Did You Know...

06-13-05 Congratulations to all graduates! Whether you are graduating High School, Community College, from the University, or wherever, You have accomplished something that took commitment and dedication! Remember to apply what you have learned to every aspect of your life and you will attain great heights and meet many goals. I want to touch on a couple of issues this week. In recent articles I discussed bicycle safety and the city ordinance prohibiting bicycles, skateboards, etc. on Bridge St. sidewalks. Officers have been trying to contact anyone caught riding on the sidewalk to remind them and have them ride elsewhere. The reason for this ordinance came to light a couple weeks ago when a juvenile collided with a girl coming out of a store. There were no major injuries but it could have been very serious. On a positive note, Detective Walters stopped another juvenile male for riding on the sidewalk with no helmet. The juvenile could not afford a helmet and was given one at no charge. The next day he had a fairly serious bike crash where he hit his head on a curb. The helmet prevented a head injury. Helmets can be purchased at the VPD for $5 to $7 or the price can be reduced or free if you have a financial need. The other issue I want to touch on are the drugs in Vernonia. Those of you who have seen our presentations on Meth and Marijuana know how devastating drugs can be to a community and individuals. Vernonia has drug issues and is no different then any other community in Oregon. The difference is that we, as a community and police department, refuse to let drugs destroy our city and our youth as other towns. Though you may not readily see drugs or drug use, you undoubtedly see the effects. Theft, burglary, car crashes, child abuse, child neglect, assaults, vandalism, identity theft, decreased property values, higher insurance rates, are some of the by-products of drug use. Since I started in May 2004 the VPD has had eleven (11) Possession arrests and three (3) Delivery arrests. These numbers may seem low but they don't reflect all of the incidents and arrests that were the result of drugs, but not a specific drug crime. The reality is that Vernonia has drug issues but working together we can address them and get help for those who need it and save countless lives and dollars along the way.