Thanks to citizens helping our officer

On July 14, 2008, Scott Ferrer was seriously injured in an incident during a routine traffic stop. Lt. Ferrer was dragged nearly 2000 feet by a fleeing motorist.

Several citizens came to lt. Ferrer's aid. We would like to publically thank the following citizens who were recognized during a public council meeting on September 2, 2008.

Pamela Dellen
Timothy Edens
Cheri Boys-Fore

Ferrer said the actions of those bystanders likely saved his life.

"I can't tell these people how much that means to me," Ferrer said. "It renews your faith in people."

Friends, Strangers Reach Out To Help Beech Grove Woman

Beech Grove Woman Endures Deaths, Disorder, Thefts Within Month

Friends and strangers are reaching out to help a woman who has endured an almost unbearable set of misfortunes within the last month.

Linda Carter lost her daughter, Erin, a future son-in-law and two grandsons in a house fire in Alexandria a week after she returned home from the Mayo Clinic, where she was treated for a disorder that cost her career as a nurse.

Then, on Sunday, Carter was attending services at First Christian Church of Beech Grove when her locked car was broken into, 6News' Jennifer Carmack reported.

Thieves took Carter's purse, which was under the seat of her car. Inside were her wallet, pictures of her daughter and grandchildren, about $200 in gift cards meant to help her and the only survivor of the fire, 3-week-old Elysah Tracey.

"It's been unbelievable," Carter said. "It just seems like one thing after another keeps happening."

"They have compounded a tragedy ten-fold," said Jim Hensley, of the church. "Linda just couldn't thank people enough who gave and gave and gave, and to have a lot of that taken away is just devastating to her."

Carter got a call from a woman who had found her purse in a Greenwood trash can, but the purse and wallet were both empty when she got it back. "To be victimized again by the donations that were given to them, it's just reprehensible," said Beech Grove police Capt. Robert Mercuri.
"The things that were taken we can replace eventually when we get the money, but we can't right now because it's taking every penny we've got just to survive," Carter said.

Anyone who would like to help can contact First Christian Church at 317-786-8522.

If you have any information on the theft, please contact the Beech Grove Police Department.

In Memory of Officer William Toney

I just received word that Olive Branch Baptist Church, 101 E Raymond St , will be having a blue light ceremony to honor local fallen firefighters and police officers from 2000 to the present year. It will be on Sunday, 5-18-08, at 7:00 p.m. at the church. The service should only last approximately 45 minutes, and will include honoring the memory of one of our own, Officer William Toney, who was taken from us September 29, 2000. All are invited to attend.

Information from Family Watchdog Sex Offender Registry

This information is from the Family Watchdog site. This is public information showing registered sex offenders in our area.

http://www.familywatchdog.us/ViewOffenderDetails.asp?oID=IN341167.011&aID=133371141&at=1&sid={398945AC-B63E-483C-A8B6-1E36C44130CC}&lat=39.7175&long=-86.085&clr=%23ff0000

http://www.familywatchdog.us/ViewOffenderDetails.asp?oID=IN335705.011&aID=133366300&at=1&sid={398945AC-B63E-483C-A8B6-1E36C44130CC}&lat=39.7175&long=-86.085&clr=%23ff0000

http://www.familywatchdog.us/ViewOffenderDetails.asp?oID=IN338110.011&aID=133368485&at=1&sid={398945AC-B63E-483C-A8B6-1E36C44130CC}&lat=39.7175&long=-86.085&clr=%23ff0000

http://www.familywatchdog.us/ViewOffenderDetails.asp?oID=IN339379.011&aID=133369607&at=1&sid={398945AC-B63E-483C-A8B6-1E36C44130CC}&lat=39.7175&long=-86.085&clr=%23ff0000

http://www.familywatchdog.us/ViewOffenderDetails.asp?oID=IN343112.011&aID=133372459&at=1&sid={26D52251-F041-4DB6-B4A6-0C52612D6B1E}&lat=39.7175&long=-86.085&clr=%230000ff

New Sex Offender in Beech Grove

According to the Family Watchdog site, James Saunders reported his address as 103 S. 4th as of 5/12/08.

http://www.familywatchdog.us/ViewOffenderDetails.asp?oID=IN337024.011&aID=1506747&at=1&sid=&lat=39.717500&long=-86.08500000000&sp=1

As of 5/9/08, James Fusco reported his address as 108 S. 8th. http://http://www.familywatchdog.us/ViewOffenderDetails.asp?oID=IN359853.011&aID=1505948&at=1&sid=&lat=39.717500&long=-86.08500000000&sp=1

Bill Clinton Visits Beech Grove

Former President Bill Clinton made a stop in Beech Grove on Friday night, following a visit from Barack Obama on Wednesday.

