Monthly Archives 2001
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Monthly Archives 2001
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January 2001Driving Safely in Wyoming's WintersThe winters in Wyoming are unpredictable. Storms come in fast and temperatures can drop as much as 50 degrees within a few hours.For the winter of 2000-2001, they are predicting high snow falls and record lows. With Wyoming being the least populated state in the nation, it can be a long ways or a long wait for help if you end up stranded on one of Wyoming's highways in the winter time. The very nature of Wyoming quite often makes it necessary to venture out into a winter storm, and drive the icy and snow blown roads. If you are one of those who need to leave the warmth of your home to go out into the storm, please consider the following suggestions. Make sure you keep your vehicle serviced and tuned. Check the battery to insure it is fully charged and make sure your coolant is clean and rated for suspected temperatures. That could be 30-40 below in Wyoming. Have adequate tires and good brakes. Finally, keep a full tank of gas. The best advice on winter travel is no unnecessary travel. Don't put yourself in harms way if you don't have to. But if you have to travel, before you venture out, have a plan. Know where you are going and your route to get there. Have some alternatives if you need to detour. Let others know your plan and check in with them on a regular basis. If you don't arrive as planned, they will know where to begin looking for you. If you are stranded, stay with the vehicle. The vehicle is easier to see than you would be if attempting to walk. Walking in a winter storm could leave you disoriented, hypothermic and frostbit, death could be upon you quickly. Keep the radiator and engine area free of snow. Keep the windows cracked if the engine is running, and do not run it continuously. If stranded, a good emergency pack in your vehicle could be a lifesaver. Items to include in such a pack would be: Winters in Wyoming can be severe, but can also be very enjoyable. Skiing, snow shoeing, winter photography and snow machining are just a few of the winter activities we enjoy. But please be prepared before you go out on you venture, and insure it will be a pleasant one. I wish you all, a safe and enjoyable winter season. Sergeant Steven Penwell February 2001Know Your Money Every year the public is victimized by the counterfeiting of United States currency. Those who fail to "carefully" examine the money they receive without requesting proper identification are potential victims. Only with the public's cooperation, can the Cody Police Department and the United States Secret Service reduce and prevent these types of crimes. Here are some tips on "How to Detect Counterfeit Money". Look at the money you receive. Compare a suspect note with a genuine note of the same denomination and series, paying attention to the quality of printing and paper characteristics. Look for differences, not similarities. Examine the Portrait: The genuine portrait appears lifelike and stands out distinctly from the background. The counterfeit portrait is usually lifeless and flat. Details merge into the background, which is often too dark or mottled. Examine the Federal Reserve and Treasury Seals: On a genuine bill, the saw-tooth points of the Federal Reserve and Treasury Seals are clear, distinct and sharp. The counterfeit seals may have uneven, blunt or broken saw-toothed points. Examine the Border: The fine lines in the border of a genuine note are clear and unbroken. On the counterfeit, the lines in the outer margin and scrollwork may be blurred and indistinct. Examine the Serial Numbers: Genuine serial numbers have a distinctive style and are evenly spaced. The serial numbers are printed in the same ink color s the Treasury Seal. On a counterfeit, the serial numbers may differ in color or shade of ink from the Treasury Seal. The numbers may not be uniformly spaced or aligned. Examine the Paper: Genuine currency paper has tiny red and blue fibers embedded throughout. Often counterfeiters try to simulate these fibers by printing tiny red and blue lines on their paper. Close inspection reveals however, that on the counterfeit note the lines are printed on the surface, not embedded in the paper. It is illegal to reproduce the distinctive paper used in the manufacturing of United States currency. If you suspect a note is counterfeit: Detective Mark Longo
March 2001Nothing to HideBy The Rev. Warren Murphy, ChaplainThe Police are out to prevent crime. Often times a defendant will plead "Mental Illness" in the commission of a crime. They say they were simply out of control and unable to do the right thing. This raises the question of what is the difference between crime and mental illness? Under our legal system, suffering a mental illness can not absolve someone of committing a crime. It can be a factor in determining punishment. More importantly, law enforcement agencies are becoming more aware that people suffer fro mental illness and that these illnesses can better be addressed by treatment rather than punishment. In today's world, drug and alcohol addictions can be treated. There are many people living in this community who are in the process of recovery. Many others with mental illness go untreated because of the negative connotations associated with this disease. They simply will not seek help. Cody needs to affirm those community organizations seeking to address positive mental health. During the month of March, the Park County Mental Health Center will be sponsoring an exhibit entitled, "Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness In the Family". This photo-text exhibit will address the stereotypes surrounding mental illness. It Will also address the stigma that leads to prejudice, misconception and discrimination. This exhibit will be displayed throughout Cody in places such as Cody High School, the Library and the new Recreation Center. Police officer spend a good deal of time dealing with people suffering from mental illness. As with any problem, the best solutions are found when the whole community is involved. Check out "Nothing to Hide" this March.
