Continue reading »]]> From 6:00 PM EST, Fri., Jan 20, 2012 until 11:00 AM EST, Sat., Jan 21, 2012    

Issued by The National Weather Service Cincinnati/Wilmington, OH

Fri, Jan 20, 2012, 3:21 PM EST

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM EST SATURDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WILMINGTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR FREEZING RAIN… SLEET AND SNOW… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM EST SATURDAY. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* LOCATIONS… WHITEWATER VALLEY… MIAMI VALLEY AND CENTRAL OHIO.

* HAZARD TYPES… FREEZING RAIN… SLEET AND SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS… AROUND A QUARTER OF AN INCH OF ICE ACCUMULATION AND UP TO 1 INCH OF SNOW.

* TIMING… PRECIPITATION WILL DEVELOP THIS EVENING. INITIALLY…  THIS WILL BE MOSTLY SNOW. BUT IT WILL MIX WITH AND THEN CHANGE TO FREEZING RAIN. PRECIPITATION MAY CHANGE BACK TO SNOW AS IT TAPERS OFF EARLY SATURDAY MORNING.

* IMPACTS… HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED DUE TO REDUCED VISIBILITIES… ICE ACCUMULATIONS AND SNOW ACCUMULATIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER… A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF ICE AND SLEET ARE EXPECTED. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

Continue reading »]]> Shaq Shield is a free iPhone app that provides parents with the tools and knowledge they need to protect their children from online predators. Features of the app include:

• A Sex Offender Registry search
• Internet safety tips
• Glossary of Internet terminology
• Lingo used by children online
• Pledges by parents and children for shared internet responsibility

Guard your children from online predators. Download Shaq Shield from the iTunes App Store today.

Source: http://www.ohioicac.org/shaqShield.aspx

Continue reading »]]> Issued by The National Weather Service
Cincinnati/Wilmington, OH

Fri, Jan 13, 2012, 4:07 AM EST

… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST TODAY…

* LOCATIONS… SOUTHEAST INDIANA… NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND SOUTHERN OHIO.

* HAZARD TYPES… ACCUMULATING SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS… SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE LESS THAN AN INCH TODAY. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE BETWEEN 1 AND 2 INCHES.

* WINDS… WEST 20 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.

*TEMPERATURES… TEMPERATURES THIS MORNING WILL BE IN THE 12 TO 18 DEGREE RANGE. THESE READINGS ALONG WITH THE WIND WILL PRODUCE WIND CHILL VALUES OF ZERO TO 5 BELOW.

* TIMING… SNOW SHOWERS EARLY THIS MORNING WILL BECOME SCATTERED IN NATURE DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS OF FRIDAY MORNING. SNOW SHOWERS WILL TAPER OFF BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS… SLICK SPOTS CAN BE EXPECTED ON UNTREATED ROADWAYS. TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH THE MORNING COMMUTE DUE TO ACCUMULATING SNOW. IN ADDITION… GUSTY WINDS WILL BLOW SNOW BACK OVER TREATED ROADWAYS AND CAUSE MORE SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. THE COMBINATION OF GUSTY WINDS AND SNOWFALL WILL RESULT IN REDUCED VISIBILITIES AS LOW AS A MILE AT TIMES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

REMEMBER… A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLICK ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES… AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

Continue reading »]]> The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office now offers online submission for business and house check request while away from your business or home. Please share this information with friends and family to help our office better server and protect your personal property. You can access these online submission forms by “Clicking Here” or go to our Public Services tab.

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Continue reading »]]> Perspective is how we look at things around us. I would like to share some information from our records section that will indeed influence your perspective. We are battling a huge epidemic. The epidemic is thefts from motor vehicles. Our patrol officers have been taking an extraordinary amount of these reports and spending the time associated with filing reports and seeking the culprits responsible.

As you can see from the statistics below, over 1/3 of the time our officers spend is to take Theft reports. Further, of all those theft reports, nearly ONE HALF of those reports deal with one type of theft crime: THEFTS FROM MOTOR VEHICLES. As Lieutenant of the Detective Bureau, I see all incoming reports. I know this trend is the same month after month. November is not shaping up to be any better.

Total theft complaints are 37.7% of all reports. Theft from vehicles is 49.4% of all theft.

Total theft complaints are 31.7% of all reports. Theft from vehicles is 47.7% of all theft.

