FROM CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
As we approach New Year’s Eve tomorrow night, the Millbrook Police Department wishes to announce that there will be additional officers on the street tomorrow night to ensure the safety of its citizens. Traditionally New Year’s Eve presents a challenge for First Responders, in the form of increased traffic on the roadways, complaints due to loud parties, underage drinking, fireworks after hours, discharging firearms in an unsafe manner, just to name a few. There will also be parties or gatherings where alcohol is served, which is perfectly fine in moderation and when those choosing to consume alcoholic beverages either stay put, use a designated driver, or make use of any one of several services like Triple A or certain taxi services. These services provide free transportation to your residence should you find yourself in a situation where you have been consuming alcohol and don’t have a ride.
We are encouraging our citizens to avoid operating motor vehicles under the influence of alcoholic beverages and other intoxicants. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s use of fireworks and ensure that they are used responsibly. Fireworks should always be used with due consideration to the safety and welfare of everyone. They should never be used too close to residences, nor should anything be targeted by fireworks. The improper use of fireworks that unnecessarily endangers others constitutes Reckless Endangerment and possibly could result in criminal charges.
Obviously the practice of discharging firearms into the air is strongly discouraged, as whatever goes up must come down. This is a dangerous practice that could lead to serious physical injury or death. Bottom line; leave the firearms for hunting and self protection. They should never be used for celebration, it dangerous and to be blunt, it’s just plain ill advised.
Let me be clear, we want our citizens to have a great time as they celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of 2020. Our job is to ensure the safety of our citizens, with the stated goal being that each of our citizens and our officers see 2020.
Beginning tomorrow night (Dec. 31) we will have extra officers out in force, with some being detailed to work traffic violations and to identify and apprehend DUI violators, while others focus on patrol and responding to calls for service. At any given time we will have two patrol shifts working, supervisors and administrative personnel, and additional communications personnel.
It’s not about how many traffic citations we can issue or how many arrests that can be made. It’s not that at all. We want everyone to be safe, to include our officers and staff. On behalf of the men and women of the Millbrook Police Department, I want to wish everyone a Happy and Safe New Year. May God bless you richly in 2020.
