Dalton Police Blog

Traffic Crashes & Injuries Decline

Traffic crashes and injuries in 2007 are down from this time last year.  Through three quarters this year, the city has seen 939 accidents.  Last year through three quarters, there were 1055 accidents.  This reflects an 11% decrease.  As for injuries, the city has seen a 17% decrease.  Through three quarters this year, there have been 224 injuries.  That's down from 268 injuries through three quarters in 2006.

The Dalton Police Department has also increased roadchecks and have issued more speeding citations this year.

Preventing Identity Theft

As identity thieves continue to prey upon innocent victims, they also continue to find new ways to steal your money.  However, there are some steps you can take to avoid being a victim.

1.  Check your credit report - Knowing your credit history is the number one way to protect your identity. Checking your credit report periodically allows you to see if an identify thief has opened a new credit card account with a fake address and phone number.

2.  Don't give out your SSN - Only give out your Social Security number when it is required.  Just because a form has a space for your SSN doesn't mean you have to fill it in.

3.  Protect your computer - Always use a secure wireless connection, use an encrypted service, update your virus protection regularly, install an adequate firewall, and assume that any Email that asks for your personal information is fraud.

4.  Keep track of your billing cycles - Be sure to call if don't receive a regular credit bill in the mail.  Chances are, an identity thief has changed your address.

5.  Closely examine your financial statements - Go over your credit card statements to make sure you made the purchases listed.

6.  Guard your mail from theft - Make a practice of picking up your mail as soon as possible after it is delivered.  Consider investing in a locked mailbox or play it extra safe with a post office box.

7.  Invest in a shredder - Get into the habit of shredding all documents before throwing them in the garbage.

8.  Practice safe online shopping - Shop only from secure sites that will encrypt your order information and credit card number.

9.  Avoid sketchy ATMs - Be skeptical of portable machines you see in convenience stores and hotel lobbies, especially if they have a cord protruding from the back that's not plugged in. 

10. Be suspicious of unexpected calls or letters - Be wary of when a business calls or Emails you and asks for personal information.  Make it a policy not to get personal unless you're the one who initiated the contact.

11. Put real passwords on your accounts - Create one password that you can use in multiple applications that no one else well know.  A strong password is a random eight-character combination of numbers, letters and symbols.

12. Keep your credit card close to you - When you're out spending money, watch how salespeople and waiters handle your cards and make sure they don't have a chance to copy them.

13. Use safe checks and use them sparingly - Always get your checks from your bank.  These checks are far more likely to contain fraud protection features like a watermark, thermochromatic ink, chemically reactive paper, and light-sensitive ink and fibers.

14. Secure your home - Find a non-obvious location in your home where you can store your Social Security card, passport and all records that contain personal information.

15. Carry only what you need - Leave your Social Security card at home in a secure place.  Carry only credit cards you plan to use.

16. Spring clean your credit cards - Cancel credit cards you don't use regularly. The more cards you have, the more opportunities a thief has to steal from you.

17. Opt out - Get your name off of marketing lists that get sold and resold.

18. Read privacy policies - They are essential for understanding what your bank, financial institutes and other businesses that you deal with do with you information.

19. Protect a deceased relative - When someone dies, contact the credit bureaus and have the "deceased" alert put on the person's reports.  Inform Social Security of the death yourself, with a copy of the death certificate.

20. Place fraud alerts on your credit reports - Putting a fraud alert tag on your credit report will limit a thief's ability to open accounts in your name.

Halloween Safety Tips

With Halloween just around the corner, we would like to remind everyone of some safety tips to ensure a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience.

General Safety Tips:

• Try to trick-or-treat during daylight.  If it is dark, make sure a couple of people are carrying working flashlights.
• Have your children wear light colored and/or some type of reflective clothing.
• Map out a safe route for your children to take.  Remind them to not take short cuts through backyards, alleys, or other areas.
• Older kids should go out with friends.  Younger kids should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Remind children to never enter a strange house or car.

