Monday, December 3, 2012

Victim Notification Services Available for Victims and Survivors of Drunk and Drugged Driving Crashes - News Release

NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
● 7500 Maple Avenue ● Takoma Park, Md 20912

For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

December 3, 2012 (1:02 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2012 has been designated National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Behind every drunk driving statistic is a person whose life was full of family and friends, love and life, joy and laughter. The holidays are particularly hard for those who have endured the devastating effect of an impaired driving crash.
In 1986, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) started the "TIE ONE ON for SAFETY" campaign. It is MADD’s longest running and most visible public awareness project. During the holiday season, drivers are encouraged to display a red ribbon in a visible location on their vehicles. Red ribbons and red ribbon window decals are available through local MADD affiliates and chapters. The red ribbons represent the driver’s commitment to drive safe, sober and buckled up. Concerned citizens can show their support and "TIE ONE ON for SAFETY" this holiday season.
After an impaired driving crash, information is critical to victims. To find out more, you can contact the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP), Maryland State Board of Victim Services, 300 E. Joppa Road, Suite 1105, Baltimore, Maryland 21286 or call 866.634.8463 or 866.847.1298 (TTY). Their Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) Administrator in Maryland is Anne Marie Litecky and can be contacted at Annemarie@goccp-state-md.org
. GOCCP allows victims and survivors of impaired driving crashes to actively participate in the criminal justice system by registering to be notified of the status of their offender. Survivors often say that "information is power." One survivor described how automated victim information and notification programs can have a positive and profound impact on victims: "With accurate, updated information comes empowerment. When victims have the ability to access court and offender information on their own time, it affords them the chance to regain a bit of the control that was lost and lessens the sense of helplessness."
The challenge we as a Nation face as a result of impaired driving were described by President Barack Obama in his 2011 proclamation:
"Although we have made progress in the fight to reduce drunk driving, our Nation continues to suffer an unacceptable loss of life from traffic accidents that involve drugs, alcohol and distracted driving. To bring an end to these heartbreaking outcomes, we must take action by promoting rigorous enforcement measures and effective substance abuse prevention programs. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to preventing tragedy before it strikes by ensuring our family members and friends stay safe, sober and drug-free on the road."
For additional information about how to register for SAVIN services in Maryland, please contact the GOCCP (information is above). You can also visit the MADD website at
www.madd.org, which features a myriad of resources and information for victims and survivors, victim advocates, justice professionals and community members to combat impaired driving, and provide support and services to its victims.Please drive safe, sober and remember to buckle up!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Anti-Semitic Flyers - Community Advisory

On December 2, 2012, the Takoma Park Police Department received a call for anti-Semitic flyers that had been found by a citizen and collected from driveways in the 7400 block of Flower Avenue. Officers canvassed the area, but did not find any other flyers.

Anti-Semitism is a form of hatred, mistrust and contempt for Jewish people based on stereotypes and myths and often invokes the belief that Jewish people have extraordinary influence with which they conspire to harm or control society.

We will continue to monitor this situation and will keep the community updated as we learn more information. Any resident with more information is asked to contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100.

You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.



* Text to 847411



* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.



* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.



* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous.



You can also now send a tip using the Takoma Park Police Department's Facebook page. In the left hand column you will find a link to "submit a tip." Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!



If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park Police, please call 301-270-1100. If you need to report an emergency that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call 9-1-1.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

CORRECTION Piney Branch Pool will be Closed Sunday and Monday - Community Advisory

CORRECTED as to dates the pool is closed. Thank you.

The Piney Branch Pool will be closed Sunday and Monday, December 2 and 3. The pump broke and must be replaced. It is anticipated that it will be replaced some time on Monday. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Shot Heard Fired in the Area of Central Avenue/New Hampshire Avenue - Community Advisory

On November 30, 2012, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Takoma Park Police received a call for what sounded like a gun shot in the area of Central Avenue/New Hampshire Avenue. Officers responded and canvassed the area with negative results. No shell casings or any evidence of gunshots were found.

Investigation continues. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.



* Text to 847411



* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.



* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.



* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous.



You can also now send a tip using the Takoma Park Police Department's Facebook page. In the left hand column you will find a link to "submit a tip." Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!



If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park Police, please call 301-270-1100. If you need to report an emergency that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call 9-1-1.

Piney Branch Pool will be Closed Monday and Tuesday - Community Advisory

The Piney Branch Pool will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 3 and 4. The pump broke and must be replaced. It is anticipated that it will be replaced some time on Monday. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Theft from Auto - Community Advisory

On November 30, 2012, at approximately 11:25 a.m., officers responded for a theft from auto that occurred earlier between 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue (Jiffy Lube). The victim took his vehicle to have serviced and shortly after discovered property missing.

Investigation continues under case #12058797. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.

You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.



* Text to 847411



* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.



* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.



* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous.



You can also now send a tip using the Takoma Park Police Department's Facebook page. In the left hand column you will find a link to "submit a tip." Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!



If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park Police, please call 301-270-1100. If you need to report an emergency that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call 9-1-1.

Cancel Critically Missing Juvenile - News Release

NEWS RELEASE

City of Takoma Park Police Department

● 7500 Maple Avenue ● Takoma Park, Md 20912

For more information contact:

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

December 1, 2012 (8:00 a.m.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Missing juvenile, Queben Edgardo Valladares, has been located. He is safe and in good health.