FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2012

CITY OF PICKERINGTON, OHIO

POLICE AND SAFETY

Department News

Crash Reports

Accident reports are now available online.  Click the "Accident Report" link on the left side of the page, or click here.  You will be taken to the State of Ohio website.  Once there, you will be prompted to input your crash date, jurisdiction, and last name into the fields.  Your report can then be downloaded and printed from your computer.

Opiate Problem in Pickerington

The Pickerington Police will host a presentation on the increasing heroin addiction problem in Pickerington and Fairfield County.

Speakers:

Eric Brown - Commander of the Fairfield Hocking Major Crimes Unit

Tamara Bartek - Coordinator for the Fairfield County Drug Court

Tyler's Light  - A local organization focused on education of the community about the dangers of drug addiction

When: Monday April 30^th, 2012   6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where: Pickerington Central High School Theater

 

 

Tyler's Light 5K Run Scheduled for May 6, 2012

 

 

Emergency Warning Sirens

The Fairfield County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has created a new page on their website listing the location of warnings sirens throughout the County, their status and notations of service to each of these locations.  The red line indicates a problem on that particular siren.  Once the siren is serviced and becomes operable again, the red line will be changed to a blue line.  They also ask for your assistance in reporting sirens that are not operating properly and have provided an email address to report the outage or to answer any questions you may have. 

Auxiliary Officer Applicants

The City of Pickerington is accepting applications for the position of Auxiliary Police Officer, at this time. Formal applications may be picked up 24 hours per day at the police department located at 1311 Refugee Road, Pickerington, Ohio 43147.

This is a volunteer position and requires 16 hours of service each month. Applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and a valid Ohio drivers license. Ohio Peace Officer Training certification is necessary prior to appointment. As part of the selection process, a physical fitness test, background investigation, and psychological stress evaluation will be administered.

Direct all questions and applications to Sgt. Tim Planck at 614-575-6911. The City of Pickerington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Opportunities

Pickerington Police Advice Column

From the Chief......

Emergency responses to incidents at homes and business can easily be delayed if the numbers are not visible to those who respond. Chief Michael Taylor suggests that every home and business have numbers that are reflective and easy to read from the roadway that can speed up the arrival of emergency responders. In addition to being visible, Chief Taylor states that too many times vehicles block the numbers, brush or trees are overgrown or the porch light is not working and the numbers are not seen.

Chief Taylor reminds residents that during any emergency, whether a heart attack or a Domestic Violence incident or even someone breaking into a home, precious minutes can be lost if the responders cannot read your house numbers.

 The Violet Township Fire Department can be contacted to obtain reflective signs.

Gang Information

Gangs exist in every county in the State of Ohio. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections has tracked over 700 groups that pose threats to our communities and Pickerington is not immune.

So what is the definition of a gang? Ohio law describes this as any group of people of three or more that may use a symbol or sign, or wear identical clothing, specifically in colors and with the purpose to break the law or have criminal intent.

How can I tell if my son or daughter is in a gang or wants to be in a one?

First and foremost recognize that gangs may include both males and females or male only and female only groups.

The easiest way to determine if your child has joined or wants to join a gang is to see if there have been significant behavior issues or changes. This may include rudeness, bullying parents and siblings, disobedience, failure to follow up on chores and homework to name a few. More importantly, take a look at the change of friends he or she is suddenly hanging out with. Are their grades falling? Is truancy or tardiness a problem at school? Have they been suspended or threatened with suspension for bad behavior at school? Are they involved in alcohol, drugs, and tobacco? If they tell you that they do not do alcohol, drugs and tobacco, check the odor on their clothing. Are they staying out past your curfew boundaries? Are there obvious signs of graffiti, two or three color clothing? Are there unexplainable expensive items or large sums of money? Or do they admit to being in a gang.

Remember that peer pressure is tough on our kids and they easily fall into the trap of wanting to be with those who appear to have no rules to follow or parents to control them. Most kids who join gangs look for things they do not have at home or do not perceive that they have it made at home, such as protection, acceptance, power and even a level of excitement of being in a gang.

