Dalton Police Enforce Codes to Deter Crime
Reported by: Brittany Shaw
Could there be a connection between high grass and high crime?
Christopher Cooke, with the Dalton Police Department, says there is.
"We're not talking a half an inch too high, but just unkept and the goal is to improve the community and to improve the safety of the community," Cooke says.
The idea that cleaning up the community and crime at the same time comes from what's called The Broken Windows theory.
"If the neighborhood looks like it's rough then people will come into the neighborhood and commit crimes," Cooke says.
"With the deterioration of the property itself, criminals feel more comfortable in those areas that people aren't taking care of their property and they're more comfortable committing crime in that property," Cochran says.
Cochran says abandoned homes and buildings can be hide-outs for vagrants and criminals.
But the city's inspection checklist notes sagging rooflines, piles of trash, and of course broken windows as attributes that could symbolize an 'open door' to would-be criminals.
That's why, Cochran says, the code enforcement is already off to a running start.
Now patrol officers can notify Code Enforcement Officer Chris Cochran who can identify and investigate potential hot spots for crime.
"People picking trash up out of their yard, and inoperable cars on the road and stuff like that, those changes will come around quickly," Cochran says.
Cooke says it's always better to be proactive than reactive.
"All of this has a positive impact. Our main focus is the safety of the community," Cooke says.
To report a code violation, visit http://safedalton.com
For Video, Visit: http://www.wdef.com/mostpopular/story/Dalton-Police-Enforce-Codes-to-Deter-Crime/w-OQHpJsA0qkKQzJVRjR2g.cspx
Alpha Delta Kappa Month
WHEREAS, Alpha Delta Kappa is a fraternal organization that gives recognition to women educators, who have proven to be efficient, professional teachers and that are socially commendable; and
WHEREAS, Alpha Delta Kappa creates interest in teaching and sponsors scholarships and altruistic programs; and
WHEREAS, Women in education constitute a great portion of the nation’s working force and are constantly striving to serve their communities and nation in educational, cultural, and charitable programs leading to harmony, happiness and peace among all people; and
WHEREAS, the major goals of Alpha Delta Kappa are: to give recognition to outstanding educators, to build a fraternal fellowship among educators adding to their effectiveness in promoting excellence in education, to establish high standards of education, to sponsor scholarships, and to promote educational and charitable activities enriching the lives of individuals everywhere and assisting these individuals into happy, constructive, and fulfilling lives.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, I, David Pennington, Mayor of the City of Dalton, hereby proclaim the month of October 2012 as “Alpha Delta Kappa Month”.
Splash Pad
Long awaited splash pad at the Mack Gaston Community Center is now open.
Splash Pad Hours
Monday thru Thursday - 4pm to 7pm
Friday - CLOSED
Saturday - 12pm to 5pm
Sunday - 2pm to 5pm