Dalton Police Blog

GreenHouse Plans Motor Mania 2008

Mark your calendars!  The GreenHouse will be hosting Motor Mania 2008 on Saturday, September 27th at the North Georgia Fairgrounds from 10 AM until 4 PM.  Tickets to the event cost $10.00.

What's the GreenHouse, you ask?

The GreenHouse is a non-profit organization that provides a neutral, safe place where child victims of physical and sexual abuse in Whitfield and Murray Counties can be counseled, and also interviewed and videotaped to aid in criminal investigations.  It's a child-friendly refurbished house trimmed in green and decorated in a rain forest theme.  It provides a safe, non-threatening atmosphere for the child and his/her family during the investigative process.  Child victims are interviewed and videotaped by a trained child forensic interviewer.  Therapy is often provided on-site to help the child victims begin the healing process.  If referred for prosecution, a victim advocate and prosecutor introduce themselves to the child at the GreenHouse.

The GreenHouse is an extension of the Conasauga Circuit District Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program.  It's a full member of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Georgia.  The Center operates as an arm of the District Attorney's office, which provides governmental financial support, but also with a separate 501c3 Board of Directors ("Friends of the GreenHouse, Inc.") which allows community, corporate, and individual support for service to child victims of abuse in the Whitfield and Murray County areas.

Donations to the GreenHouse are used not just for the day-to-day operation of the facility, but will also help with the construction of a new facility specifically designed to serve the needs of child victims with on-site counseling, play areas, and also medical facilities.  Because the GreenHouse needs community support, the organization is hosting Motor Mania 2008.  The GreenHouse's Board of Directors chose to sponsor the event because they wanted to put together not just an event that would raise needed funds, but also create a family-oriented atmosphere that involves not just grown-ups but also children.

Motor Mania 2008 will feature plenty of activities for the whole family, outside of the main events of the car show, awards, and car corral.  Local band the Brookwoods will provide live entertainment.  The Dalton Police Department will be on hand with the Crime Scene Unit to set up a simulated crime scene that kids can see, and also the department's Fatal Vision drunk-driving awareness simulator will be running.  The Dalton Fire Department will perform vehicle extrication rescue demonstrations.  The Georgia State Patrol's SWAT team will also be performing a demonstration.  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will also have their bomb squad available to show off some of their equipment.  There will also be a Lowe's Hero Children workshop, three large inflatable play areas, and plenty of other activities for children.  And, there will be plenty of door prize giveaways.  Windstream's green truck will be one of the vehicles on display for the car show.

Stay tuned to the Dalton Police Blog for more information as the event draws near. If you'd like your organization to be a part of Motor Mania 2008, or you'd like to help with donations, contact the GreenHouse at 706-278-4769.

Click here to read an article about the GreenHouse in the Dalton Daily Citizen

Dalton Police Adjust Fuel Policy

Despite a recent decrease in the price of gasoline, the Dalton Police Department continues to be proactive in finding ways to reduce the department's fuel consumption.  To that end, Chief Jason Parker today announced an adjustment to the department's fuel policy and Assigned Vehicle Program which assigns officers target levels of fuel consumption and has them share in the cost of overages.

The department has studied the fuel consumption of each division within the department, and calculated a target goal of monthly gallons of gas to be used.  These calculations take into account that patrol personnel and investigators are sometimes required to work overtime shifts, and/or to conduct concentrated patrols, such as 2007's Operation A.B.L.E.  The target amounts for each division are as follows:

• Administrative Staff - 45 gallons per month
• Patrol Officers - 120 gallons per month
• Patrol Sergeants - 65 gallons per month
• Criminal Investigations - 75 gallons per month
• Drug Unit - 95 gallons per month

Each employee affected by the policy, which goes into effect on October 1, 2008, will be briefed on the target amount of fuel, and trained on methods to track monthly consumption.  If an employee uses more than the target amount of fuel, that employee will be required to purchase an equivalent amount from their own funds.  However, during a monthly cycle, no employee will be expected to purchase more fuel, in gallons, than would be required for a monthly commute to/from their residence. 

Had this policy been in place during July 2008, employees would have combined to purchase a total of 600 gallons of fuel from their own funds, which projects to about 7,000 gallons per year. The average officer in the department's Assigned Vehicle Program has a commute distance of 10.21 miles.

"The Assigned Vehicle Program adds real value to the community by increasing police presence, our ability to respond faster in a large-scale incident, and keeps maintenance costs lower," said Chief Jason Parker. "This adjustment should bring the program full-circle with the officers sharing the cost of fuel."

"Having an assigned vehicle program also aids the department in retention of trained officers as these type programs have become the norm throughout our profession."