Lastly, recognize that entry into a gang is by initiation NOT by invitation. It is physical either by getting pummeled, leaving bruises, welts and even fractured bones or by rape by the gang members.

Passing Bad Checks - New City and County Policy

The Fairfield County Municipal Prosecutor has issued a new policy regarding how to process the receipt of bad checks.  The new policy covers how to accept checks for your business, what course of actions to take if a check is returned, and what conditions must be met before prosecution of the offender can be completed.  The City of Pickerington Prosecutor has accepted this policy into the Mayor's Court as well.  For a copy of the new policy, click the below link to be redirected to the Prosecutor's Forms and Protocols page on their website.

Municipal Prosecutor Policy Page

Identity Theft Alert

Identity theft is rising. Many times professional thieves use false pretenses to obtain personal information from you. The Pickerington Police Department wants the community to know what to do in the event this happens.

Never give any information over the phone, or be internet unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure that the company or organization is legitimate and you have dealt with them before. This includes phone numbers, because many times the phone call to you has been random number punching.

Your Social Security number belongs to you and should NEVER be given, except to Police when you have face to face contact with a police officer. There may be occasions at banks and other places but generally speaking your social security number should be protected.

Recently the Ohio Department of Commerce issued an alert where an organization is using their information to obtain your information. It is not unusual for thieves to use such names as The US Government, The FBI, The Department of Commerce, The local Police and Fire Department, as well as disaster relief services to get money and information from you while lining their own pockets.

If your identity has been stolen or used to make false purchases call the police. We will direct you to the proper authority for mail, international or local help.

You can also stop identity theft by keeping your wallet and purse with you at all times, never leaving them in cars or accessible to any one except you.

Keeping your home safe:

Homes are generally easy targets for crime, there are some steps you should consider. Securing your home should not be a secondary thought but a primary thought! Having a professional risk assessment completed will help you fight against those who enter your home.

Risk assessments can help you determine the type of electronic security services available in your area as well as providing prevention measures to keep you and your family safe, as well as your property.

Always keep the doors secure if not in use.

Never use hollow type doors. Use doors that are recommended to withstand a few hits with a sledge hammer, making it more difficult for a suspect to enter.

The use of deadbolts with protected strike plates are also great deterrents.

Proper lighting is one of the best crime deterrents we have. Lighting at all doors and driveways can help keep suspects away from your home. But remember, if a light bulb burns out it should be immediately replaced. We highly recommend sensor driven lighting systems.

Alarms and video equipment should work hand in hand. Inexpensive equipment will result in poor quality pictures making positive identification impossible. You get what you pay for.

When video and lighting work together you avoid glare and other distorted images. Be sure to have your risk assessment company check the system at night time when you are away from your business to determine if the system works the way you want it to.

What to do when a disaster occurs:

First and foremost you must be prepared to take action to protect yourself and others. Remain calm and do not make any hasty decisions.

The Pickerington Police Department and the Fairfield and Franklin Emergency Management Agencies are providing the following steps to help you through a catastrophe.

Weather Related Emergencies:

Please remember that each police, fire, utility service will be swamped with calls that are emergency and non emergency types. The most important factor in weather related incidents is to remain patient. It is impossible to reach every person and every home and put up signs to direct traffic flow or close off roads within minutes of the storm.

Many times an evacuation or partial evacuation is called for. Any person who has been evacuated or left the premises during any emergency will NOT be allowed to return until the situation has been declared safe by the appropriate agency - Violet Township Fire Department or the Pickerington Police Department.

Do not drive around emergency apparatus for any reason. You can be arrested.

Stay in if the weather is such that road emergencies have been declared. Floods and Ice Storms are the most likely to be our primary problems.

Floods are dangerous. It only takes a small amount of running water to literally lift a vehicle and swoop into a creek or pond. Do not cross high water if it is moving. Pay attentions to roads that are closed. If your home is being threatened by flood there are some steps you should consider:

Turn off all electrical devices, including your furnace, washer and dryer.

Move items that cannot be salvaged if wet.

Keep your pets upstairs and away from danger.

If the threat of flood is eminent, leave your home and follow evacuation routes. Take only those items needed to survive a few days.

Ice Storms will always be a problem in the Pickerington area. There a couple of dangers generally associated with this disaster. First, the loss of power, that means no heat. If the loss of power is the only problem, many homes have built in fireplaces. Have firewood ready or use an alternate source of power (generators) to provide for basic services. Remember that not every portable generator is large enough to provide power to your entire home, so be careful purchasing one.

Utilizing the “Shelter in Place” equipment will also help keep you warm for a short time.

The secondary danger often associated with Ice Storms is falling tree limbs. One reason for staying inside your home is to remain safe. If your home is struck by a tree, be sure that everyone is moved to another location in the home for safety reason. Call the Pickerington Police Department or The Violet Township Fire Department if you need assistance.

What items do I need to make a basic “Shelter-in-Place” kit?

Plastic sheeting, duct tape, blankets, flashlights first aid supplies, snack foods, bottled water, battery operated clock, battery operated radio or TV, extra batteries, bath towels. Pack enough for at least three days of supplies for each person residing in your home

Fortunately the chance of this type of disaster is small but being prepared can safe your life.

During any disaster police and fire personnel are prepared to protect you and your family. Police will bring in extra personnel to assist in whatever needs are determined. Fire personnel have extensive training in rescue and evacuations.

The Pickerington Police Department and the Violet Township Fire Department work hard to keep you safe.

Evacuation

First and foremost bring your shelter in the kit. Bring extra clothes and enough food and water for a couple of days. Most evacuees will be headed to other family members or friends homes so it is not essential to bring everything you own.

Pay attention to the directions that are given to you by TV, radio and on the streets. It is imperative that you follow directions. Safe evacuations routes are set up to permit egress from a disaster without traffic interference.

The City of Pickerington will utilize SR 256 in a north and south direction, while Refugee road will be used for the east and west directions. These roads are the primary roads. Secondary roads such as Long, Diley, Lockville will also be utilized in parallel routing if needed.

If police have closed roads, do not attempt to cross their barriers or drive onto closed roads.

Bicycling

When riding on the street, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. Bicyclist should riding in the same traffic pattern as a car. The same rules apply for a bicycle as a car. Reflective material, lights in the front and a red flashing light on the rear of the bike should be used at night. Ohio law enforcement can write citations to violators, which could cost $85 - $100 per violation. Lights can be purchased for less!

Skate

Skaters should follow the same rules as pedestrians. If the area is unsafe to skate, then skaters should carry their boards. The City of Pickerington has a skate park and parents are encouraged to drop off and pick up their children. Parking lots and businesses are private property. Many of the businesses do not allow skating on their property. Residential streets may appear to be tempting but are dangerous!

Suspicious Activity: While out riding, biking, walking or skating in your neighborhood pay attention to suspicious activity. Citizens play an important role in our community. If you observe a any kind of activity that may seem questionable, please call the Pickerington Police or the Fairfield County Sheriff’s department.

When bicycling or skating, you should always wear a helmet and protective clothing to minimize injuries. Keep in mind that reaction time to move out of the way of a moving vehicle is never fast enough! We strongly discourage running or walking when it is getting dark.

Kids and Cars

Would you leave a million dollars in the your car? The Pickerington Police Department is encouraging everyone NOT to leave any child in car or near a car unattended. nearly 75 children are seriously injured or killed by this form of neglect annually.

When picking up or dropping off children at day care centers, do not leave any child in the car. Do not leave the car running. Car jacking does occur and within seconds you could lose your child.

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CHILD SAFETY SEAT LAW

Ohio Revised Code 4511.81

Children who are either or both - (1) less than 4 years of age, (2) less than 40 pounds - MUST be in an approved child safety seat, installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Children less than 8 years of age, or less then 80 pounds must be seated in an approved booster seat, installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The Pickerington Police Department encourages everyone to follow the law - it is a known fact that seat belts saves lives!