Our favorite police department had their hands full and as always, were professional and well-prepared.

President Clinton took the time to visit with residents awaiting his arrival prior to going into the middle school auditorium to campaign for his wife, Hillary.

Family Watchdog Offender as of May 1, 2008

Click on this link to view the information sent via Family Watchdog. This offender reported his new address at 4040 Redfern as of 5/1/08.



Family Watchdog Offender

Great Crime Watch Meeting on Summer Safety

Last nights Crime Watch meeting was a great success. Chief Witmer and Deputy Chief Malloy provided the group with a lot of information regarding various summer safety tips regarding bicycles, scooters, fireworks, handguns, and various other information.

My co-hort and community leader, Debbie Springer has done a wonderful job gaining support from area businesses. The kids in attendance utilized thier artistic skills by drawing posters depicting safety. All the kids were given prizes for thier participation. Thier posters will be displayed at various businesses on Main Street.

Debbie is working on information to keep you updated on the crime statistics as they relate to Beech Grove. Debbie and Dan McMillan are also members of the Beech Grove Public Safety Committee.

I am so proud of our community for coming together to combat crime. By attending these Crime Watch meetings, you gain the knowledge to become a "Hard Target". You also become the eyes and ears for our police department.

If you are new to this site, please take a moment and explore the various links provided on this page. If you have any questions or would like to see a certain topic addressed at a meeting, please contact us.

Kudos to Debbie for wrapping her arms around our Crime Watch Program! And Kudo's to you for caring enough about Beech Grove to participate!

Be safe,

Kim

Family Watchdog Offender Just Moved into Beech Grove

Click on this link to view the information sent via Family Watchdog. This offender reported his new address at 246 S. 10th on April 10, 2008.


Family Watchdog Offender

Crime Watch Meeting March 19th

Is your home secure? What can you do to ensure the safety of your property? Come to the meeting on Wednesday, March 19th, at 6:00 pm to hear our BGPD talk about what we as homeowners can do to make and keep our property safe from criminal activity.

The meeting will be held at Hornet Park Community Center.

Hope to see you there!

Debbie & Kim

Beech Grove Citizens Police Academy

The Beech Grove Police Department is accepting applications for the 14-16 spots available for the upcoming Citizens Police Academy. This is something that I hope everyone gets the opportunity to participate in!

Please see this story in the Star or contact the BGPD for more information.

http://search.indystar.com/sp?eId=100&gcId=75780949&rNum=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indystar.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D2008803100422&siteIdType=2

Fundraiser for Captain Danny Farnworth

There will be a fundraiser held for the Farnworth family on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at O'Gara's pub. A Texas Hold'em tournament starts at 10:00 am with a $50 buy-in. The tournament will run in 25 minute segments and will end at 1:00 pm. After the tournament, the Daytona 500 will be on. There will be 50-50's, Tip-boards and other prizes.

We need to rally around this cause to support a man who has given so much to this community and is now fighting for his life. All proceeds will benefit the Farnworth family.

If you would like to donate either money or prizes, please contact Ingle Harris III at 782-2886 or iharris@farmersagent.com. You can also send information through Crime Watch and we will get it to Ingle.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Farnworth family during this difficult time.

Be Safe!

Kim

Police Captain Danny Farnworth Prayer Service

PRAYER SERVICE NOTICE

"As many of you know, a beloved member of our community and a dedicated public safety leader, Police Captain Danny Farnworth is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. Danny and his family are going through a very difficult time and they need our support and prayers.

To that end, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church (of which Danny is a member) will host a healing prayer service for him on Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m. The healing service will last approximately 45 minutes, followed by the rosary. The service is open to the entire community and I encourage you and your family to attend.

Beech Grove Wesleyan Church will be holding a prayer service for Danny at the same time to coincide with Holy Name's prayer service. Beech Grove Wesleyan Church is located at 120 S. 4th and the service will begin at 7:00 pm.

Many of you have asked if there is anything you can do to help Danny and his family. Police Chief Rich Witmer is in close contact with Danny’s family and we will let the community know if specific needs become known.

In the meantime, please keep Danny and his family in your thoughts and prayers."

Your car keys can save your life!!

