Over" law.  The law, enacted over three years ago, requires drivers to move-over one lane when possible if an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is on the side of the highway.  And if traffic is too congested to move-over safely, the law requires drivers to slow down, below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop.

Georgia legislators passed the law in response to a growing number of officers being killed by motorists as they worked outside of their patrol cars on the highways.  Thirty-eight states, including Georgia, now have some kind of Move-Over laws enacted.  The fine for violating Georgia's Move-Over law can be as high as $500.

As motorists increase there holiday travels, they should remind themselves to "Move-Over" for emergency vehicles on the side of the road.

For more information about this law, visit the Governor's Office of Hightway Safety website. 

Police Officers Qualify with Patrol Rifles

Twice a year Dalton police officers who are issued rifles must qualify on a 50 round course of fire.  The course has the officers firing the rifle from distances ranging from 3 to 100 yards.  The officer must also incorporate various shooting positions and weapon manipulations during the course.

In the last few years, police departments have been increasingly turning to rifles for patrol officers.  The police department has had a limited number of rifles since the mid 1990's but began adding additional rifles in 2002.  Before an officer is issued a rifle, they must complete a basic patrol rifle course.

The department currently has 20 rifles issued to sworn personnel with another 6 slotted for 2007.  While most of the rifles are in the patrol division, some are also issued to members of the Criminal Investigations Division.

The reason for rifles is simple; increased ability to hit the target at all ranges when compared to a handgun.  This translates into less danger to the public from missed shots by the officer and increased officer safety by being able to stop the threat quicker.

Officer Scott Murray, shooting one of the department's issued Colt AR-15 rifles, engages a target at 75 yards as part of the department's qualification course 

Police Make Available Active Warrant List

The Dalton Police Department now has available for public viewing a complete list of all active warrants.  The list contains names of individuals who currently have active warrants against them through the City’s Municipal Court.  All the warrants are for misdemeanor offenses.  The list contains approximately 1700 active warrants.  The list will be updated on a weekly basis.

We are asking for the public’s help in clearing these active warrants by contacting either the Police Department at 706-278-9085 or the City’s Municipal Court at 706-278-1913 if they know the whereabouts of anyone on the warrant list.  Individuals may also contact the police department’s new crime tip hotline at 706-278-9085 extension 221 if they wish to remain anonymous. 

Since many of the warrants are for “failure to appear”, meaning a person did not appear for an appointed court date, the person may not be aware that a warrant has been issued in their name.  Individuals seeing their name on the warrant list are encouraged to contact the Police Department or Municipal Court to clear up the warrant.

The warrant list can be found at our website, www.cityofdalton-ga.gov/police or in the links section on this blog site.

Update On Traffic Cameras

The process for the installation of the traffic cameras is continuing smoothly.  Lasercraft, the company contracted by the City to install the traffic cameras, is currently working with The Department of Transportation to obtain permits for the camera locations. 

The proposed date for the traffic cameras becoming operational is set for early February 2007.  Once the cameras are operational, driver's will be given a 30 day grace period before citations will be issued.

The intersections selected for the traffic cameras are:

• Waugh Street and Thornton Avenue
• Shugart Road and Highway 41
• Walnut Avenue and Glenwood Avenue
• Walnut Avenue and Airport Road