Scituate Police Newsletter - Scituate Police Department

Scituate Police Newsletter
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The purpose of the Scituate Police newsletter is to provide residents and visitors with summer
safety information, enforcement and environmental regulations, as well as a glimpse into the Scituate
Police Department. The summer months are undoubtedly the busiest time of the year for the
Scituate Police Department. The town population swells from roughly 18,000 residents to 30,000
residents and guests. While summer is the short period of time we enjoy getting outside and
forgetting about the past long winter, it is also a season filled with potential dangers. From
increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic, to increased motor vehicle and motorcycle traffic, to
boating and beach activities, the summer should be filled with great memories shared with family
and friends. The Scituate Police Department wants your summer to be both fun and safe.
I hope you find the newsletter informative and helpful. Please take the time to stop, introduce
yourself and talk with an Officer this summer. The Scituate Police Department proudly represents
the town of Scituate in the finest of Law Enforcement Traditions.
Sincerely,
Chief W. Michael Stewart
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE:
Public Safety
Building
2
Animal
Control
4
Pedestrian
Safety
6
July 4th
2014
7
Coastline
Rules
8
Boat
Safety
9
Contact
Information
10
Public Safety Building
The Scituate Police Department is proud to reveal designs for a proposed new 27,000 square
foot public safety building. This new building represents the future of public safety in Scituate.
The building will replace the almost 60 year old Police and Fire stations located next to town
hall.
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Public Safety Building
The site was carefully chosen
for its access to Route 3A, its
ability to deliver fast response
times for Police and Fire/EMS
to North Scituate, Minot and
the West End. The site is a six
acre parcel on the northeast
corner of Mann Lott Rd and
Route 3A, and faces Route
3A.The existing Police station is
an 11,000 square foot facility
built in the mid 1950’s to also
serve as a Fallout Shelter in the
event of a Nuclear War. While
the building was built to never
fall down it is that same
construction which poses huge
problems with retrofitting for
technological upgrades,
handicap accessibility, jail cell
compliance regulations and
remodeling. The Department
operates and utilizes around
8000 to 9000 square feet of
functional space in the current
building. The building lacks private consult space for walk in
complaints, public use facilities,
office space for the multiple
disciplined specialist which
make up todays police forces,
as well as safety and security
protections for our Officers
and civilian employees. The
station also lacks clean room
capabilities necessary for
today’s records data systems
and E911 systems. Hallways are
filled with copy machines,
shredders, fax machines and file
cabinets which either don’t fit
into offices or need to remain
assessable to all employees. The
new proposed Public Safety
Building will be constructed
with future technology and
department needs in mind. The
building is being designed to
accommodate the Police and
Fire needs for several decades.
The building will allow for
combined Police/ Fire Dispatch,
a public use training room
which will convert to an
Emergency Operations Center
to manage the town’s storms
and ever worsening dangerous
coastal flooding concerns, as
well as all other major incidents
or events. The second floor of
the new building will house the
Police and Fire Department’s
Administrative Offices. The
building will incorporate all
energy conservation and
environmentally friendly options
into a thoughtful design layout
which features current “best
practices” in safety and security.
The “Sally Port”, booking room,
male and female cell blocks, as
well as the Juvenile detention
rooms will meet all the current
and future State Department of
Public Health criteria which our
current conditions cannot. The
Jail area also facilitates the
release and medical transport
of prisoners from the building
through rear and side exits
rather than the front door
lobby area, unlike our current
conditions. The patrol areas
feature a squad room for roll
calls and briefings, a four station
report room to facilitate the
current day records
management report
requirements, a six station
Sergeants room, a break room
with small kitchen facilities to
accommodate needs during
Emergency Management
Incidents as well as routine shift
assignments. The new evidence
processing and storage room
will bring the Department into
compliance with Certification
and Accreditation
requirements, which cannot be
met currently. The locker room
will accommodate all of our
current and future employees.
A small gym on the
second floor will be used and
maintained by both Police and
Fire personnel as shared space.
A records clerk will operate
out of an Office with a window
in the lobby to facilitate records
request. Also off the lobby will
be the Firearms licensing Office
and a private soft interview
room to allow for confidential,
private consults with Officers
during walk in complaints.
Present conditions do not allow
for private consults without
being exposed to
Administrative offices, roll call
activities, even jail cell noise.
The dispatch area will consist of
two full time E911 stations
operated 24-7 by Police and
Fire dispatchers. The area will
also have two additional
stations to be manned during
storm emergencies and other
events. Combined dispatch
coupled with the Emergency
Operations Center will provide
for coordinated public safety
operations, real time planning,
assessments and responses to
all town needs during major
SCITUATE
POLICE
events. The Emergency
Operations Center will be
manned by Police, Fire, DPW,
representatives from Town
Government, Shelter
operation volunteers, MEMA
and FEMA representatives, as
well as Public Utilities such as
National Grid and Columbia
Gas, when needed. This space
will act as a Police and Fire
training room which can
accommodate 60 seats, but will
also be available as meeting
space for Town Government,
Scituate Recreation, and any
local sport group or private
group, that needs meeting space
by appointment. The Fire side
of the house will consist of
three apparatus bays similar to,
only larger than, the current
Station three. The station will
house Scituate Engine three,
with room for a future
ambulance to satisfy EMS needs
the town may have. Reducing
response times to Minot and
the West End of Scituate has
been a long awaited and much
needed public safety priority
since the closing of Minot’s
Station two almost twenty
years ago. Having a piece of Fire
apparatus two minutes closer
to these areas will have a
positive impact on public safety.
