To:  All Media Representatives
From:  Lieutenant Melvin
Date:  October 12, 2009
Subject:  Curfew

As I review reports written by our patrol Deputies I often see reports about juveniles that are out in the middle of the night past curfew hours, drinking, smoking, stealing, etc. and that does not include the kids that we do not come into contact with. I often wonder; do the parents know what their kid is up to? Is the parent aware of the curfew law and the corresponding curfew hours?

It has been my experience that parents do care what their kids are doing, they just don’t understand the curfew law, or they feel they have little control over what their children are doing. I would like to remind parents that they are responsible for their children’s behavior and with a bit of firmness and knowledge of the law, perhaps they can prevent a bad situation. We all know that children do not receive quality supervision in the middle of the night when they are alone or with friends, so let’s take responsibility and keep the kids at home.

If you are not familiar with it, here is Carson City’s curfew law:
1. It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years whether a pedestrian or traveling by motor vehicle or other conveyance, to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, move about or play in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds or public grounds, public places and public buildings, commercial parking areas, places of amusement and entertainment or vacant lots within Carson City:
a. For those under the age of fifteen (15) years between the hours of ten p.m. and five a.m.;
b. For those age fifteen (15) years but less than eighteen (18) years between the hours of midnight and five a.m.
2. The provisions of this section do not apply to a minor:
a. Accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or other adult person having care or custody of that minor;
b. Directed upon an emergency errand by his or her parent, guardian or adult person having care or custody of that minor;
c. Who is attending or traveling to or from a school, community or private function with approval of his or her parent or guardian or adult person having care or custody; provided, that a responsible adult person is physically present and immediately available to chaperone or supervise that function; or
d. Who is at his or her own residence or the adjacent common areas of the residence.
3. Any minor violating this section may be arrested and taken into custody by a law enforcement officer for transportation to the juvenile detention center, or cited and released to a parent or guardian, or taken home to his or her parent, guardian or other adult person having care and custody. Upon disposition the minor may be dealt with as deemed appropriate by the juvenile division of the first judicial district court, including a fine in an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).

Click here to view/download this press release.

To: All Media Representatives
From: Milani McKinley
Date: October 9, 2009
Subject: Civil Division

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Civil Division will be closed the week of October 12-16, 2009 due to a system upgrade. The following services will not be available during this time: Fingerprinting, Concealed Weapons Permits, Work Permits and Gaming. Beginning October 19, 2009, Window 1 which processes Fingerprinting, Concealed Weapons Permits, Work Permits and Gaming will only be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Anyone with questions or concerns may feel free to contact Milani McKinley at (775)887-2020 ext. 41701. 

 

It has been my experience that parents do care what their kids are doing, they just don’t understand the curfew law, or they feel they have little control over what their children are doing. I would like to remind parents that they are responsible for their children’s behavior and with a bit of firmness and knowledge of the law, perhaps they can prevent a bad situation. We all know that children do not receive quality supervision in the middle of the night when they are alone or with friends, so let’s take responsibility and keep the kids at home.

If you are not familiar with it, here is Carson City’s curfew law:
1. It is unlawful for any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years whether a pedestrian or traveling by motor vehicle or other conveyance, to loiter, idle, wander, stroll, move about or play in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds or public grounds, public places and public buildings, commercial parking areas, places of amusement and entertainment or vacant lots within Carson City:
a. For those under the age of fifteen (15) years between the hours of ten p.m. and five a.m.;
b. For those age fifteen (15) years but less than eighteen (18) years between the hours of midnight and five a.m.
2. The provisions of this section do not apply to a minor:
a. Accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or other adult person having care or custody of that minor;
b. Directed upon an emergency errand by his or her parent, guardian or adult person having care or custody of that minor;
c. Who is attending or traveling to or from a school, community or private function with approval of his or her parent or guardian or adult person having care or custody; provided, that a responsible adult person is physically present and immediately available to chaperone or supervise that function; or
d. Who is at his or her own residence or the adjacent common areas of the residence.
3. Any minor violating this section may be arrested and taken into custody by a law enforcement officer for transportation to the juvenile detention center, or cited and released to a parent or guardian, or taken home to his or her parent, guardian or other adult person having care and custody. Upon disposition the minor may be dealt with as deemed appropriate by the juvenile division of the first judicial district court, including a fine in an amount not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).

Click here to view/download this press release.

To: All Media Representatives
From: Milani McKinley
Date: October 9, 2009
Subject: Civil Division

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Civil Division will be closed the week of October 12-16, 2009 due to a system upgrade. The following services will not be available during this time: Fingerprinting, Concealed Weapons Permits, Work Permits and Gaming. Beginning October 19, 2009, Window 1 which processes Fingerprinting, Concealed Weapons Permits, Work Permits and Gaming will only be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Anyone with questions or concerns may feel free to contact Milani McKinley at (775)887-2020 ext. 41701. 

