Dalton Police Blog

Teen Citizens Police Academy

The Dalton Police Department is now accepting applications for it's 3rd annual Teen Citizens Police Academy.  The academy is open to teens 13 to 18 years of age and will be limited to 15 participants.  This year's academy will begin on June 3rd.

Participants in the Teen Citizens Police Academy will attend 4 sessions on a weekly basis.  Each session will last approximately 2 hours.  Participants will also take part in a final graduation ceremony at the police department.

To apply for the Teen Citizens Police Academy, contact Sergeant Mike Dyer at 706-278-9085 ext. 109 or email Sgt. Dyer at mdyer@cityofdalton-ga.gov .

Suspects Arrested For Tagging Local Businesses

Dalton Police detectives arrested two suspects Wednesday for tagging a pair of local businesses on Hamilton Street.  18-year old Joshua Glenn Reid and 18-year old Brandon Scott Scrivner were recently captured on a surveillance camera tagging the businesses.  Many Dalton businesses have been installing surveillance cameras due to vandalism.  Both suspects are considered tag artists, not gang members.  Reid and Scrivner are charged with criminal trespass.

Joshua Glenn Reid

Brandon Scott Scrivner

Georgia Gun Laws

The information in this post has recently been updated to reflect changes in Georgia's gun laws.  To read the updated version, click here.

Citizens Police Academy: Week 7

Members of the Citizens Police Academy met Tuesday night for their 7th week of classes.  Academy participants got some hands on experience with the various weapons carried by Dalton Police Department officers. 

Participants had the opportunity to fire the department's duty pistol, the Sig P229, the Remington 870 shotgun, and a Colt AR-15 rifle carried by selected officers.

Officer Chris McDonald assisting an academy participant on the firing range

Academy participants at the firing range

Serial Bank Robber

Dalton Police detectives are looking for a possible serial bank robber who may be responsible for recent holdups in Dalton, Fort Oglethorpe and East Ridge, TN.  Because of the proximity of the robberies, detectives believe the suspect live in or around the Tennessee Valley.

In all three robberies, the white male suspect presented a not to the teller and postured himself as if he had a weapon.  The robbery in Dalton occurred on February 27th at BB&T on Walnut Avenue.  The East Ridge robbery happened on March 28th at Suntrust and the Fort Oglethorpe holdup happened on March 31st at Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.

The suspect appears to be 25 to 35 years of age with dark hair and a medium build.  Anyone with information is asked to call Detective John Helton at 706-278-9085 extension 143.

Suspect shown on 2/27/08 in Dalton

Suspect shown on 3/28/08 in East Ridge, TN

Citizens Police Academy: Week 6

Members of the Citizens Police Academy met Tuesday night for their sixth week of classes.  Academy participants heard from District Attorney Kermit McManus and were given a tour of the Whitfield County Jail.

District Attorney Kermit McManus speaks to the class

Citizens Police Academy participants

Bicycle Safety Tips

With Spring finally here kids will begin spending more time outside, especially on their bicycles.  It is important for parents and children to be aware of bicycling dangers and to take steps to reduce their chances of being injured.

• Always wear a helmet - This is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes.  Make it a rule that every time your child rides a bike, to wear a helmet.  This is not only for the child but for the adult as well.  Set the example for your child by wearing a helmet as well.  Be sure the helmet meets or exceeds the safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Make sure the helmet fits correctly - Helmet fit is important.  It should be comfortable and snug, but not too tight.  It should sit centered on top of the head in a level position, and it should not rock forward and backward or side to side.  And, the helmet straps must always be buckled snugly against the chin.
• Proper bicycle fit - Buy a bicycle that is the right size for the child not one he or she will grow into.  When sitting on the bicycle, the child's feet should touch the ground.
• Bicycle Maintenance - Make sure the reflectors are secure, the brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, the chain is not too loose, and the tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
• Teach and obey all traffic rules of the road - Ride with traffic not against it and stay as far on the right side of the road as possible.  Always use caution when crossing the road looking both ways several times to ensure no vehicles are approaching.  No child below the age of 10 should be allowed to ride on the highways.  These children should be restricted to sidewalks and closed roadways or parks
• Don't ride at night - Don't allow your children to ride their bicycle at night.  The danger is too great since the ability of others to see your child becomes difficult.  Even if the child is riding in the yard at night, they may hit an obstacle causing them to crash and injury themselves. 
• Dress for Safety - Besides the helmet, children should wear clothing that protects them in case of a fall.  Also, the clothing should be light colored and include reflective materials if possible to improve visibility to motorists, especially if riding at dusk or dawn.