Costume Tips:

• Encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes
• Keep costumes short to prevent tripping or falls
• Make sure costumes are flame-retardant to reduce dangers from candles or open flames
• Try make-up instead of a mask.  Masks can obstruct a child's vision.

Eating Treats:

• Remind your children to not eat their treats until they get home  Feeding them a meal or substantial snack before they go trick-or-treating will help keep them from eating the treats
• Eat only unopened candies and other treats that are in their original wrappers.  Parents should inspect fruit or homemade goodies for anything suspicious.

Halloween tips for the Adults:

• Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning on your exterior lights.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard to visitors.
• Mobilize your neighborhood watch members to help monitor and patrol the neighborhood.
• Drive slowly all evening.  Children can dart out in front of you at any time.
• If you see criminal activity or anything suspicious, call the Police Department or Sheriff's Office.

Warning Children About The Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol

The Dalton Police Department took part in Red Ribbon Week for the Dalton Public Schools.  Officer Abe Chiesa visited Park Creek Elementary on Wednesday.  He spoke to the students about the dangers and side effects of drugs and alcohol. 

Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country.  It serves as a vehicle for communities to take a stand against drugs through a commitment to drug prevention and education, and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of a drug free America.

Officer Abe Chiesa shows before and after pictures of drug users

A group of students get a first hand look at different types of drugs and paraphernalia

Dalton Police Participate in Disaster Awareness Day

The Dalton Police Department took part in Dalton State College's Disaster Awareness Day.  The Police Department, along with other local agencies, was on hand to answer questions about natural and man-made disasters.  Some examples of possible disasters in Georgia include hazardous materials spills, wildfires, winter storms, floods and tornadoes.  It is important for everyone to develop a family disaster plan and to create a disaster supplies kit.

Officer Ray Figg distributes disaster awareness pamphlets

Two Dalton State students take a tour of the department's Crime Scene van

Cub Scouts Visit Dalton Police Department

A group of Whitfield County Tiger Cub Scouts visited the Dalton Police Department Tuesday.  The group of young men learned about being a good citizen and obeying laws.  Officer Steve Zahn also spoke with the scouts about the importance of wearing seat belts.

Cub scouts learning about Georgia laws

Officer Steve Zahn answers questions about being a good citizen

Department Receives 11th AED

Representatives from Windstream and the American Red Cross presented the Dalton Police Department it's 11th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on Monday.  The department currently has 2 AED's housed inside the deparment and another 8 inside patrol cars.  The department is the only law enforcement agency north of Atlanta to have AED's inside patrol cars. 

An AED is a device about the size of a laptop computer that analyzes the heart's rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, directs the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to the victim.  This shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart reestablish an effective rhythm of its own.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Representatives from Windstream and the American Red Cross present the AED to Chief James Chadwick

Officers Participate in Community Safety Event

A group of Dalton Police officers, along with other law enforcement agencies, helped check numerous child safety seats on Friday.  The free event was held at Wal-Mart on Shugart Road, and was sponsored by Safe Kids Dalton and the American Red Cross.  Seats were checked for proper installation and parents were given instruction on the proper way to install their car safety seat.

Officer Ricky Long inspects a child safety seat

New Public Safety Commissioner

We would like to introduce the newest member of the Public Safety Commission.  Bill Weaver came to Dalton in 1963 to work for the Dalton Public School system.  He began his career as a teacher and was serving as Deputy Superintendent of the school system when he retired in 2001.

Mr. Weaver stays busy working with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, serving as chairman of the Looper Speech and Hearing Center and working closely with the Georgia Highlands board.  He says he became interested in serving on the Public Safety Commission after taking part in the first Citizen's Police Academy.  Mr. Weaver says he hopes to bring years of experience to the commission and says this is just one way he can serve the Dalton community.