April 2001Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Telephone ScamSpringtime in Cody means a lot of things we look forward to; warmer weather, and greening up of the landscape among other things. For the Police Department it also means something else: calls from citizens about potential telephone scams. For some reason, the springtime is when these telemarketers seem to concentrate on Wyoming. This time of year, the most common complaint we receive about telemarketing involve request for your donation for law enforcement causes. In the past, those claiming to represent a variety of law enforcement organizations, have called asking for money. Usually they claim to represent a state or local group of law enforcement officers, promising that your donation will benefit local police. There are several legitimate law enforcement organizations within the state that do use telephone solicitation as a means of fundraising. These are the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association, the Wyoming Peace Officer's Association and the Wyoming chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police. Other organizations using similar or catchy names may ask for a donation as well. While they may be legitimate organizations, there is a high likelihood that their only purpose is to sell you ad space in a magazine. Be cautious of organizations that claim to send money back to local police agencies. Over the years we have heard of organizations claiming that your donation would purchase bullet proof vests for officers, or be used to fight child abuse in Cody. This is simply not true. We do not seek donations from the public for these purposes. Whether or not you choose to contribute to these organizations is up to you. However, feel free to contact us here at the Police Department if you have questions about the legitimacy of an organization, or questions about their claims about how money is used. Here are some things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of a telephone scam: If in doubt, contact the Police Department for assistance. Don't become a victim! Chief Dan Kelsey May 2001Prevent Child AbuseTo prevent Child Abuse and the Exploitation of Children, we must work together, as a community, to provide a safe environment for our children. This month, I want to address ways that parents can help to keep our children safe. Parents, know where your children are and who they are with. If they are to be at a given location, follow up to make sure that the predefined plans were followed. Have a set time and a means for them to check in with you. Know the names of their friends, their addresses, phone numbers and parent's names. For younger children, have set rules about answering the phone and the door. If they are alone, or without immediate adult supervision, it is unwise to allow others the advantage of that information. The less others know about your daily activities, the safer all will be. Monitor internet usage. With the age of the internet, more and more predators are gaining access through online means. The predator is no longer bound by conventional ideas of space, but can and does come from all over the world. Have a relationship with your child. Work with them to be able to talk openly about all things. Teach them right from wrong, and encourage that there be no secrets between the two of you. Teach your children the basics of sex education, as a child's innocent curiosity and ignorance make them more susceptible to a predator. Encourage your children to trust and follow their instincts. They know when something is not right. Stress the importance of letting someone know when something happens that does not feel right to them. And remember, the vast majority of children are victimized by someone they know: friends, relatives or someone in authority. And remember, to a child, even someone who engages them in polite conversation for only a short time, can be someone who is no longer a stranger to them. Give your child responsibilities and let them grow. The more they know about the environment they live in, the safer they will be. Most of all, spend time with them, get to know them and let them know you care. Your relationship with your child is their best defense. For more information on Child Safety, or to arrange for a group presentation, please contact us at the Cody Police Department, or contact me at cpd@parkco.wtp.net. Sergeant Steven Penwell July 2001Summer is here, and with it warm weather. It's time to be out soaking up the rays. It's time to enjoy the many water sports our area has to offer, the parks, the hills and summer time bar-b-ques. But also with summer comes some concerns relating to the hot weather we all seem to enjoy. One of the most serious concerns we have, are the pets and young children who are left unattended in closed vehicles in this summer time weather. With our outside temperatures reaching the mid to high 90s, the inside temperatures of an enclosed vehicle can quickly reach 125 to 140 degrees or more. This can lead to unconsciousness and death within just a few minutes. Every year the News reports on this tragedy, where families have lost the life of a child, and the families continue to be torn apart by possible criminal charges for the neglect of that child. It is so easy to say " I will only be a minute ", only to become distracted. I would dare to say we all have had this experience. So please, do not leave your child unattended in a vehicle. Take them with you, even if you plan on being just a few minutes. For those who take their pets with them, leaving the windows cracked is not adequate cooling for the pet left inside. You will notice that professional canine handlers will leave their vehicles running with the air conditioner on. They will open the hood to allow for increased air flow to prevent overheating of the vehicle. Most have tinting on the windows to aid in decreasing the heat radiation into the vehicle and water is readily available. The best advice for most travelers is leave your pet at home, but if you must take them, follow the tips of the pros. We wish all a happy, enjoyable and safe summer. Please call or write with any questions or concerns that you may have. You can reach us at the Cody Law Enforcement Center, 1131 11th Street, phone us at (307) 527-8700 or E-mail us at cpd@parkco.wtp.net Sergeant Steven Penwell