 

To: All Media Representatives
From: Sheriff Ken Furlong
Date: September 14, 2009
Subject: Regional Gang Initiative Grant Award

The Carson City, Lyon County and Douglas County Sheriff’s Offices have been notified by the Office of Criminal Justice Assistance of the award of approximately $350,000 for the conceptual formation of a tri-county Regional Gang Initiative. The Recovery Act Grant Application was submitted in July 2009 requesting $1,047,019 for a three year period. According to the Office of Criminal Justice Assistance, funding for one year was approved.

Gang issues in the three counties have been a priority concern for some time. In many cases, officers are doing double duty on patrol and gang enforcement. These officers also face jurisdictional boundaries. The grant acknowledges that gangs do not recognize our county lines. They often live, function, and create discord in many different areas at the same time. By their nature, they are often transient and move to areas with the least gang enforcement presence. This characteristic requires intense multi-agency cooperation and communications. The first steps toward implementation of a tri-county team will begin with an efficient information sharing platform which will join the agencies firmly into statewide programs currently in use by Washoe County, Clark County and within the Nevada Department of Prisons.

As a result of the partial funding, the law enforcement agencies will be required to re-evaluate the methods of accomplishment to achieve their proposed goals. Sheriff Furlong, Sheriff Pierini and Sheriff Vail have immediate plans to develop a working group that will focus on implementation. During that same period, each of the agencies will be required to coordinate with their local government entities. As the primary recipient, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office will submit the award to the Carson City Board of Supervisors for acceptance.

In July 2007, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office increased staffing to combat street level (user) narcotics. These two deputy positions were newly funded. In 2008, the two man team was expanded to include two additional full time gang enforcement officers and a supervisor. This enhanced effort was the result of a reorganization of operating positions and was intended to proactively target illegal gang and drug activities. The results of this initiative have been promising and all three Sheriffs agree that a regional approach will greatly enhance our combined enforcement capabilities.

From:        Sgt. Cullen
Date:        September 9, 2009
Subject:    Street Vibrations 2009

Street Vibration is once again coming back to Carson City during the week of September 23rd through the 27th. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is committed to making this annual event fun and enjoyable for not only the motorcycle riders attending but for the general motoring public as well. The Carson City Sheriffs Office wants you to know that we will be continuing our efforts in safety and enforcement of traffic laws to ensure that our roadways remain safe for all public roadway users and would like to reaffirm the requirements for some of the particular traffic violations that we see during this event. These violations tend to involve both motorcyclists as well as automobile drivers.

• Remember motorcycles are entitled to full use of the travel lane, we often see autos attempt to occupy the same space as the motorcycles. NRS: 486.341.
• Motorcyclists are entitled to ride abreast of one another in the same travel lane but may not overtake another vehicle while in the same lane nor are they allowed to split travel lanes (passing on the divided white line) at any time. NRS: 486.351.
• Motorcyclists are required to have a "Motorcycle Endorsement" on their license and are subject to the same paper work (insurance and registration) as autos. NRS: 486.061.
• As usual basic traffic laws apply to all vehicle operators, turning movements require signals as do lane changes. NRS: 484.333 thru NRS: 484.337.
• Drinking and driving/riding NRS: 484.379 will get you sent to jail or worse thus ruining your weekend, be responsible.

Automobile drivers must stay vigilant and watch-out for motorcyclists, motorcycles are smaller and harder to see but if we all just take a moment to slow down, pay attention and obey traffic laws, we can all enjoy the street vibrations experience by either participating or watching the bikes roll by.

  Click here to view/download this press release.

To:           All Media Representatives
From:        Lieutenant Melvin
Date:        August 26, 2009
Subject:    School Is In

As summer winds down and the days start to get shorter we tend to try to pack our days with as much "summer" type activity as we can before old man winter comes along.  As you go about your daily business, remember that school is now in session.  That includes all of the elementary schools, middle schools and high school.  That means that you will see the students walking to and from school, crossing guards in the school zones and parents driving in and out of the schools dropping their kids off and picking them up.  Be aware that the speed zones are active and you will see deputies in those school zones, enforcing the traffic laws.  Pay attention to the times of the school zones and the speed limits.

Most of the school zones have flashing amber lights while there is a special speed limit in effect, but not all of them. All of the school zones have signs that tell what the speed limit is in the school zone and what times. For everyone’s safety, pay attention to these signs. In the coming weeks, you will also see special signs on Fairview, Saliman, and King Street that calculate your speed as you approach and flash at you if you are exceeding the speed limit.

One of the more challenging areas for motorists is on Saliman in front of the High School. Driving through this area can be frustrating during peak hours, which are between 7:20 and 7:45 A.M. and between 1:50 and 2:05 P.M. It may be easier for motorists to plan a different route which allows them to avoid this area during those times. Please remember that all Carson City Municipal Traffic Codes are enforced on School District Property.

All persons visiting the High School need to remember that parking at the High School is Permit parking only. Parking citations are issued on vehicles without a parking permit.  This does not include attended vehicles waiting to pick up or drop off students in the loop in front of the High School.

Also, for the safety of all the students, all persons visiting any school need to check into the Offices immediately.

Anyone with questions or concerns may feel free to contact Deputy Scott Davis, School Resource Officer at (775)283-1621.

Click here to view/download this press release (pdf). 