One of our "tipsters" sent this in for posting! It makes a lot of sense and something I would have never thought of.

Thanks Irene!

A GREAT TIP FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT

PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.

It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around... after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.....

This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. It would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone.

A wife suggested to her husband to carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

Better Business Bureau Hot Topics for February

Good info sent to me from our IMPD crime watch coordinator. This link will take you to the BBB news center and highlights scams in our area.

Read it, print it and pass it around.

http://indy.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=93&id=19a3725e-6291-4350-b27e-8f4ba4627537&fa=2471


Thanks Shirley!!


Be Safe!

Kim

Ice Cream Trucks in Beech Grove

Some one asked a question regarding the legality of those little ice cream trucks driving around Beech Grove during the warmer months. We checked into the rumors that these trucks are banned in our area. Here is what we found out from BGPD...

"Ice Cream truck vendors have to apply for permits at city hall in
order to sell on the streets of Beech Grove. Additionally, after they're
approved by the Board of Works, they are still restricted from
projecting the music or bells that announce their presence."

"Actually, you can call BGPD ( 782-4949) if you hear them driving around with their
annoying music, and dispatch will send an officer. I can't guarantee
that we'll be able to find them, though. Ice cream vendors are wily!"

Keep in mind that these ice cream truck vendors aren't like school
buses where it's illegal to pass. Hopefully, parents will be watching
their kids when the trucks come around, but I realize that doesn't
always happen. If you do allow your children to buy from these vendors, watch them carefully around the truck. And if you happen to drive up on one of these trucks, please be careful when passing.

I hope this helps. Thanks to BGPD for their clarification of this issue.

Be Safe!

Kim
Have a nice day.

Dust Off Compressed Air Computer Cleaners

Debbie, one of our committee members, asked that this be posted. This is one of those little things that we as parents are not aware of, but can be deadly to our kids. According to Truthorfiction.com, snopes.com and urbanlegends.com, this is a true story. It is impossible to monitor everything our kids are doing, but being aware of the dangers of certain products is a step in the right direction.


D U S T I N G

First, I'm going to tell you a little about me and my family. My name is Jeff. I am a Police Officer for a city which is known nationwide for its crime rate. We have a lot of gangs and drugs. At one point we were #2 in the nation in homicides per capita. I also have a police K-9 named Thor. He was certified in drugs and general duty. He retired at 3 years old because he was shot in the line of duty. He lives with us now and I still train with him because he likes it. I always liked the fact that there was no way to bring drugs into my house. Thor wouldn't allow it. He would tell on you. The reason I say this is so you understand that I know about drugs.

I have taught in schools about drugs. My wife asks all our kids at least once a week if they used any drugs. Makes them promise they won't.

I like building computers occasionally and started building a new one in February 2005. I also was working on some of my older computers. They were full of dust so on one of my trips to the computer store I bought a 3 pack of DUST OFF. Dust Off is a can of compressed air to blow dust off a computer. A few weeks later when I went to use one of them they were all used. I talked to my kids and my two sons both said they had used them on their computer and messing around with them. I yelled at them for wasting the 10 dollars I paid for them.

On February 28 I went back to the computer store. They didn't have the 3 pack which! h I had bought on sale so I bought a single jumbo can of Dust Off. I went home and set it down beside my computer. On March 1st, I left for work at 10 PM. Just before midnight my wife went down and kissed Kyle goodnight. At 5:30 am the next morning Kathy went downstairs to wake Kyle up for school, before she left for work. He was propped up in bed with his legs crossed and his head leaning over. She called to him a few times to get up. He didn't move. He would sometimes tease her like this and pretend he fell back asleep. He was never easy to get up. She went in and shook his arm. He fell over. He was pale white and had the straw from the Dust Off can coming out of his mouth. He had the new can of Dust Off in his hands. Kyle was dead.

I am a police officer and I had never heard of this. My wife is a nurse and she had never heard of this. We later found out from the coroner, after the autopsy, that only the propellant from the can of Dust off was in his system. No other drugs. Kyle had died between midnight and 1 AM. I found out that using Dust Off is being done mostly by kids ages 9 through 15. They even have a name for it. It's called dusting. A take off from the Dust Off name. It gives them a slight high for about 10 seconds. It makes them dizzy. A boy who lives down the street from us showed Kyle how to do this about a month before. Kyle showed his best friend. Told him it was cool and it couldn't hurt you. It's just compressed air. It can't hurt you. His best friend said no.