The policy adjustment is being put into place in concert with measures put into place earlier this summer to reduce fuel consumption.  Those measures included additional time for officers to spend on foot patrol, increasing the bike patrol from 3 officers to 7, stopping engines whenever possible, and increasing the amount of car-pooling by investigators and command staff.  Those measures resulted in a combined two-month savings of 1,500 gallons in June and July 2008.

This newest adjustment to the fuel policy is being made to save resources the department needs to carry out its mission.  It should also yield some additional positive benefits, including:

• Allowing officers to conduct more activities outside the patrol vehicle, increasing personal contact with citizens, provided current crime rates do not rise sharply and require more vehicle patrols
• Employees gain better understanding of the monetary needs of the agency, and will be working within a set budget in terms of fuel
• This budgeting process will develop problem solving skills as employees work through ways to keep the service level high, while using less of a finite resource
• As one of the stated goals of the department's Assigned Vehicle Program, more employees may be encouraged to live in or closer to Dalton

"I believe this policy dovetails well with the measures we have already taken in terms of efforts to save fuel," said Chief Parker, "and is the next logical step in a proactive approach to control costs while still providing excellent service."

Exceptions will be made in the policy to allow for extra fuel used for travel to training sites or other operational needs.  The department cannot always control the demand for police services, and there will be times when operational necessity dictates that more fuel and resources need to be allotted for employees.  This new policy allows for that on a case-by-case basis.  And, the department will be monitoring the new program closely to be sure the targets established are realistic, and will make adjustments when necessary.

Dalton Police Seek Armed Robbery Suspect

The Dalton Police Department is looking for a man suspected of committing an armed robbery. 

At approximately 9:30 PM on August 21st, 2008 a man walked into the La Azteca store at 1220 Murray Avenue in Dalton.  The subject walked around inside of the store and waited until he and the clerk were the only two people in the store.  Then, he walked up to the cash register with items for purchase.  When the clerk opened the register, the subject pulled out a knife and demanded money from the clerk.  Then, the subject reached over the counter and took money from the register before leaving the store on foot.

The suspect is described as a dark-skinned Hispanic male in his late teens or early twenties with short spiked hair.  The suspect is described as being 5’6 to 5’8 tall, weighing between 140 and 160 pounds.  The image below is a composite sketch of the suspect.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to please call Detective Barry Woods with the Dalton Police Department at 706-278-9085, extension 163.

Dalton Police Clarify Used Car Law

In May of 2007, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed House Bill 144 into law.  It changed the law that governs the sale or advertising of used cars parked on property.

Under the new act, Georgia Code 40-2-39.1 reads:

(a) (1) An owner or lessee of any real property shall not authorize more than five used motor vehicles within any 12 month period displayed or parked on such real property for the purpose of selling or advertising the sale of such used motor vehicles by the owner or lessee of such vehicles.

(2) An owner or lessee of any real property shall not authorize more than two used motor vehicles at the same time displayed or parked on such real property for the purpose of selling or advertising the sale of such used motor vehicles by the owner or lessee of such vehicles.

(3) An owner or lessee of any used motor vehicle shall not display or park such used motor vehicle on the real property of another for the purpose of selling or advertising the sale of such used motor vehicle if the display or parking of such vehicle will cause the owner or lessee of the real property to be in violation of paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection.

(4) An owner or lessee of any used motor vehicle shall not display or park such used motor vehicle on the real property of another for the purpose of selling or advertising the sale of such used motor vehicle unless the owner or lessee of such vehicle has the prior permission of the owner or lessee of the real property.

The Dalton Police Department has received complaints about local parking lots with too many used cars for sale parked on the premises, in violation of the law.  Because this is a relatively new statute, the police department wants to get the word out about the changes, so citizens can be aware and get into compliance.

The code does provide for several exceptions.  For example, the driver of a used car marked for sale can park that vehicle at a property if he or she works there, or has business there, but not for longer than 24 hours at a time.  You can read the entire code by clicking here and searching for Georgia Code Section 40-2-39.1.

Tips for Securing Your Home

Nobody wants to come home to find their home burglarized.  While it's impossible to completely prevent a burglar from breaking into your home, business, or other building, there are some steps you can take to make your building a less attractive target.  The Dalton Police Department continues our series of crime prevention videos with some advice on securing your home, and what type of lock might work best for you.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks, because we'll be posting more videos with more tips for protecting your home, and other crime prevention tips.

Click play in the video window below to watch (video may take a few moments to load).

Dalton Police Conduct Undercover Operations to Stop Drug Activity

Starting in June of 2008, the Dalton Police Department started an undercover drug operation that has resulted in more than 11 felony arrest warrants.  The operation was in keeping with the department's mission of reducing crime through proactive partnerships with citizens.