To:           All Media Represnatives
From:       Sheriff Ken Furlong
Date:        August 19, 2009
Subject:    Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws -- Agency of the Year

The Carson City Sheriff's Office is proud to announce being the recipient of the "Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL), Law Enforcement Agency of the Year."  This award was presented by the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice, Delinquency Prevention, on August 15, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.  Receiving the award for Carson City was Undersheriff Steve Albertsen, Detective Daniel Gonzales and Deputy Sal Acosta.  On behalf of our business partnerships was Star Anderson and Alex Canas of the Carson City Nugget.  Representing the statewide Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws project and Partnership Carson City was Kathy Bartosz.

Each year the Office of Juvenile Justice funds $17,500,000 to all fifty states for the enforcement of underage drinking laws.  Nevada receives its fair share at $350,000, and the Carson City funding is $15,000.  Locally, that funding is used with one single objective; to prevent the tragic loss of a single juvenile to an alcohol related incident.  The local monthly alcohol compliance programs include Business Compliance Checks, Shoulder Tap Enforcement, and Server Training.  Less known and published are enforcement activities at juvenile parties and DUI traffic enforcement targeting underage use of alcohol and driving.

While this award recognizes a law enforcement agency, in Carson City that agency is best defined by partnerships.  The award would not have been possible without the partnerships that have been forged, beginning with the Board of Supervisors/Liquor Board, Carson City Business Licensing, officers committing their time & effort, and especially the businesses of this community who actively and with initiative prevent alcohol sales to minors.  Our many thanks go out to the businesses of this leading community.  Without their full cooperation and assistance, the efforts of the Liquor Board and Sheriff's Office would face many unnecessary obstacles.

The future of our community efforts includes the added initiative of a Community Volunteer Board.  Sponsored by our Courts, the District Attorney's Office, Juvenile Probation, the Sheriff's Office, and all of our partners in town, the Community Volunteer Board will be an enhancement to addressing juvenile deliquency prevention at its earliest stages and fostering good decision making skills.

Click here to view/download this press release.

To:            All Media Representatives
From:        Sheriff Ken Furlong
Date:        June 19, 2009
Subject:    Operation Community Shield

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office participated in Operation Community Shield, a three-day enforcement operation led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The operation took place throughout the region as an ongoing initiative by ICE’s National Gang Unit. The joint operation planning began in the early spring, along with a second operation known as FALCON, led by the U.S. Marshalls Service. On June 4, 2009, the federally funded revenue streams were approved by the Carson City Board of Supervisors.

Operation Community Shield is a force mulitplier that allows for overlapping jurisdictions to provide each other with the most current and aggressive intelligence information to target crime (specifically gangs).  This type of inter-agency cooperation and joint response helps to eliminate jurisdictional barriers, create eficiency and produce positive results.  In Carson City alone, the two operations resulted in numerous arrests: 

Operation FALCON
June 6, 2009:  13 Felony arrests (7 for illegal re-entry to the United States)
9 Misdemeanor arrests             

I am pleased with the results generated by our Special Operations Unit, along with all of the officers who worked during both June operations. Gangs and the activities commonly seen associated with gangs have presented Carson City law enforcement officers and residents with the most serious challenges and threatening circumstances. Topping the list of challenges are those illegal immigrant thugs who would invade our country and bring senseless violence into our neighborhoods. Two examples of the violence were witnessed in just the past two months.

With the relationships that have been built, we hope to send a strong message that the law enforcement agencies working in all areas of Northern Nevada work together and share information for the greater publics safety. It is the intention of the Carson City Sheriff to continue these efforts on a regular basis.

Click here to view/download this press release.

_______________________________________________________________

In January 2009, the Sheriff’s Office made operational it first ever full time Special Operations Unit. The purpose of the unit was to adjust law enforcement strategies to an ever changing society. For many years, community surveys and feedback have reinforced the priorities of gangs and drugs. The Special Operations Unit was formed to make that adjustment and attack gangs and drugs from a proactive initiative basis and possibly curb the more violent and dangerous offenses from taking place in the community. The team is comprised of a Sergeant (supervisor), two deputy sheriffs targeting street level drug activities, and two deputy sheriffs targeting gang activities.

During the first quarter of 2009, the team has been very successful. Felony arrests have increased by 475%, misdemeanor arrests by 1450%, misdemeanor citations by 1950%, and reports have increased 716%.

	Old Special Enforcement Concept – August to October 2008	New Special Operations Unit – January to March 2009
Felony Arrests	8	35
Misdemeanor Arrests	4	58
Misdemeanor Citations	2	39
Reports	25	179

The Sheriff’s Administration is pleased with the increased enforcement activities of the team. The officers have shown a great deal of enthusiasm and focus for taking a “bite out of crime.” It has long been known that repeat offenders create the biggest draw on public safety resources. This team monitors the whereabouts and activities of known offenders. When seemingly minor offenses take place, the team is there to place the offenders back in check.

The Special Operations Unit also supervises the department K-9 program, Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL), visiting dignitaries, special events and major crime trends.

For more information, please contact Sheriff Ken Furlong at (775) 887-2500.

 Click here to download this press release (pdf)

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