The theft items from vehicles have included: wallets, purses, cash, change, credit cards, prescription drugs, GPS units, XM radios, weapons, laptop computers, IPODS, phones, electronic game pads, and the list goes on. I understand a GPS unit is generally used in your motor vehicle. However, they most often cost $200.00 or more, and are very easy to get rid of on the street. Very few wind up in a pawnshop where they are documented and police can find them.

Credit cards and personal papers found in wallets and purses can do much more damage to your credit. Usually when stolen, it is at night, and they attempt using them within hours of the theft, while you are still sleeping. You awake to a nightmare of inconvenience and worry about continuing damage to your credit.

 The legislature in Ohio recently, in a change of the law this year, INCREASED the theft threshold from $500.00 to $1,000.00. This means the thief can now steal up to $1,000.00 of your property and it is still a misdemeanor crime of “Petty Theft”. A misdemeanor carries substantially less penalty than a felony. Since these crimes are misdemeanors, they get attention after the more serious felony crimes.

 With the upcoming holiday season, I expect to see more of these trends in crime. I am concerned shoppers will leave packages in their motor vehicles. It will create an irresistible temptation to the thief.

I believe it is possible for everyone to enjoy a trouble free holiday season and help us in law enforcement to eliminate this type of crime. If every citizen will help law enforcement officers by being responsible to remove all valuables from their vehicles, these crimes COULD NOT HAPPEN. I realize it is a deterrent to lock your car. However, we also take reports on criminal damaging, like when your car window is broken.

I hope everyone who reads this article gains perspective and makes a positive decision not to become a victim. I hope the thieves will be the disappointed ones.

Continue reading »]]> September continues to be a safe month in Pickaway County with no fatalities listed on local roadways.  As autumn approaches, motorists need to be aware that the beauty of the season brings with it certain hazards that can cause motor vehicle accidents.

“As Fall approaches, I encourage motorists to make sure they watch out for the potential of deer running into the roadways,” noted Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff.  “The season increases the amount of deer strikes here in this community, and statewide.”

Motorists should be aware of the potential for deer strikes, especially at sunset and throughout the nighttime hours.

Also, motorists should remember that falling leaves can add to already hazardous conditions when moisture stays on the roadways.  Rain, and even an early snowfall, will add to the potential for an accident with leaves and other debris lying on the roadways.  As with all inclement weather, motorists should plan ahead and drive with caution.

Finally, Safe Communities Director Teresa C. Carper notes that speed is a continuing issue and contributor to accidents in Pickaway County.  “Drivers should note that we at the Safe Communities Program will be highlighting the need to stay within the speed limit and drive safely throughout the year.  Speed is a major contributor to fatalities in our county, and we want drivers to note that it is a matter of safety and the law.”

 The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office will also spend part of their High Visibility grant in 2011-2012 in making sure drivers slow down in Pickaway County.

For more information on safe driving habits and what you can do to  prevent fatalities, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at www.nhtsa.gov .

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A reminder from the Safe Communities of Pickaway County Program was released today reminding all travelers that as the Holidays approach, and the festivities begin, that planning ahead can be one of the best gifts for this season. Designating a sober driver should always be a part of any Holiday party plan.

“Many will say that this is the happiest time of the year”, stated Safe Communities Director Teresa C. Carper.

“We ask that everyone embraces the spirit of driving sober this season, and make it the safest as well.”

During December 2009, there were 753 people killed in crashes that involved drivers or motorcycle riders will a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or above. These national statistics prove that sacrificing your life and the life of others by driving a motor vehicle after a few drinks can result in a tragedy for you and your loved ones. Furthermore, driving impaired can warrant plenty of unwanted gifts such as attorney fees, court costs, car repairs, lost time at work, and higher insurance rates. Remember that “Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving”, and driving impaired is just not worth the risk.

“My deputies will be out on extra patrols during this Holiday Season”, stated Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff.

“We know that the holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s highways due to drunk driving, and I ask drivers to report anyone that they believe may be driving impaired.”

The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office will use funding from the High Visibility Enforcement grant throughout the November 27-December 11, 2011 pre-holiday season, as well as the December 16, 2011-January 2, 2012 Holiday Enforcement period to have extra patrols throughout the county.

“Those who plan their parties carefully should also plan for their friends to get home safe. Make sure there is a designated driver, and serve beverages without alcohol for those who take on that responsibility”, noted Carper.

