Dalton Police Blog

Wal-Mart Lends a Hand to Toy Drive Effort

The Dalton Police Department recently accepted a $1,500 donation to the department's Toy Drive effort from the Shugart Road Wal-Mart in Dalton.  The money will be used to purchase toys and gifts and to pay for a Christmas party for kids in need around the Dalton area, to make sure that kids who may otherwise not have gifts will have a happy holiday. 

The party is being held December 5th at the North Georgia Fair Grounds.  Participants in the party have been selected by counselors with the Dalton Public School System.  You must have an invitation to attend.

Earlier this month, the Dalton Police Department hosted a Holiday Toy Run motorcycle ride to raise money and toys for the party.  The event raised more than $800 and hundreds of toys for kids.

The Dalton Police Department thanks Wal-Mart, and everyone else who is helping to make this Holiday Party effort a success.

Below: Sgt. Pat Meyer with the Dalton Police Department accepts a $1,500 donation from Wal-Mart Co-Manager Phillip Irvin (click image for a larger version)

DPD Seeks Information On Wallet Thief

UPDATE: An arrest has been made after DPD received a tip from a member of the public.  Thanks for your attention and assitance!

The Dalton Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a man who stole a woman's wallet from her purse after she left it at an area Burger King.

The theft happened on November 15th around 2:30 in the afternoon at the Burger King at 1512 West Walnut Avenue.  After finishing eating, the victim accidentally left her purse behind when she left the restaurant.  When she realized her mistake, she called the restaurant to see if her purse was still there.  Burger King employees secured it for her, but when she arrived, her wallet was missing.

The restaurant's surveillance camera system captured the theft on tape.  The suspect appears to be a Hispanic male, wearing a polo shirt and jeans.  His hair is dark, and parted to one side.  His pictures are included below.  On video as the victim left, the suspect, seated at a table near hers, watched her go and then began to look aroung the restaurant.  He then passed by her table on the way to the beverage station, and then looks at the purse again on his way back to his table.  After eating, he again looked around the restaurant, then walked up to the purse and takes something out of it, then he left the restaurant.  The suspect was recorded from multiple angles.

If you have any information about this crime or the identity of the suspect pictured below, please contact Detective Matt Locke with the Dalton Police Department at 706-278-9085, extension 320.

Below: The suspect is recorded inside the Burger King restaurant (click images to see a larger version).

DPD Officers Promoted, Honored at PSC Meeting

Two Dalton Police Officers had their promotions confirmed by a unanimous vote of the Dalton Public Safety Commission at Tuesday’s meeting.  Tom Phillips was promoted to the rank of captain, and Chris Johnson was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Captain Phillips has served the department for more than 21 years, including the last 11 as a sergeant serving as a shift supervisor and commander of the department’s Drug Enforcement Unit.  He is a graduate of the FBI’s prestigious National Academy, as well as the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University.  Captain Phillips is now assigned as the Commander of the Patrol Division.

Sergeant Johnson has served the department for more than 14 years, including service as an officer in the Patrol Division, the Traffic Enforcement Unit, the Criminal Investigations Division, and most recently as a detective assigned to the FBI’s Conasauga Safe Streets Task Force.  He has an Associate’s Degree from Dalton State College.  Sergeant Johnson is now assigned as a Shift Supervisor in the Patrol Division.

Below: Captain Tom Phillips (left) and Sergeant Chris Johnson pose after having their promotions confirmed at Tuesday's Public Safety Commission Meeting (click for larger version of the image)

Also at Tuesday's Public Safety Commission meeting, Chief Jason Parker presented a plaque to Mr. Stacy McKinney, manager of the Wal-Mart on Shugart Road, in recognition of Wal-Mart's support of the DPD's Law Enforcement Torch Run effort to raise money for the Special Olympics.  The Shugart Road Wal-Mart donated $1,000 to the Dalton Police Department effort.  The Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run accounts for more than a third of Special Olympics Georgia's budget each year.

Chief Parker also presented an Outstanding Performance Award to Sergeant Chris Crossen for coordinating the department's Torch Run effort for the past two years.  Sergeant Crossen was instrumental in securing several corporate donations, including the Wal-Mart donation.

Below: Mr. Stacy McKinney accepts an award from Chief Parker on behalf of Wal-Mart, and Sgt. Chris Crossen poses with the department's award from Special Olympics Georgia (click images for a larger version).

The Dalton Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit was recognized for its 9th straight time finishing in the Top Five in Governor's Challenge, placing 3rd in 2009.