August 2001Restorative JusticeThe traditional way with dealing with crime in the United States has followed a well defined path. When an offender commits a crime against society, they enter the Criminal Justice System, where they are processed through the court system. If found guilty, they are punished for their crime, usually by spending time within the criminal justice system. Some are put through counseling sessions in order to try and determine the cause for the actions committed. The focus is put on the offender and the crime they committed, and the punishment for that crime. What is not dealt with is the loss to the victim and the damage to society.Starting in the late 70s, and evolving more 20 years later, is a push in our country for an alternative form of justice, known as Restorative Justice. The focus of the restorative model is that the victim of a crime is the one who most needs the aid of the criminal justice system. So much time and expense is put into the prosecution of an offender, the victim is often put off to the side. Restitution can be ordered by the court, but there is no way to assure the restitution is taken care of, and it is infeasible that the loss the victim suffered will ever be sufficiently met, not financially and especially not emotionally. The other victim to a crime is society it's self. Having an offender in the community and not knowing if or when they will victimize some one else. The peace and well being of the community as a whole is lost. There are three elements to the idea of Restorative Justice: Repairing Harm, Reducing Risk and Building Community. First we need to repair the harm to the victim. They have suffered a loss both financially and personally. They have a right to confront their offender and let them know just what they have lost, and how it has affected them. They have a right to have a say in how their loss is compensated. The victim should be the first priority when dealing with a crime. Second, we need to reduce the risk to the community and help assure that the offender does not victimize anyone else. This involves more than spending time in prison, or undergoing insight oriented counseling, but involves the offender understanding how they have hurt the victim and the community and making them responsible for paying back the loss. It involves giving them the skills to support them selves in the community without resorting to crime. The more the offender can relate personally to the victim and the community, the less likely they are to victimize again. Third, we all need to work to build our community. The community itself has to take responsibility for the behavior of it's members, and not turn it over to the criminal justice system to take care of for them. Using the community members to assist the victim, and determine community service projects that can repay the victim for their losses, as well as build the community and make it a better place for us all to live, builds a pride in the community for all. It gives the offender the same pride of community and in turn reduces the risk of a repeat offence. The offender needs to be accountable for their actions, and that is not to be equated to punishment. They are not responsible to the criminal justice system, the are responsible to the victim and the community. For more information on Restorative Justice, search for writings by Dennis Maloney. Sergeant Steven Penwell September 2001School Incident ResponseOver the past several years, tragedies have struck numerous communities across the nation involving intruders who quickly attack and kill numbers of innocent people within our schools. Last year, the Cody Police Department in cooperation with the Cody Schools, started to put into place, and train for, a response to the Cody Schools for a critical incident. Our mission is to save lives. This may be reactive in as it comes following several school shootings in our country, but proactive in that we want a plan in place and training for our responders before a tragedy does happen in our schools. We can't say "it won't happen here". The planning has involved multiple agencies, which include school personnel, Fire, EMS, City employees and all local Law Enforcement. Also needed in the training and planning, to help assure a successful response, are you, our citizens and the parents of our children. I will first address the incident response it's self: Please know that the responding agencies are doing their best to assure the safety of our children and the community as a whole. They have been assigned duties, and need the cooperation of the community to fulfill those duties properly. If there is a school incident, please, as parents and friends, do not go to the school. Tune into your local radio and television stations, to get instructions