Crime & Safety
Police Chief Calls for Increase in Cell Phone Driving Tickets
Police and Fire Commission meetings held.
Drivers in North Haven caught using cell phones will be ticketed according to a directive issued at last night's Board of Police Commission meeting by new police chief Tom McLoughlin.
State law prohibits drivers' use of hand-held phones, while drivers eighteen and older can use them if they have hands-free accessories. New drivers age sixteen or seventeen are prohibited from using all types of cell phone. A $100 ticket can be issued for first time offenders.
McLoughlin called for increased enforcement of cell phone violations, and also said they could lead to arrests for other infractions, such as possession of marijuana. If an officer stops someone for a cell phone violation and finds marijuana in the car, he or she could ticket the violator for the more serious crime.
Find out what's happening in North Havenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
McLoughlin opened the meeting by stating that the department will begin interviews for a new officer soon. He expects to select up to ten applicants.
He also thanked Target for the donation of two monitor devices that are being used by the department to broadcast updates on police activity. The monitors, combined with the Department's intranet, provide officers with information about ongoing police activity as they start their shifts.
Find out what's happening in North Havenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
McLoughlin also reported that the department is operating at under budget, but warned that the police union contract expires at the end of June with no meetings held yet. They should be forthcoming, he said.
The Board of Fire Commissioners also met yesterday, with fire chief Vincent Landisio reporting 373 alarms for April.
He also reported positive budget news, with the department operating at 87.6 percent of its
Landisio and McLoughlin both announced the upcoming Public Safety Day on July 11, when members of the public will be encouraged to meet with fire and law enforcement officials at the Police Department.
"The open house will make us accessible and approachable and give citizens the opportunity to see how we work and the equipment we use," McLoughlin said.
