Did You Know...

12-15-05 The Vernonia Police Department would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! In soliciting topics for my article I was asked to talk about children causing damage to property with their bicycles. In particular, riding across or on someone's property damaging grass, landscaping, or other items. A citizen told me they repeatedly asked the children not to ride on the property where there was newly planted grass. They did and damage was done. This is actually the crime of Criminal Mischief and possibly even Trespassing, but more over, this is a lack of respect for another's property and their wishes. This citizen chose not to file a report but was disappointed in the lack of respect for the kids and parents. I think we all need to respect our neighbor and their property. Accidents and damage can happen but it is another matter when damage is done purposely out of disrepsect. The new year brings with a number of new laws. Here are a few highlights of some of the new laws. For a more exhaustive list check the VPD website: -SB 78 requires all drivers to submit accident reports to Dept. of Transportation not law enforcement. -HB 2361 allows for permanent license suspension for felony DUII convictions and other convictions. -SB 76 allows parent or guardian of person under 18 to request cancellation of driving privelege. -SB 568 increases fines and suspension for persons who exceed speed limit by more then 30mph or persons convicted of driving 100mph or greater. -SB 1067 expands Telephonic Harassment to include email and text messaging. There are also other new laws pertaining to Driving Priveleges, Insurance, Vehicle Equipment, No Contact Orders, Sentencing, Firearms, Assaulting a Child, Explosives, Dogfighting, and a number of laws regarding Methamphetamine. All of the laws will go into effect on January 1, 2006 unless otherwise noted. Check the VPD website for more details.