You called, we listened! Many of you have commented about the increased presence of Colchester police officers on our streets over the past several weeks. Sgt. Shane Hassett, Colchester’s Resident Trooper, put a very aggressive patrolling operation into place as a result of the numerous citizen calls, emails, and letters regarding speeders on many of Colchester’s streets. While it is impossible for our officers to cover each street each day, every effort is being made to patrol throughout the Town and, from what I’ve heard, our officers are
doing great work.
I was going to write about “grants in progress” this week, but thought it might be much more useful to bring a new state law to your attention – especially for those of you who have teenage drivers. While chatting with Colchester Officer Cyril Green this evening about the police department’s stepped up efforts to slow down drivers in town, he let me know about the state laws that went into effect August 1, 2008 for 16 and 17 year old drivers. Highlights of the law:
· The new law sets a driving curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. for 16 or 17 year olds who receive their license after August 1, 2008. For those who received their license prior to August 1, 2008, the curfew is 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The law also calls for strict enforcement of these curfews. Violation of the curfew will result in immediate seizure of the 16-17 year old driver’s license and a 48-hour suspension. Parent or guardian and teen must retrieve the license at the Troop. Additionally, the vehicle which the teen is driving during the curfew hours will be towed.
· Learner’s permit holders, regardless of when they received their permit, may not transport any passenger in addition to the person providing instruction, except their parent or legal guardian. The law also significantly increases the cost of infraction tickets for drivers in this age group. For example, a ticket for not wearing a seat belt is $37; for 16-17 year old drivers, the cost is $158.
Along with the above information to keep all safe, our police department reminds you to lock your vehicles and homes, arm your alarm system if you have one, and, if you’re home during the day, keep a watchful eye on your neighbor’s houses. As in all towns, burglaries happen in Colchester too – we don’t want it to happen to you.
Speaking of the police department, did you know ….
· Colchester has eleven Colchester police officers and two resident troopers.
· Of the eleven officers, one has been with the Colchester police department for eighteen years. Our two newest officers are in the police academy – Eric Watson will be joining us by the end of this week and Adam Regnere graduates in November. The remaining officers range from one to ten years with the department.
And last but not least, check out the newest addition to Colchester’s police vehicle fleet – the black and white is here, fully functional, and easy to see!
Have a safe week.
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