Continue reading »]]> As families and friends prepare to gather for the Thanksgiving Holiday, motorists should remember that getting to their destination safely is the best beginning to the celebration.  Thanksgiving can be a dangerous time for motorists, especially the unbelted ones.  Safe Communities of Pickaway County asks that you buckle up whether you are traveling day or night.

“Seat belts save lives and they are the best defense against a crash-related injury and fatalities”, noted Director Teresa C. Carper.   “Almost one in five American fail to buckle up regularly, and since you can improve your chances of surviving a crash by almost 50%, it just seems logical to take those few seconds to buckle up.”

During the Thanksgiving Holiday travel season in 2009, 303 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide.  Of that amount, 52 percent were unrestrained.  Furthermore, there were an estimated 12,713 lives saved in 2009 because of seat belt use.

“We at the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office want all of our citizens and visitors to our area to arrive safe and enjoy their Holiday”, noted Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff.  “To ensure continued safety efforts, my deputies will participate in the High Visibility Enforcement Period, and we will have extra patrols on our highways and roadways.

Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect drivers and passengers, and reduce fatalities, the Safe Communities of Pickaway County asks Pickaway County citizens to “Buckle Up…Every Trip, Every Time”.

“Just remember to take four seconds to ‘Click It, Day and Night’”, concluded Sheriff Radcliff.

For more traffic safety tips, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at www.nhtsa.gov .

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Continue reading »]]> The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office announces a new look and layout to our long time hosted website. We have implemented many new features to stay up with times, such as social networking. Take the time to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and our RSS feed. Download mobile apps such as Twitter or Facebook to receive up to minute notifications on news and snow emergency alerts. Use our secure online CrimeReports to submit a tip anonymously about suspicious crime in your area. Look into our new active inmates listings under booking search. We have also implemented a mobile device friendly view when browsing our site on your mobile device such as an iPhone, Droid, and Blackberry. The site will automatically detect the connecting mobile device, and make our site easily viewable.

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The Circleville Downtown Business Association would like to extend an invitation to members of the local churches as well as students and faculty of the area schools to participate in a first ever KIDS & BADGES! Children of all ages would be given the opportunity to meet and learn more about their local service departments and their members.

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Continue reading »]]> Financial exploitation of the elderly is be-coming an increasingly familiar problem. Regular review of news headlines reveals that elders and vulnerable adults are victimized routinely by frauds, scams and identity theft, at the hands of strangers as well as loved ones, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. As technology advances, perpetrators keep step by becoming more creative.

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As a new school year begins, Safe Communities of Pickaway County encourages all students to remember the message from last year and “Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time”. Whether you drive just a few, or several miles to school each day, buckling your seatbelt is one of the best ways to ensure your safety when behind the wheel or as a passenger.

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A familiar slogan that depicts the Impaired Driving National Enforcement Crackdown has been updated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The time frame for law enforcement to increase patrols prior to and during the Labor Day Holiday, better known as “Over The Limit, Under Arrest”, is now touting the slogan “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. Although the updated call to drivers to not get behind the wheel impaired has a catchy sound to it, the intentions of law enforcement to be on the look-out for impaired driving is serious.

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Continue reading »]]> Fatality numbers improve slightly in July

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Safe Communities of Pickaway County today released the most recent traffic safety numbers for the calendar year 2011. Fatalities in Pickaway County again continue to follow the trend for 2010 with three fatalities listed to date. As in 2010, the first fatality of the year was in April, and two more are listed for the month of June. Motorcycle accidents have been more deadly this year with two of the three fatalities involving motorcycles. Motorcycle safety remains a priority for the Safe Communities Program of Pickaway County.

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Continue reading »]]> As Law Enforcement in Pickaway County gears up for the National Enforcement Mobilization “Click It or Ticket”, the Pickaway County Commissioners will show their support for the campaign at their meeting on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. The Pickaway County Commissioners will present a Resolution declaring the time period “Seat Belt Safety Awareness” for all Pickaway County Citizens. The Resolution will be presented to the Safe Communities Program and local law enforcement at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Pickaway County Courthouse.

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Continue reading »]]> The “Save Face” Seat Belt Challenge among Pickaway County schools brought some surprising results once all the points were added for the standings in the recent surveys, the points given for improvement in seat belt use, and the deductions given to those who chose to use their cell phone while driving or texting while driving.

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