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| CICERO POLICE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS |
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Teenagers Using Prescription Drugs
This article appeared in the Star-News newspaper in April, 2009 in the CHIEF's CORNER section:
Recently we have all heard about the dangers of prescription drugs and the affect on our children. Last week a 27 year old man was found deceased in his bedroom following a night of illegal drug use of prescription drugs. According to the medical examiner five different drugs were found in his system. It was later found that some of the drugs were supplied by friends who partied with him the night before. This individual has a college education, a professional job, and owned his own home in a suburban development. Unfortunately, it was my job to notify his mother that her son had passed away. This is a job I have reluctantly done many times in the past. You can only imagine his mother’s grief when she was told her 27 year-old son had died.
In an unrelated incident, within the next 48 hours, we arrested an individual for illegally attempting to acquire prescription drugs with a stolen forged physician’s prescription. In his possession were several more stolen blank prescriptions. It is believed that he has been doing this throughout central New York. He was accompanied by three other individuals. All of these individuals were in their 20’s.
These two examples are only a tip of the iceberg. Law enforcement agencies are dealing with this problem throughout the United States. Our teenagers are becoming victimized by illegal prescription drugs. They are being sold and distributed by teens to teens. This type of behavior is extremely dangerous and can not only cause death, but permanent damage. These drugs can be addicting and lead to other hard core drugs such as crack and heroin. Over the past year the Cicero Police Department has responded to several ambulance calls where our young people have overdosed on narcotic and prescription drugs.
As a father, grandfather and law enforcement officer I am extremely worried about the future of our children. As parents we must be constantly vigilant to our child’s behavior and where they are at all times. In my 37 years of service i have witnessed many tragic incidents involving our children. This threat to our children is real and exists in every fabric of our community. The problem is growing exponentially, and the only way we can combat this problem is through public education and reporting of such incidents when they occur. It is my hope that together, we will find a way to successfully combat this crisis. I believe that together we will be able to save the lives of many our young people. If you should know of anyone who may be abusing or distributing any illegal drug please call us and lets us know. You can also reach us through e-policing at epolicing@ciceropd.us.
New License Plate Reader
The department received news from NYS that we will be receiving a License Plate Reader (LPR) for one of our patrol vehicles. The LPR will assist the department in reducing violations for suspended drivers licenses and suspended registrations. The LPR's are also very useful in identifying possible suspect vehicles used in crime. When a crime is in progress or one that has just occurred is reported we will be able to send the LPR unit to the area and possibly track a suspect vehicle.
NYS STEP Grant
The Cicero Police Department received $6,500 for 2009 to
conduct traffic enforcement details. The details will focus on aggressive driving habits such as, speeding, following too close, improper turns and failure to obey traffic control devices. In 2008 the department issued over
2500 traffic summons. In an effort to reduce traffic accidents the department will again this year act aggressively by enforcing traffic laws.
ATV and Motorized Scooter Reminder
Chief Joseph Snell wants to remind all residents that operating ATV's on public streets, sidewalks, parks, other public lands without the expressed permission of the land owner is illegal. ATV's can only be operated on Official NYS ATV Trails or private property. Operating them along the power lines in Cicero is illegal. Operators will be ticketed and the vehicle will be towed at the owners expense. Motorized Scooters are considered motor vehicles in New York State. They cannot be operated on the streets or sidewalks. Lets have a safe and pleasant summer.
Additional traffic enforcement
The Police Department has received a grant from New York State to provide additional traffic enforcement on Rt.31 between Rt.11 and South Bay Rd. Patrols will be looking for aggressive driving violations, such as speeding, illegal turns, and following to closely.
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