Frequently
Asked Questions
As the Chief of Police, I am trying
to bridge the communication gap that may exist between
our police officers and the youth of this community.
I had asked Matt Froncillo, a junior at the High School,
to poll some fellow students who may have questions
of our department’s practices or the actions taken
by our police officers. I am hopeful that these questions
have enlightened some students to better understand
our mission as we strive to provide the best quality
services to each member of this community.
Sincerely,
Chief John M. LaCross
1
Q. Do police officers try to be intimidating?
1 A. How so or by what means do they try to intimidate?
The answer is No. Officers are attempting to act in
a professional manner. People may mistake their uniform
presence as intimidating but it is not. Police Departments
operated as a para-military organization. Officer’s
dress sharply in uniforms and at times their command
presence may be intimidating which helps to gain control
of certain situations.
2 Q. Why is the speed limit
so low on Route 114?
2 A.
The state legislators set the speed limits for state
highways Route 114 is posted at 45 mph on the northbound
side and 40 mph on the southbound side. We as a law
enforcement agency must enforce the laws of RI. There
have been serious accidents and fatalities on 114. Slowing
the traffic down by using radar will save lives and
prevent accidents.
B. Some recorded radar speeds on Route 114 have
been as high as 74, 82, & 89 mph.
3 Q. How many people get pulled
over for speeding on a given day?
3 A. This can vary
depending on the number of officers for duty but usually
between 10 to 20 vehicles are stopped daily. In town
the posted speed limit is usually 25 mph, 20 mph near
school zones and 35 mph on County Road. If you don’t
see a speed limit sign, it is understood to be a 25
mph zone. Often times warnings are issued but between
5-10 summons are issued a day.
B. Some recorded radar speeds in posted 25
mph zones have been as high as 54 & 60 mph.
4Q. Do police officers tend
to pull over older looking cars because kids are driving
them?
4A. NO….Police
Officers do not profile cars. They pull over cars that
are observed to be violating the RI traffic laws. Some
older cars tend to have more equipment violations than
newer vehicles and may be stopped for these reasons.
5Q. If your car is a certain
color or model, is it more susceptible to getting pulled
over?
5A. No
6Q. What is the opinion/view
of the police/ youth in this town?
6A. As a whole,
the police feel that the youth of Barrington are polite
and well mannered, respecting the privacy and property
rights of the community. However, like any town, some
youths can be very disrespectful to a police officer
when they are stopped for a violation or for an investigation.
Some youths have yet to learn to respect the personal
property of others and vandalize mailboxes and light
fixtures for no apparent reason. Hopefully, the communication
between the police and youth, during a motor vehicle
stop, will improve.
7Q.
Do you think drugs and alcohol are as big of a problem
here as they are in other towns?
7A. Yes, drugs and
alcohol are as big a problem in this town, as they are
in others.
8Q. Why do the cops break up
parties at Muschuck Beach even if the kids are not bothering
anybody?
8A. Neighbors complain
of the numerous vehicles parked in the area and the
youths being disorderly and littering the area when
they leave. Also it is illegal for alcohol or drugs
to be consumed by juveniles. Underage drinking parties
could lead to be alcohol poisoning, assaults, vandalism,
larcenies, and driving under the influence. Unfortunately
for some, this leads to alcoholism or drug addiction.
9Q.
Why do cops hassle kids for skateboarding on public
property?
9A. Hassle is a
term that is often misunderstood. A police officer responds
to kids skateboarding because of complaints received,
ie: business owner, or property owner. Skateboards damage
the complainants property, even though they are not
trying to. Also, in case a skateboarder is injured,
the property owners are liable.
10Q.
Is it legal to have alcohol in the car that is unopened?
Even if you are a minor?
10A. It is ILLEGAL
for any person who has not reached their 21st birthday
to be transporting any alcoholic beverage in their vehicle
unopened or opened. If caught, it's an automatic 30
days suspension of license and $100 to $500 fine.
11Q. How long would you have
to wait before driving safely after having a couple
of drinks?
11A. Any person
under the age of 21 should not be concerned with this
question because the law states that you should not
be consuming any alcoholic beverages. Should you ignore
this, don't plan on driving because it has been found
that an average healthy person will only metabolize
and eliminate about 1/3 fluid ounces of alcohol per
hour.
12Q. What are the punishments if you are caught drinking?
12A. If you are
charged with transportation of alcohol, you will lose
your "privilege" to operate a motor vehicle
for 30 days. If you are 17 years old or younger and
are caught with alcohol, you will be sent to the Juvenile
Hearing Board or to Family Court, depending on the infraction.
If you are an adult 18 - 21 and you are in possession
of alcohol you would receive a minimum fine of $100.00
plus court cost of approximately $94.00 and an appearance
in front of a District Court Judge.
13Q. Can kids really work out
at the police station? If so when?
13A. Yes, as a member
of PAL, with supervision. See PAL Director John Duffy
or call 437-3935.
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