Kyle was wrong. It's not just compressed air. It also contains a propellant called R2. It's a refrigerant like what is used in your refrigerator. It is a heavy gas, heavier than air. When you inhale it, it fills your lungs and keeps the good air, with oxygen, out that's why you feel dizzy, buzzed. It decreases the oxygen to your brain, to your heart. Kyle was right. It can't hurt you. IT KILLS YOU!

The horrible part about this is there is no warning. There is no level that kills you. It's not cumulative or an overdose; it can just go randomly, terribly wrong. Roll the dice and if your number comes up you die. IT'S NOT AN OVERDOSE. It's Russian Roulette. You don't die later. Or not feel good and say I've had too much. You usually die as you're breathing it in, if not you die within 2 seconds of finishing 'the hit.' That's why the straw was still in Kyle's mouth when he died . Why his eyes were still open.

The experts want to call this huffing. The kids don't believe its huffing. As adults we tend to lump many things together. But it doesn't fit here. And that's why it's more accepted. There is no chemical reaction, no strong odor. It doesn't follow the huffing signals. Kyle complained a few days before he died of his tongue hurting. It probably did. The propellant causes frostbite. If I had only known. It's easy to say hey, it's my life and I'll do what I want. But it isn't. Others are always affected. This has forever changed our family's life. I have a hole in my heart and soul that can never be fixed. The pain is so immense I can't describe it. There's nowhere to run from it. I cry all the time and I don't ever cry. I do what I'm supposed to do but I don't really care. My kids are messed up. One won't talk about it. The other will only sleep in our room at night. And my wife, I can't even describe how bad she is taking th is. I thought we were safe because of Thor. I thought we were safe because we knew about drugs and talked to our kids about them.

After Kyle died another story came out. A probation Officer went to the school system next to ours to speak with a student. While there he found a student using Dust Off in the bathroom. This student told him about another student who also had some in his locker. This is a rather affluent school system. They will tell you they don't have a drug problem there. They don't even have a dare or plus program there. So rather than tell everyone about this 'new' way of getting high they found, they hid it.

The probation officer told the media after Kyle's death and they, the school, then admitted to it. I know that if they would have told the media and I had heard, it wouldn't have been in my house.

We need to get this out of our homes and school computer labs. Using Dust Off isn't new and some 'professionals' do know about. I t just isn't talked about much, except by the kids. They all seem to know about it.

IMPD Citizens Police Academy Update

This information was sent to me from one of our own BGCPA Alumni. If you are interested in the IMPD's Citizen Police Academy, please call and get registered right away. Thanks for the info Jody!


"I followed the printed instructions in the BlogSpot regarding the IMPD CPA. I called the phone number listed and was told that Gena Jones works in Human Resources there; but is not coordinating their CPA next time round. It will be coordinated by a Sgt. Ben Hunter and he is available at the main phone number of their Training Center--327-6650. There is an application on line at the IndyGov.org site, under IMPD, then Citizens Police Academy. It can be printed then mailed to the address on the application. The information on the website indicates that there are 12 weeks of classes--April 1 - June 17--Tuesdays from 6:30p until 10p. There is also a limited description of the class content there as well. The downside is that these classes will only be held if there are at least 30 participants--so far, they have had 3 applications!"

Crime Stoppers

I am putting up a link for Crime Stoppers of Indiana. There is a lot of interesting information to explore so allow your self a few minutes. This is a high-tech flash program so if you have problems downloading let me know. I will see if I can find something a little easier to use. I found very interesting information under "Press Releases". If you scroll down towards the bottom, you will see a link to sex offenders that was released on January 3, 2008. By clicking on this link, you will see photographs of folks who failed to register. I hope this works, but here's the direct link to that PDF.

http://www.crimetips.org/pdf/News%20Releases/2008%2001%2003%20Sex%20Offenders.pdf

Here are a few that show up on the Crime Stoppers Wanted poster for January 2008.

http://www.crimetips.org/pdf/Wanted%20Posters/2008-1%20Wanted%20Poster%20January%2008.pdf

Keep your eyes open for these outstanding members of society!

The link to Crime Stoppers is down to the right hand side with the other links. There is a really nifty neighborhood search link. I clicked on search and entered zip code 46107 with a search in a four mile radius. Interesting return to say the least!

Be Safe!

Kim

Answers to questions from the Crime Watch meeting

During our meeting on January 19th, we had so many questions that some did not get the attention they deserved. I promised I would find out the answers and post them here. The answers supplied are from both BGPD and IMPD.