The Police Department gathered intelligence through tips from citizens and other sources that indicated illegal drug activity was occurring in and around the Game Room establishment at 600 MLK Boulevard.  Beginning in June of 2008, undercover officers were sent to the Game Room to purchase crack cocaine.  These purchases resulted in more than 11 felony arrest warrants.  The agents involved were able to successfully buy crack cocaine on ten different occasions from individuals in and around the Game Room.  Arrest warrants were issued for each of these individuals.  As of August 18th, all but two individuals have been arrested and charged with the sale of crack cocaine.  This investigation is continuing and future undercover operations in this area are also being planned.

This operation was aided by tips from citizens, and as always, the Dalton Police Department encourages anybody with information about criminal activity to contact our Drug Tip Line at 706-278-9085, extension 221.  All calls are confidential and callers will remain anonymous.

Dalton Police Conduct Road Safety Checks

On Friday, August 8th, the Dalton Police Department conducted a pair of road safety checks on city roads.  At the checks, drivers were stopped and had their driver's license, insurance, and car tags checked to ensure they were up to date.  Officers and employees of Safe Kids Dalton also checked to make sure that young children were secured in car seats, and that those car seats were up to date and in good working order.

A few drivers were also arrested at the road safety checks on suspicion of driving under the influence, or driving without a license.

The safety checks are performed several times a year by the police department, and another is scheduled for September.  In addition to that scheduled check, the Dalton Police Department is also taking part in Operation Zero Tolerance, and will be performing additional road checks focused on keeping drivers from driving while under the influence.  So, as always, make sure to stay safe on the roadways and make sure that your information is up to date.  And, if you're going to drink, don't drive.

Click play in the window below to watch video of the road safety check (video may take a few moments to load).

Operation: Zero Tolerance

The Dalton Police Department will take part in the statewide Operation Zero Tolerance which begins August 15th and continues through September 1st.  Operation Zero Tolerance is a nationwide mobilization of law enforcement agencies to combat drivers driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.  The campaign is used to raise driver awareness of the consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. According to statistics from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Labor Day Weekend is one of the most dangerous travel periods on Georgia highways.

The Dalton Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit, Situational Response Unit, and Patrol Division will all be concentrating their 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.

As always, the Dalton Police Departments asks motorists to Buckle-up, Slow Down, and Drive Sober to make the 2008 Labor Day weekend safe.

 

Dalton Police Continue Investigation of Fatal Accident

Dalton Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit is currently investigating the death of a Dalton man resulting from injuries received in a one vehicle car crash Saturday night.  Rene Olvera Resendiz, 24 years of age, one three passengers in the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of injuries received in the crash.  The crash happened on Hamilton Connector, in front of Office Depot on August 9, 2008 at about 11:10 PM.

The department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit has identified a male suspect that fled the scene at the time of the crash as, Jose Francisco Ramirez-Romero, 23 years of age, 5 foot 5 inches tall, 150 lb, Hispanic male, with possible facial hair.  Mr. Ramirez-Romero was last seen leaving 509 Lesley Street in Dalton in a red 1997 Dodge Neon at 5:00 AM Sunday, August 10th.  The vehicle was later found wrecked and abandoned in Bartow County at 5:30 AM.   

The Dalton Police Department’s Traffic Unit is asking for help in locating Mr. Ramirez-Romero.  If any one has any information on the whereabouts of Mr. Ramirez-Romero, they are asked to call the Dalton Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit at 706-278-9085, ext 124.

Event raises more than $15,000 for endowment

The Dalton Police Department and the Dalton Fire Department want to thank everyone who helped make Monday night's barbecue fundraiser for the Firefighters and Police Officers of Dalton Scholarship a success.  The event raised more than $15,000 for the new scholarship endowment at Dalton State College which will benefit the family of one Dalton Firefighter and one Dalton Police Officer each year.

The barbecue dinner at the Dalton Depot Restaurant raised approximately $16,400 from $10 plates and other donations.  After expenses for the event, the total raised for the scholarship endowment totaled more than $15,000.

"The overwhelming support we received from all those who contributed, including TJ Kaikobad and his staff, has given this project a strong start," said Dalton Police Chief Jason Parker. "Going forward, we plan to continue working on increasing the endowment to the point that it is self-sustaining. Along those lines, we are in the discussion phase of some similar projects that fit a smaller scale, and our plans right now are to repeat the barbecue fundraiser next year."

The Dalton Police Department isn't done with fundraising this year, though.  There's another project in the works that will benefit the community as a whole, particularly children, that will hopefully provide Christmas presents to needy families.

"I believe we should do our best to reach out to the community, and especially children, to help when we can," Chief Parker said.  "If we are successful, we will be able to identify and help the most needy children with at least something at Christmas."

The department is still in the early planning stages of this effort, and more information will be coming soon on what is being planned and how the public can help.  Stay tuned to the Dalton Police Blog (www.daltonpdblog.org) for more information.