Public Safety Commissioner Bill Weaver

Dalton Police Department Crime Statistics

Recent statistics show overall crime in Dalton is down from this time last year.  Part I offenses are down from 1,205 to 1,145.  These offenses include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and arson.  Part II offenses are also down to 5,155 from 5,580 this time last year.  These offenses include forgery, fraud, vandalism, drug crimes, liquor violations and DUIs.  Arrests, citations and traffic crashes are also down.

Here is a look at the recent crime statistics.  These numbers measure from January - September of each year.

Part I Offenses	2007	2006
Homicide	4	2
Rape	6	9
Robbery	24	24
Aggravated Assault	86	88
Burglary	169	168
Larceny - Theft	810	817
Motor Vehicle Theft	41	88
Arson	5	9
Part II Offenses	2007	2006
Other Assaults	432	477
Forgery/Counterfeiting	193	212
Fraud	213	170
Embezzlement	18	34
Stolen Property	3	17
Vandalism	481	496
Weapons Violations	42	52
Commercial Sex	13	10
Other Sex Offenses	95	56
Drug Sales	38	48
Drug Possession	306	371
Gambling	1	0
Offenses Against Family/Children	69	77
Liquor Violations	220	243
Drunkenness	193	171
Other Disorderly Conduct	519	541
Curfew Violations	44	76
All Other Offenses	1897	2315
DUI	378	484
Part I and II Total	6300	7055

Drug & Crime Tip Hotline

The Dalton Police Department wants to remind residents to use our Drug and Crime Tip Hotline.  The department introduced the hotline in October of last year.  Anyone with information about current or past cases, as well as potential drug or criminal activity can pass this information on to the police department at anytime.

The Tip Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day by dialing 706-278-9085 extension 221.  The caller will receive a brief message that will outline what information is needed.

The person's call will be answered by an automated voice mail system and will allow the individual to give information in an anonymous manner.  The person can also give his or her name and phone number if they wish to be contacted at a later time by an officer.

Callers can leave as much information as they wish but specific details such as a suspect or victim's name, vehicle type, tag numbers, names or residence information will be helpful in investigating the crime.  In addition to the information above, information about drug activity and the type of drug being used or sold is very important.

Dangers of Underage Drinking

The Dalton Police Department wants to remind teens about the dangers of underage drinking.  Not only is it against the law, but underage drinking can also result in tragic health, social and economic problems.  According to a study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, underage drinking is a casual factor in homicide, suicide, traumatic injury, drowning, burns, violent and property crime, high risk sex, fetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol poisoning.

In 2001, underage drinking cost the citizens of Georgia $1.5 billion dollars.  These costs included medical care, work loss and pain and suffering resulting from the use of alcohol by youth.  In 2002, 556 youth between the ages of 12 and 20 were admitted for alcohol treatment in Georgia.  This number accounted for 4.3% of all treatment admissions for alcohol abuse in the state.

Young people who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence, and are two and a half times more likely to become abusers of alcohol than those who begin drinking at age 21.

If you are underage, please think twice before drinking.  We don't want you to become a statistic.

Explorer Program Educates Local Youth

The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is a youth program sponsored by the Dalton Police Department.  The program allows young men and women gain training and experience in the law enforcement field.  The program also provides opportunities for community involvement and development.  Program activities center around law enforcement training, organized recreational activities and competitive events.

Qualifications:

• Must be 14 to 20 years of age
• Must maintain at least a "C" average, and must remain in school until graduation or obtain a GED
• Must attend regularly scheduled meetings, including physical training

Some events the explorers participate in include local parades, fireworks shows and charity fundraisers.  For information on becoming a member of the Explorer Program contact Officer David Saylors or Officer James Mills at the police department.

A group of explorers in Gatlinburg, TN

Beware of Scams

In recent weeks, the Dalton Police Department has received many complaints about different types of scams.  That's why we want you be aware of these scams, so you can avoid being a victim. 

Here are some of the most common scams:

1.  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.