1. How will you mark Safe Houses?

BGPD and IMPD do not mark Safe Houses. A safe house must be open 24 hours per day and 7 days per week such as Fire Stations, Police Stations, Grocery Stores, and Convenience Stores.

My own commentary: By establishing your own neighborhood Crime Watch area, you will be able to identify homes within your area that are safe. Houses are not marked anymore due to the sexual predator risk. Remember those great stickers from the Fire Department that you would put on your child's bedroom window to alert the fire department that a child was asleep in that room??? Those are a big no-no now. Such are the times we live in.

2. Is there going to be another Citizens Police Academy and how can I get involved?

BGPD is currently planning another CPA and will advertise in the Southside Times and on their web site. We will get the word out as well! Don't miss this opportunity!

IMPD's next Citizens Police Academy is scheduled for April 8, 2008. This is the 15th year that IMPD has done a Citizens Police Academy. Please contact Gena Jones at 327-6650 for more information.

3. Is it possible to see a copy of City ordinances?

BGPD has a copy of the city ordinances and can provide what is needed if the citizen can narrow it down to a particular section or concern.

IMPD states that you can view the ordinances online at Indygov. org or contact the Indianapolis council office at 327-4242.

4. Is it legal for salespeople to call from 7-9 pm or after? Do door to door solicitors need a permit?

You can purchase No Solicitation signs which will deter some activity and the homeowner can enforce. For Beech Grove, door to door solicitors do need a permit. Feel free to tell this to the solicitor. You always have the option of not answering the door. You should NEVER open the door to a stranger if you are uncomfortable, no matter what time, day or night. Further, you should NEVER HESITATE to call the police if something does not appear right.

Remember, if it doesn't look right to you, it probably isn't ......

If you have any other questions, please let us know. This is as educational for us as it is for you!

Be Safe!

Kim

Crime Alert

This happened last night (1/26/08). One of our block captains wanted to alert everyone to this activity.

Just wanted to warn everyone about something. My mothers car had the window busted out and her portable DVD player and screens stolen. Her neighbor 4 houses down had their mini barn broken into and their snow blower stolen. And two doors down in the other direction, another neighbor had their garage broken into, but nothing was taken. All of this happened on South 11th between Alton and Churchman.
Stephanie

Fire at Churchman Woods

I checked with BGPD this morning to see if there was anything the Crime Watch group could do to help the residents displaced by the fire this morning at Churchman Woods. Chief Witmer wanted to pass this information along.

"The manager at Churchman Woods has stated that they have more than enough help in assisting any residents in need. They will keep the Crime Watch group in mind should any needs arise".

I will post any information as I receive it.

Be Safe!

Kim

Crime Watch Block Captains

One of the questions asked at the meeting last week was "How much time does it take to be a block captain and what does a block captain do?". There was a also a question about how one gets involved in our Beech Grove Crime Watch program. I wanted to address both of these issues.

First of all, by coming to our meetings, by visiting this blog and by taking an extra minute to become aware of your neighbors and neighborhood, you are involved in the Crime Watch program.

The theory behind the Crime Watch program is to get neighbors talking to neighbors. That's pretty much it. As we take an interest in our neighborhoods, we quickly become aware of who belongs there and who doesn't. Even if you do not have a designated Block Captain, you can still participate, just by keeping an eye out and reporting suspicious activity.

If you decide to be a Block Captain, it simply means that you will be a point of contact for the area you decide to represent. You will receive more detailed information regarding police reports in your area. It is up to you how you choose to use those reports and the information you give your area. It is also up to you as to if you decide to have your own neighborhood meetings. As a Block Captain, you will make a list of your area, with addresses and contact information. By doing this, you will have a contact list and your area will know how to contact you in case they need to discuss an issue. (By the way, I still need to get my contact list together for S. 3rd. I really wish I had that on a day like today when there may be issues in our neighborhood that we need to watch.)

It is our goal to have two large rally-type meetings a year. One like we had in January and perhaps one when the weather is warm so we can gather in the park for a pitch-in type activity. It gives us a chance to voice our concerns and socialize with our neighbors. That is what Beech Grove is all about!

We hope to host educational meetings for everyone on a bi-monthly basis. In November, we had the Narcotics Team give a wonderful presentation. On March 19th, the BGPD will give a presentation on home security issues. These meetings are not mandatory, but encouraged.

Awareness and education deters crime.

