Dalton Police Blog

Operation Zero Tolerance Reminder

Motorists should be reminded that the Dalton Police Department is taking part in the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign January 1, 2008.  Operation Zero Tolerance is a statewide mobilization of law enforcement agencies to combat motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.  This year's national campaign slogan is "Over The Limit, Under Arrest".

Dalton Police Department's Special Operation Unit, Situational Response Unit and Patrol Division will be concentrating its efforts in fighting drunk driving during the campaign.  Concentrated patrols and random road checks will be conducted throughout the city at strategic locations in an effort to crack down on motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The Dalton Police Department would like to remind drivers that drunk driving is not the only killer on roadways.  The department asks that motorists watch their speed and please obey Georgia's Safety Belt laws to help prevent injuries and fatalities.

Warning Against New Year's Gunfire

Dalton Residents are urged to use extreme caution during New Year celebrations, especially when it comes to use of firearms.  In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in residents firing rifles and pistols to celebrate the dawn of the new year.  And while a few bullets fired into the air may seem harmless, they can cause serious injury or death.

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.  Please use caution so that you, your loved ones, or an innocent bystander is not the first death of 2008.

Police Department Hires Two New Cadets

Two new cadets started December 26th in the department's orientation process in preparation to attend the ten-week regional police academy in Dalton.  Following the basic law enforcement training, the officers will conduct a one-week mini academy session in preparation for entering the 17-week Police Officer Training (PTO) program.

Jacob Burger, 24, of Niskayuna, New York and Rene` Coffey, 47, of Chatsworth, Georgia

Merry Christmas

The Dalton Police Department would like to wish you and your family a verry Merry Christmas!

Citizens Police Academy Reminder

The Dalton Police Department is set to begin its 16th Citizens Police Academy for 2008.  The academy classes will begin February 26^th and will give participants the opportunity to learn about all the different parts of the Dalton Police Department and how each division works.  The academy also provides each participant a chance to ride along with a patrol officer on his or her shift, and gives participants the chance to see and use some of the equipment used by officers on a daily basis, including firearms.

The class will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a ten-week period starting February 26^th.  The classes will be held at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street.  Anyone interested in attending the academy can pick up an application at the Police Department, apply online at by clicking here, or call Sergeant Mike Dyer at 706-278-9085 extension 109 to have an application mailed to you.  All applications must be received by February 10, 2008.

Preparing Your Vehicle For Inclement Weather

The Dalton Police Department would like to remind motorists to prepare their motor vehicles before inclement weather hits the Dalton area.  There are several important things that need to be checked on your vehicle and several things that should be carried inside your vehicle in case you become stranded.

The following is a list of things that should be checked to ensure your vehicle is in good operating condition.

• Have the car battery tested
• Check the antifreeze level and effectiveness at sub-freezing temperatures
• Make sure the windshield wipers are in good condition
• Check the windshield washer fluid
• Make sure all lights are working correctly, including flashing hazard lights
• Have the brakes inspected
• Check the tire tread
• Make sure the inside heater and defrost is in proper working condition

Motorists should also keep the following items in their vehicles when traveling in inclement weather, no matter how short a distance they may be traveling.

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blanket
• Extra cap and gloves/mittens
• Rain gear
• Small tool kit and booster cables
• Small bag of kitty litter for tire traction
• Bottled water and snack foods/power bars
• Brightly colored cloth

The Dalton Police Department would also like to remind motorists of some driving tips during inclement weather.  During inclement weather be sure to travel only when necessary.  Leave early, avoid lightly traveled roads and expect driving delays.  Motorists should slow down on wet or slick roads and drive much slower than the posted speed limit.  Avoid quick accelerations, hard braking and quick turns or lane changes. 

If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle as long as possible.  During the day, you can hang a bright colored rag or cloth on the antenna of your car and at night turn on the flashing hazard lights.  If possible, run the engine and heat for short periods of time to provide warmth.

Protecting Your Home During The Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and we would like to remind residents to protect their homes and families from burglars.  Here are some helpful tips:

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• When going out of town, your indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• Do not give money to people soliciting door-to-door donations.  Most of the time this is a scam.

Holiday Cheer From Local Elementary School Students

Students from Westwood Elementary helped fill the halls of the Dalton Police Department with holiday cheer.  The students stopped by to sing some Christmas carols including "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer", "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", and "Feliz Navidad".  This is a yearly treat from the students.

Students singing in the Police Department lobby

Students showing off some dance moves

A group of students in front of the department's Christmas tree

Bank Robbery Suspect In Custody

Quick action by the Dalton Police Department leads to the capture and arrest of a bank robbery suspect.  Shortly before 4:00 pm on Thursday, the armed suspect entered the Bank of America on South Thornton Avenue.  He alerted some employees on the second floor that robbery was about to take place and showed his gun.  But when he came downstairs, the bank manager had locked the lobby doors leading into the bank.  The suspect then fled in a black Infiniti sedan.  A Dalton Police officer spotted the suspect on Walnut Avenue and pursued him onto I-75 south.  Officers from Georgia State Patrol, Whitfield County and Gordon joined the chase along with additional Dalton officers.  The suspect eventually crashed near mile marker 309 and was taken into custody.

Lonnie Whatley, from the Atlanta area, has been charged with armed robbery and kidnapping.  Additional charges are pending.  He was booked into the Whitfield County jail.

Lonnie Whatley

Operation Zero Tolerance

The Dalton Police Department will take part in the Operation Zero Tolerance campaign December 14, 2007 through January 1, 2008.  Operation Zero Tolerance is a statewide mobilization of law enforcement agencies to combat motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.  This year's national campaign slogan is "Over The Limit, Under Arrest".

Dalton Police Department's Special Operation Unit, Situational Response Unit and Patrol Division will be concentrating its efforts in fighting drunk driving during the campaign.  Concentrated patrols and random road checks will be conducted throughout the city at strategic locations in an effort to crack down on motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The Dalton Police Department would like to remind drivers that drunk driving is not the only killer on roadways.  The department asks that motorists watch their speed and please obey Georgia's Safety Belt laws to help prevent injuries and fatalities.