• Child Safety Restraints
• Missiles in your Car
• The Pinocchio Syndrome
• Bicycle Safety Tips
• More on Identity Theft
• Know the Rules: School Safety
• Winter Driving Tips
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Dog Attack!
• