This past week, the Rolla Police Department handled 765 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 26 traffic complaints, 76 traffic stops, 34 arrests, 14 check the well being requests, 16 suspicious nature calls, 7 escorts, 39 animal control issues, 7 reports of recovered property, 2 soliciting complaints, 36 security checks, 104 disturbance calls–72 of those were firework complaints that were deemed necessary for an officer to act on. This call total is down 128 calls from last week.
Over the past couple years we have seen a dramatic increase in the popularity of the small motorized scooters in and around the Rolla area. It appears as if the rising fuel costs have prompted motorists into purchasing and operating this type of vehicle. Basically these small vehicles can be categorized into 2 main groups. Scooters and Mopeds. Scooters are typically a small composite bodied two-wheeled motorized vehicle designed to carry the driver and sometimes will allow room for a passenger. These scooters are typically equipped with engines of a displacement of either 50 cubic centimeters or less and are very low powered and sometimes governed or limited to 30 miles per hour. To operate these vehicles, motorists must possess a valid driver’s license, but the license need not be endorsed for motorcycle operation. Drivers need not wear a helmet, register the vehicle annually with the Department of Revenue or maintain liability insurance. Interstate Highway operation is prohibited. In addition the vehicles must be equipped with a front facing white light (headlight) and a red colored taillight. Mopeds are more bicycle like machines that offer a gasoline engine in addition to the traditional pedal cranks that may be used without the engine’s support.
In our area we have received several traffic complaints on motorists on this type of vehicle and have investigated several accidents involving driver’s of these vehicles. Contributing factors in these accidents is that the vehicles are small and not readily seen by other motorists. They are low powered and drop to very low speeds on inclines. Many times the operator’s have had no training on their operation and very little experience. And in some cases, the operator’s unsafe operation leads to the crash. With this in mind we encourage scooter/moped operator’s to undergo training in the operation of their vehicle. To practice away from traffic until operating skills are up to par. And always be sure to wear bright colored clothing, eye protection and above all a DOT approved helmet.
Monday of this week was a designated monthly training day, which is a day set aside for an entire shift of patrol officers to receive pertinent training on job related subject matter. This month Sheriff Rick Lisenbe invited our agency to take advantage of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department’s Firearm Training Simulator. Sgt. John Frey, Cpl. Adam Meyer, Spo. Chrissy Smith, Spo. Tommy Davis, Pto. Casey Chapman and Pto. Steven Gray took part in the extensive firearms training utilizing the multi-faceted simulator. Thanks Sheriff!
Last week, Pto. Steve Roukie left the Rolla Police Department after nearly 2 years of dedicated service to seek other opportunities. Steve is a fine officer and we wish him the best in his future endeavors. With Steve leaving, this does create a vacancy in our patrol division and we posted the job announcement this week. If you are a certified police officer, attending an accredited law enforcement academy or have successfully graduated from the same, you may be what we are looking for. Our officers must be community policing oriented and fit in with our Rolla Police Department family. We offer a competitive salary, family health and dental plans, life insurance, ten (10) paid holidays and one (1) personal holiday, two (2) weeks vacation and twelve (12) sick days a year. We also provide all equipment, uniforms, and the opportunity to qualify for a take home patrol car. If you would like to apply for this position you may do so by stopping by the Police Department and picking up an application or you may apply online at www.rollacity.org.
This past week we also lost a member of our Animal Control Division with the resignation of shelter associate Janet Ray. Janet has served with the Animal Control Division for a little over 1 ½ years and is leaving to seek other opportunities. We also wish Janet great success in her endeavors and will miss her as she was a great employee. The shelter associate position is a part-time position totaling approximately 22 hours per week. The position offers a competitive salary, a flexible schedule and provides an opportunity to work closely with animals housed in the shelter. The position would be perfect for someone with some extra time on their hands and who enjoys being around dogs, cats, ferret’s, and just about any type of animal that needs a good home. To apply, stop by the Rolla Police Department or apply online at www.rollacity.org. This position should be announced early next week.
Have a great week!
Chief Mark Kearse
No comments:
Post a Comment