The fire station will have a
triage room for walk in medical
emergencies, four bunks to
accommodate manning during
major events, kitchen and day
room.
Please see scituatepolice.org
for more information.
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Public Safety Building
“The Scituate Police and Fire Departments would like to thank the volunteers who make up the
Scituate Public Buildings Commission, the Public Facilities Master Planning Committee, Dore and
Whittier Engineering Firm, and Daedalus for the countless hours of work that went into the site
location, schematic design and estimating phases of this project. ”
Larger versions available at
www.scituatepolice.org
SCITUATE
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NEWSLETTER
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Seals on the Beach
Every summer and sometimes at other times
of the year, seals and seal pups come up on
shore. Young seal pups tend to pick strange
places to rest! The very best thing you can do
for that seal is to keep your distance and call
the number below.
New England Aquarium Stranding Hotline
617-973-5247
“Dogs die every
Summer, in
Minutes your
Car temps are
Deadly!”
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NEWSLETTER
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Scituate Animal Control
Summer 2014
Important Information for Pet Owners
All dogs in the town of Scituate are required to be licensed through the Town Clerks office.
All dogs are to be leashed at all times when off the owners property.
Please be sure your pets have ID TAGS! Or write your contact info on their collar!!!
Dogs are not allowed on any public beach within the town of Scituate from June 15th to September
15th from 10am-6pm or on ANY athletic playing field maintained by the town at ANY TIME.
PLEASE pick up after your dog. IT’S THE LAW!
Please educate your children on the importance of not approaching unfamiliar dogs/cats and to always
ask permission before interacting with someone’s pet.
When making the decision to bring a new pet into your family, please be informed. Always be sure all
members of the family have met the animal and are in agreement with adding a new pet to your family.
Work with adoption counselors and ask to see a temperament test to ensure the right fit!
During the summer months leave your dog at home! The heat, whether it’s inside a car or out in the
direct sun, can prove deadly for a dog.
“Please pick
Up after your
Remember lots of fresh, clean water for all your pets.
dog. It’s the
Please spay and neuter your pet. If you are having financial difficulty call 781.545.8709 and ask about
Law!”
Loretta’s Fund.
This office recommends all cats remain INDOORS. An indoor cat leads a happier, healthier, longer life!
All your pets MUST be inoculated for rabies! This is especially important here in Scituate where rabies
has been confirmed for many years. Rabies is deadly. This simple step could save lives!
If you see an animal you believe is being treated poorly or are experiencing a problem, please call
Animal Control @ 781.545.8709 or email: [email protected]
The Animal Control office is not staffed 24 hours a day. Your call is important; please have patience
when waiting for a return call.
Thank you!
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PedestrianSummer
Safety
2014
TRAFFIC SAFTETY
The Rebecca and Lighthouse
It only takes a moment to change a life forever
After a long, cold winter, the warm weather is now finally upon us. It’s great to see residents and visitors
outside enjoying all that Scituate has to offer – shopping, dining, running, riding and taking part in a variety of
maritime activities. Suddenly our beaches, commercial areas and roadways are bustling with folks looking to
relax and take advantage of our beautiful community.
With this influx of activity however, we must all make a more concerted effort to share the roadway with
others - regardless of your mode of transportation. We must all be patient and attentive.
To help promote and improve pedestrian safety throughout our community, The Scituate Police Department
was recently awarded a grant through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. In conjunction with
this grant, the Scituate Police Department will be employing a number of enforcement and education
strategies including: traditional and social media awareness campaigns, collaborative efforts with area
merchants, targeted crosswalk and distracted driving enforcement, repainting crosswalks and installing
breakaway pedestrian crossing signs along Front Street.
roads water main
replacement project has
begun, and will continue until
June 29, 2014. This project
may cause road closures and
delays.
The Ann Vinal Road project
is projected to begin on June
30, 2014 and continue until
August 10, 2014. This
Tips for Drivers:
project may cause delays to
Stay Focused! Don’t be distracted by texting and calling.
You can encounter pedestrians/cyclists anytime and anywhere – even in places where they are not
supposed to be found.
Pedestrians can be very hard to see – especially in bad weather or at night. Be on the lookout and
traffic.
The Hatherly Road project is
slow down if you can’t see clearly.
Do not overtake or pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
projected to begin on August
When driving, be especially alert and lookout for bikers, walkers or runners who may be
11, 2014 and continue until
distracted or step into the street unexpectedly.
November 30, 2014. This
project will cause delays in
Tips for Pedestrians:
Stay focused! Don’t be distracted by texting and calling.
the area north of the Turner
Be wary. Most drivers are nice people, but don’t count on them to be paying attention. Watch
road intersection.
out! Make eye contact to be sure they see you.
Cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
Be careful at intersections where driver may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while
turning onto another street.
Don’t assume a driver will stop. Wait until the vehicle stops and make eye contact with the
driver before stepping into the roadway.
It’s safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic.
Persons traveling in
these areas are advised
to seek alternate routes.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
TO FOLLOW TRAFFIC
SIGNS, THE
DIRECTION OF THE
POLICE DETAIL AND
SLOW YOUR VEHICLES
SPEED.
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Fourth of July Holiday Observance
Summer 2014
ALL LAWS PERTAINING TO FIREWORKS, BONFIRES AND PUBLIC CONDUCT WILL
BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
1. Bonfires will not be permitted and no permits will be granted July 2nd—6th to civic, fraternal, veterans,
business or community organizations (MGL Chapter 111, Section 142-H, I ).
2. Campfire/cooking fires are permissible but must comply with the following regulations
(MGL Chapter 48, Section 13):
> 3’ in diameter, (wood)
> 16” in height, surrounded by beach stone
> No closer than 75’ to the nearest combustible (marsh grass, deck, fence, dwelling, etc).
> Campfire/cooking fires should be limited to no closer than the high tide line of the beach. The
SFD will ask that any responsible party extinguish cooking fires beyond the high tideline or wait
until the tide recedes before starting a camping/cooking.
3. All fires are to be safely extinguished by the responsible party. Any fire must be under the control of a
party 18 years of age or older.
4. No liquid accelerants can be used to start cooking/campfires. Kindling or a Sterno type log may be used
to start the fire.
5. Storage of wood for any cooking /campfires will be limited to 3’ diameter by 3’ high, stacked outside the
foundation of your home. No pallets allowed.
6. Permission can be denied or revoked by Scituate Fire or Police Department for any violation of
Massachusetts General Law, safety concerns, weather or for prior violations of any cooking or permit fire.
7. All regulations, statues, and bylaws will be enforced by the Scituate Police and Fire
Departments, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, members of the State Police Bomb Squad, and Fire
and Explosion Investigation unit of the State Fire Marshal.
OUR GOAL IS FOR ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO HAVE A SAFE AND
FUN HOLIDAY. IF YOU NOTICE ANY HAZARDS OR VIOLATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT
THE SCITUATE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT (781) 545-8748.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE!
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148 Section 39
It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts, or to purchase
them legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state. The law prohibits any article
designed to produce a visible or audible effect. The possession and use of all fireworks by private
citizens is illegal in Massachusetts. This includes Class C fireworks which are sometimes falsely
called “safe and sane” such as sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners and cherry
bombs, to name a few. Sparklers burn at 1800ºF. In the past decade (2001-2010) there have been
774 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts.
Fines $100—$1,000 Imprisonment up to 1 Year
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NEWSLETTER
We have all witnessed
how quickly fires can
spread on the waterfront
where housing is thickly
settled and densely
populated. Large crowds
and traffic congestion on
the 3rd and 4th of July
create serious public
safety risks.
Because of these risks,
the construction and
ignition of bonfires will
not be permitted July
2nd through 6th 2014.
Please be advised that
any bonfire materials
stored on private
property or on the
beach in violation of fire
prevention regulations
will be removed at the
owner’s expense.
Any illegal fire will be
extinguished by the fire
department and the
property owner held
responsible for costs.
We ask for the
cooperation of all
residents and their
guests to adhere to this
fire safety provision.
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Scituate Coastline Rules
Summer 2014
Beach areas open from sunrise to sunset
NO DOGS June 15th to September 15th from 10am - 6pm
NO overnight camping, or open fires
“Violators are
punishable by
fines or
NO alcohol
arrest.”
DO NOT disturb wildlife or enter designated habitats
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BoatSummer
Safety
2014
Scituate contains approximately 21 square miles of waterways,
including five beaches; Minot, Sand Hills, Egypt, Peggotty and
Humarock. Four rivers; the North and South Rivers, Herring River,
Gulph River, and a large sheltered harbor.
The Scituate Harbormaster’s Office is staffed year round by three
individuals. During the recreational boating season
(May 15th – October 15th) the staff is augmented by an additional 11
Assistant Harbormasters. The Harbormaster and his Assistant
Harbormasters are responsible for insuring water safety, maritime law
enforcement and the assignment of moorings and slips administered by
the Town of Scituate.
Scituate Harbormaster
781-545-2130
“Wear It!
A life jacket
only works if
it’s worn.”
SCITUATE
POLICE
NEWSLETTER
Scituate Police Department
604 Chief Justice Cushing Highway
Scituate, MA 02066
Phone: 781-545-1212
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.scituatepolice.org
@ScituatePolice
Scituate Police Department
Friday, July 18, 2014 at 12:00 PM
Widows Walk Golf Course
Sign up to participate in the tournament online or give us a call.
If you would like you may join us for dinner only.
Sign up for the Barker Tavern charity dinner, held at 6pm after the
tournament.
Visit us online for more information, and a list of our charities.
WWW.SCITUATEPOLICE.ORG