Dalton Police Participate in Health Fair

The Dalton Police Department took part in the Latin American Community Alliance's eighth community health fair on Saturday.  The goal of the health fair was to promote awareness and offer a variety of family services.  The health fair included information on diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, health insurance and immigration.  Blood pressure exams, mammograms, vision and other types of exams were also offered.  Dalton Police officers provided information on personal safety and were on hand to answer a variety of questions.  The health fair was held at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center.

Local Students Learn About Buckling Up

Students at Westwood Elementary were educated about seatbelt safety on Thursday.  Officer Ricky Long spoke to Mrs. Wright's 5th grade class about the importance of wearing seatbelts and things the police department does to enforce seatbelt usage.

Officer Ricky Long speaks to students

Students look inside a Dalton Police Department patrol car

Officer Long with a group of students

Volunteers - A Vital Part of the Police Department

Police volunteers continue to prove themselves as an asset to the department and our community.  Currently, the Dalton Police Department has a total of 6 volunteers; 3 chaplains and 3 Citizens On Patrol (C.O.P.S.) 

The department's chaplains provide valuable on call assistance to the officers on the street.  They also assist officers with suicide calls, death notifications, counseling, and needs which call for a person trained to deal with others in times of need.  They routinely ride with officers and are welcome members to our force.

Our Citizens On Patrol (C.O.P.S.) volunteers provide much needed assistance to the patrol officer by completing tasks such as delivering paperwork, assisting stranded motorist, responding to private property accidents, and helping officers with traffic control at crash sites.  In addition to their normal patrolling, they can answer as many as 5 calls for assistance in a day. 

Chaplains Don Treick and Thomas McCranie

Protecting Your Children From Guns

The idea of your child being around a gun may sound strange, but with approximately 250 million guns in the United States it's important to teach children what to do if they encounter a firearm.  Even if you don't have a gun in your home, there could be a firearm in the home of one of your children's friends.  Teaching your child what to do if their friend begins playing with a gun could mean the difference between life and death.

Things to tell your children about guns:

• Don't touch it - Most children, as well as many adults, don't have the understanding needed to properly handle a firearm safely
• Leave the area immediately - This is not the time to discuss with their friend whether they should be handling or playing with a firearm.  Leaving the area will reduce the possibility that they are  hit with the bullet that is accidentally fired from the gun
• Tell an Adult - They should immediately tell an adult what is going on so the adult to get the gun from the child

Steps that gun owners can take to reduce the chances of a firearms accident:

• Properly secure all firearms in the home - A lockable safe is excellent for this purpose.  A safe will also reduce the chances that a criminal will steal the firearms in a burglary.  If a firearm is needed for quick access, as would be the case for self-defense purposes, there are several quick "keyed" accessible pistol or rifle safes on the market.  The safe can also be used other valuables while the owner is away.  Even a low cost safe properly installed in the home will greatly reduce the chances of having your firearms improperly handled or stolen.
• Take the time to talk to your children about the dangers of improper handling of firearms - Not that firearms in general are dangerous but the improper handling (outside of adult supervision) is dangerous.  Just as having your child unsecured in a vehicle or allowing them to play in the street, giving them access to a loaded weapon without adult supervision is a recipe for disaster.
• Free Gun Locks - You can pick them up at the Police Services Center located at 301 Jones Street.  Instructions on how the lock works is included with each gun lock.

Gun locks or any other lockable devices should not be relied upon to keep a firearm out the hands of a child.  As a parent, you know that children can be very resourceful and simply locking a gun away may not stop a child from accessing a firearm.  So, take the time to educate your children about firearms safety.

Dalton Police Participate in Car Show Fundraiser

The Dalton Police Department took part in Windstream's Motor Mania car show over the weekend.  The show was held at the North Georgia Fairgrounds and served as a fundraiser for the GreenHouse of Dalton.  The GreenHouse is a nonprofit organization that provides services to child victims of physical and sexual abuse.  The police department had its crime scene van on hand for the car show.  This is the second year the show has benefited the GreenHouse.

Motor Mania car show

Dalton Police Department Crime Scene van & CSI demonstration table