The Governor’s Challenge is an incentive program designed to award law enforcement agencies in their achievements for enforcement of Georgia Traffic Law and educating the public on highway safety.   Areas that law enforcement agencies are judged on include, policies and procedures in place for its officers relating to traffic enforcement, training that officers receive annual on traffic related issues, any officer recognition programs in place, and enforcement activity during the year.  The department is also graded on its efforts to educate citizens on the importance of seatbelt use, the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and the dangers of speeding.

The Governor’s Challenge was developed by GOHS to lower serious injury accidents and fatalities through education and enforcement, and has been used as a model program by other states around the country in an effort to make highways safer for motorists.

Below: Officers Shaun Scott (left) and Steve Zahn (right) pose with Chief Parker after being presented with the department's 3rd Place Award from the Governor's Challenge (click image for a larger version).

DFD Firefighters Receive Promotions

The Dalton Fire Department had promotions confirmed for six department personnel at Tuesday’s meeting of the Dalton Public Safety Commission. 

Douglas Kerns, Donnie Blankenship, and Chad Hall were each promoted to the rank of Engineer.  Tolly Campbell, Brandon Elliot, and Dale Stratton were each promoted to the rank of Firefigher II. 

Below (from left to right): Engineers Chad Hall, Donnie Blankenship, Douglas Kerns and Firefighter II's Dale Stratton, Brandon Elliot, Tolly Campbell pose with Chief Bruce Satterfield after having their promotions approved by unanimous vote of the Dalton Public Safety Commission.

DPD Shares Safety Tips With Pre-Schoolers

Dalton Police Officer Steven Collins is a familiar face to pre-school students at First Baptist Church in Dalton.  He's got a daughter in one of the classes, and knows most of her classmates by name.  But, on Tuesday he wasn't just in class for a visit.  Instead, he came to the classroom Tuesday with some important safety reminders for the class.

Speaking to students about not talking to strangers, how to call for help using 911 or the phone operator, and also taking questions from the class, Officer Collins reminded students that they can always call on police officers or firefighters for help if they're lost or in trouble.  Officer Collins also reminded students that they should memorize their full names and phone numbers for their parents in case they ever end up getting separated when out in public. 

Students also got a chance to check out Collins' Police Cruiser, including an up-close look at the backseat where "the bad people go". 

For safety information that you can share with your children at home, you can visit Child Quest International's website by clicking here.

Below: Officer Collins talks to kids at the First Baptist Church pre-school, and gives them a look at his Police Cruiser (click images for a larger version).

"Click It Or Ticket" Starts Monday

The Dalton Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit and Patrol Division will step up their efforts to enforce Georgia’s Safety Belt and Child Restraint laws in conjunction with the nation wide “Click It or Ticket” campaign which runs from November 16th thru November 29th.  This nationwide traffic enforcement campaign includesthe upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday, which is traditionally the busiest holiday in terms of travel, making traffic on Georgia's roads much heavier. Nationwide, more than half of all traffic crash victims killed during Thanksgiving travel were not wearing their safety belts.

“Click it or Ticket” is a nationwide enforcement campaign to increase safety belt usage and reduce serious injury or fatal car crashes. Research data shows that nationwide, 72% of passenger vehicle occupants involved in serious car crashes survived when wearing their seat belts correctly.  Seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45%.

The current statewide safety belt usage rate in the state of Georgia is at 89%, the highest in the southeast.  The most recent safety belt usage survey conducted in early November 2009 by the Dalton Police Department showed that Dalton’s safety belt usage stood at 86%, much lower then past years.

The department will be conducting several special operations beginning November 16th and continuing thru November 29th to enforce Georgia’s Safety Belt and Child Restraint laws.  Motorists should take note: any front seat passenger of a passenger vehicle in operation on highways of Georgia must wear a safety belt, any passenger of a vehicle under 18 years of age must wear a safety belt no matter where they are seated in the vehicle, and all children under the age of 6 years must be placed in an approved Child Safety Restraint.  Motorists should also be aware that not only will failure to wear a safety belt correctly with the shoulder belt across the chest lead to getting a ticket, but it will also not give the passenger any protection if the vehicle that they are an occupant is involved in a crash.

The Dalton Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday, so we're encouraging everyone to slow down, buckle up, and drive sober!

New Addresses Take Effect Nov. 15th... Change Your Numbers Now!

More than 2,600 address changes made within the Dalton city limits as part of the Whitfield County Address Relocation Project will go into effect on November 15th.  If you’ve received notification that your address is being changed, it’s important to change the numbers on your building and mailboxes immediately to help emergency personnel to find your location quickly in the event of an emergency.

