The C-PACT Blotter

Chief Robshaw would like to remind all residents that the Cheverly Police Department takes soliciting violations in the Town very seriously.

It is not the Department's intent to interfere with a resident's right to seek cost estimates or to make queries into contract work or other home improvements, nor is it a violation for one resident to refer potential customers (with their knowledge) to a reliable contractor.

It is, however, a violation for any salesperson, contractor, or other vendor to go door-to-door uninvited seeking to sell merchandise or influence a resident to purchase a service without a Town-issued permit. Violators should be promptly reported.

As an aside, persistent solicitors typically may be hard to dislodge from your residence. In these cases, clearly warn the solicitor to leave or you will request charges against him or her for trespassing. This warning, if not immediately heeded, gives the police probable cause to arrest the violator or at least to pursue the matter further.

As always, provide the police call taker with as much information as possible. Resident radio users may speak with a patrol officer directly. Any questions should be directed to the Chief at (301) 341-1055.

After hiring three officers last spring, The Cheverly Police Department is proud to announce the addition of two new certified police officers to the force. The first, Officer Catrina Davis (Badge #1681), is new to the CPD but comes to us with three years of experience on the Seat Pleasant Police Department. The second, Officer Earl Stone, Jr. (Badge #1679), is a recent graduate of the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy and a true "rookie." The son of CPD investigator Detective Earl Stone, he has wasted no time in running down bad guys with his FTO. Officers Davis and Stone, Jr. are currently assigned to the Task Force as part of their Field Training requirement.

C-PACT welcomes these new officers. We're glad to have you on board!

Lots of big news came out of this month's C-PACT meeting. The problem with getting that info to you, dear reader(s), is that life here at Blotter HQ is about three weeks behind the curve...often four.

Item one is a tidy $22,400 grant from the Department of Justice, which will be used for four important equipment expenditures.

First it will allow the CPD to put a computer in each patrol car. The machines will allow officers to run warrant and vehicle checks immediately, without going through a dispatcher. Needless to say this will greatly enhance their efficiency and safety.

The money will also allow the department to issue a Taser to each officer. These "less-lethal" weapons allow police to take belligerent suspects into custody more easily. Using the Taser presents far less risk to both the officer and the offender than deploying close-range impact weapons like the ASP baton. The Tasers already in use have reduced "excessive force" complaints against the CPD by 98%. In many cases, the subject has recognized the weapon and complied on the spot, unwilling to "ride the lightning." Ah, deterrence!

CPD will also use the grant to purchase six new shotguns and six AR-platform patrol carbines. The latter will be the M&P15 by Smith & Wesson. It is a sad nationwide reality that in many cases criminals have had more firepower than responding law enforcement; these 5.56mm/.223 caliber rifles will insure that CPD can protect themselves and the public when responding to an "active shooter" call or facing felons armed with long guns in some other circumstance. There will be strict protocols as to when the weapons may be deployed, but this is definitely a case of "it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it."

Last, the federal monies will fund the purchase of a digital camera for each officer. This will simplify and streamline the gathering of photographic evidence.

Congratulations and many thanks to Chief Robshaw for procuring these funds. If we had a "thumbs up" smiley, we'd put it right about <here>.

Last week Cheverly officers assisted their MPD colleagues by apprehending a rape suspect. A DC officer spotted the rape in progress in a District alley. He chased the suspect into a nearby Metro station, where the perp jumped through the closing doors of a departing Orange line train. The suspect's movements were tracked, and he was arrested at the Cheverly metro stop by CPD Officers Bernard Jones and Earl Stone Jr., after a foot pursuit along the tracks. The suspect was then turned over to Metro Transit until MPD got a warrant for his arrest. How's that for some dandy inter-jurisdictional cooperation?!

Great job to all involved!

Tuesday, April 7

7:oopm

CPD Conference Room

Look forward to seeing you!