There are also occasional block captain meetings if there is information we need to get out or need to prepare for a meeting.

The Crime Watch program is in no way meant to be a hindrance, just a form of communication and a tool for Beech Grove citizens to use. We are not vigilantes and we are not police officers. We can only support them and they strive to keep Beech Grove the safe and secure place it is.

I hope this helps. If you would like more information, please contact either myself, Debbie or Dan via this web site. All comments are reviewed prior to posting so you can contact us without it being posted as a comment.

Take care and be safe!

Kim

Crime Update

Below is a summary of incident reports filed by BGPD for the last 90 days. This is not an all-inclusive report as it does not represent any domestic disturbances. It also does not represent cases where our department may be assisting IMPD. We are still working on getting more detailed reports posted on this site. The report dates for this summary are 10/27/07 thru 1/16/08.

Arrest on Warrants - 7
Assaults - 2
Damage to Property - 1
DWI Arrest - 3
Found Property - 1
Harassment - 1
Investigation - 2
Larceny - 3
Lost of Stolen Property - 1
Missing Person - 1
Narcotics Investigation - 2
Public Intoxication - 1
Rape - 1 (Not actually in Beech Grove, but report was taken at St. Francis)
Recovered Property - 1
Sick-Injured Officer - 2
Stolen Vehicle - 2
Traffic Arrest - 7

If you have any information, I would love to hear from you. For more information on becoming involved in the Crime Watch program, please see the link regarding Crime Watch or visit the BG Crime Watch web site at BGcrimewatch.org.

Thanks to all for getting involved.

Be Safe!

Kim

A Great Meeting

Thanks to all who took the time to attend the Crime Watch meeting on January 16th! What a great turn-out!!! Everything that is right about Beech Grove was represented at the Community Center during that meeting. We had a panel that consisted of Mayor Wright, Police Chief Witmer, Deputy Chief Malloy, Fire Chief Buckley, BOW director Sam Merle, Prosecutors assistant Stacy Walls, Deputy Prosecutor Sharon Ely and IMPD Crime Watch coordinator Shirley Purvitis.

There were many, many questions asked and our panel was open and very informative. It was a perfect example of how our administrative officials all work hand in hand to give Beech Grove residents a safe, secure community to call home. No politics-No BS, just information given to the residents in attendance.

We did not get to all of the questions and I will try to get those answers and post them here. We are also in the process of posting the police reports so you can see exactly what is going on here in Beech Grove.

As I said last night, this is all a work-in-process. We are working towards a community Crime Watch program.

In the mean time, stay safe and thank you all for participating!!

Kim

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congratulations are in order for a few members of the Beech Grove Public Safety team.

James R. Pierce was officially sworn in as Executive Officer/Aide to the Fire Chief for the Beech Grove Fire Department during the Council meeting on January 7, 2008.

Kellen Malloy was officially sworn in as Deputy Chief of the Beech Grove Police Department during this same meeting.

Police Chief Witmer also reported that Major Jason Stachel graduated from the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia after extensive training. With Major Stachel's achievement, we now have six officers on the BGPD with this FBI distinction.

Congrats to all!!

Attorney General Pushes Sex Offender Web Ban

This story was posted by the Indy Channel (WRTV6) website.


INDIANAPOLIS -- Convicted sex offenders' access to certain types of Web sites would be regulated under a plan brought forth Friday by Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter.

Legislators and Carter are crafting legislation that would ban sex offenders from using social networking sites, chat rooms or instant messaging programs that also allow minors on their sites.Proactive enforcement of such a regulation would likely be difficult, given the relative anonymity of the Internet, but if the proposal becomes law, it could be used to mount additional charges against anyone arrested in an Internet-related child sex crime.

"The Internet is a powerful communication tool that is being exploited by convicted sex offenders who have found cyberspace a convenient avenue for hiding their identity from young people," Carter said in a release. "Indiana must be proactive in establishing laws that address this type of deceitful behavior by convicted felons." The proposal would make it a Class D felony for a convicted sex offender to use social networking sites, chat rooms or instant messaging programs frequented by minors. The offense would be a Class C felony if the offender contacted a child or was previously convicted. A survey conducted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicated that as many as one in seven people between the ages of 10 and 17 has gotten unwanted sexual solicitations online in which contact was attempted in person, over the phone or through the mail. As many as a third of children with Internet access has been exposed to unwanted sexual material on the Web, the survey concluded. Carter's office said four states already have laws regulating sex offenders' access to social networking sites.