In accordance with the City of Dalton Address Ordinance (Sec 98) and Section 505.1 of the International Fire Code, new addresses must be displayed on your mailbox and your structure using reflective lettering at least 4 inches in height.  If your structure is more than 50 feet off of the roadway, or it is not visible from the roadway, a sign must be put near the roadway near the entrance to your property with your address information.  This sign must be at least 18 inches in height and use letters and numbers no less than 4 inches in height.  Make sure that the numbers and letters on your structure are easily visible from the roadway, even in the dark, because that’s how they’ll need to be viewed by police, fire, or EMS in the event of an emergency.  It is recommended that your house numbers should be visible from at least 150 feet, and they should not be obscured by plants or other blockages.  They should be in contrasting color to the color scheme of the building. Remember, seconds count, and having your address displayed improperly could cause delays in emergency response.

In addition, in the event of an emergency, if you are calling 911 and have had your address changed, it’s important to make sure the 911 operator knows that you’ve had an address change and provide the operator with your new address.  Be prepared to provide your old address if asked.

DPD Toy Run Is a Success

More than 70 motorcycle riders turned out on Saturday, November 7th for the Dalton Police Department's 1st Toy Run for Kids.  The event raised more than $800 and hundreds of toys for next month's holiday party for kids in need from the Dalton area.

Riders assembled at Mountain Creek Harley Davidson at 1001 Market Street in Dalton around 10 AM on Saturday, where they were entertained by a live band, inflatable playsets for children, food, and a raffle.  The winners of the 50/50 raffle, Terri Vaughn and Raymond Brewer, returned their prize of $94.00 and donated it to the Toy Run fund.

Last year, the Dalton Police Department hosted a “Shop With a Cop” event which was successful, but this year the department is hoping to impact even more children in the Dalton area with proceeds from the Toy Run event.   Children who will participate in the holiday party in December are being selected by counselors from the Dalton Public School System, and also the GreenHouse Child Advocacy Center.

Below (from left): Terri Vaughn poses with Sergeant Pat Meyer after winning the 50/50 raffle, Officers from the DPD pose before taking part in the motorcycle ride, Riders gather before leaving Mountain Creek Harley Davidson's parking lot, Officer Steve Zahn leads a driver through the Fatal Vision drunk-driving awareness course, an overflowing box of toys donated for kids in Dalton.

DPD Now Taking Applications for Citizens' Police Academy

The Dalton Police Department’s 18th Citizens’ Police Academy starts on February 23rd, 2010, and applications are now being accepted.

The Citizens’ Academy will meet on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 for 10 weeks at the Dalton Police Services Center.  Participants get more than just classroom instruction.  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.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and a U.S. citizen.  Background checks will be performed on all applicants.  Please note that completion of the course does not certify a participant as a police officer.  To apply, simply pick up an application form at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street.  You can also apply online by clicking here or call Sergeant Mike Dyer at 706-278-9085, extension 109 to have an application mailed to you. 

Click play in the window below to watch a video about the Citizens' Police Academy, or click here to read articles and watch videos from last year's class sessions.

Reminder: Come Out to the Toy Run This Saturday!

The Dalton Police Department’s 1st Toy Run for Kids motorcycle ride will be held this Saturday, November 7th.  The event will collect toys which will be given to children in need at a holiday party in December.  The fee for participation is a new boxed toy for either a boy or a girl up to 14 years of age (please, no stuffed animals), or a $15.00 donation.  The event will start at Mountain Creek Harley Davidson located at 1001 Market Street at 10 AM.  The ride starts at 11 AM.  The ride will last between an hour and an hour and a half, and will be escorted by members of the Calhoun Police Department’s motorcycle unit.

The ride is the main event, but this Saturday is not just for motorcycle riders.  There will be inflatable play areas for children, along with live music and food and games and raffles around Mountain Creek Harley Davidson.  The Dalton Police Department’s “Fatal Vision” unit will be on hand to give demonstrations on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.  The department encourages the public to bring their whole family to the event.

Last year, the Dalton Police Department hosted a “Shop With a Cop” event which was successful, but this year the department wants to try to impact even more children in the Dalton area with this Toy Run event.   Children who will participate in the holiday party in December are being selected by counselors from the Dalton Public School System, and also the GreenHouse Child Advocacy Center.

For more information on the event, or to make a monetary donation, please contact Sergeant Pat Meyer at 706-278-9085, extension 400.  Checks should be made payable to the “Friends of the GreenHouse”.  All donations are tax deductible.