as to where to go and who to contact, to find the status of those involved. The schools have extensive records and will be prompt at accounting for all students and contacting the parents and guardians. There will be a perimeter set up so Law Enforcement can control the scene, prevent further injuries and preserve the evidence of the crime scene. Parents and other community members will not be allowed into the perimeter, and their presence will just hinder the first responders and their duties. We know that emotions will run high, not only for family members, but also the first responders, so please, do not make an incident more difficult than it will already be. Now, prior to an incident: There have been many studies on past school incidents that have given professionals the ability to identify risk factors. This is where the community and the parents are especially critical in keeping our schools safe. Those whom are the closest to the potentially violent student, are the ones who should be able to identify the risk factors and address them. Learn the Characteristics of the Violent Youth. Look for changes in your child and their friends. Know their hobbies and interests. Know what is happening in your home, and in the life of your children. Communicate with your children. I can't stress enough how important communication is, communication with family members and friends, and the communication of any concerns with those who are in the position to help. A violent school incident is something that none of us want to be involved in, but we do need to preplan to assure the best outcome possible, although no outcome, other than no incident at all, will be completely acceptable. Our planning and training will be a dynamic process, changing to address new situations and to address the latest response techniques being taught nation wide. Our next phase will be to take what we have learned to you, the community. For more information, questions or comments, or to request a presentation, please contact us at:
Sergeant Steven Penwell
October 2001Anger in Our LivesThis month I have read several articles on anger, and the fact that it is an integral part of our lives. It is an emotion that we all have, one that it vital to our well being. The problem with anger, is how we individually express our feelings of anger, and how those expressions affect those around us. It takes many of us a long time to learn how to constructively express our feelings of anger. We have a tendency to speak before we think, to say things that we know will hurt and to react without a plan. Thanks to those who love and care for us, we will learn how to positively express our selves. Another part of dealing with anger, is that change is slow at times. The easy part is recognizing the need for change, and wanting to change the behavior. The hard part is when one reverts to old habits, and impulsively expresses them selves in a way that is not acceptable, to themselves or others. Be patient, be forgiving towards your self and keep trying. You may have to pick yourself up several times, but bit by bit, the change you are trying for will come. How can we work with anger so our lives and relationships are healthier? Sergeant Steven Penwell
BIOLOGICAL AGENT THREATS There have been many calls around the country to Law Enforcement regarding anthrax threat letters. Most of the letters have been empty, but a few have contained a powdery substance. At this time only a very few have actually been confirmed with anthrax. Here in Cody we have responded to several calls concerning suspicious articles. We respond as if each and every threat is real. We have found in our response that the public is not yet sufficiently advised on how to react if they are confronted with a suspicious package, article or letter. the following are excerpts from the Centers for Disease Control prevention guidelines for biological agent threats, the United States Postal Service guide lines and suggestions from the Cody Police Department. Please visit the CDC and USPS websites for more information. Suspicious Package or One Marked with a Threatening MessageSergeant Steven Penwell November 2001Traveling for the HolidaysNovember and December are the months when people are traveling for the Holidays, families getting together for Thanksgiving and the Christmas Season. In today's mobile society many families live far apart and long distance travel is necessary to get together. Airlines have been the norm for most distance travel, but with the events of September 11th, many are hesitant to fly. With the recent jet crash in New York on November 12th, the reluctance to fly is even greater. So... many will take to the nations highways as the assumed safer method of travel. But for those who do intend on driving our highways consider the following statistics: Many of the traffic fatalities and injuries are the negligence of another person. Innocent lives are lost. If you are going to drive this Holiday Season, drive defensively and safely. Don't be the negligent driver. Below are a few reminders before taking off on your trip: Finally, let friends and family know your itinerary and assure you have emergency supplies in your vehicle. Plan well and drive safely. All of us at the Cody Police Department wish you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season. Sergeant Steven Penwell
DecemberHighway Safety:
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From all of us at the Cody Police Department and the Park County Law
Enforcement Center, have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!!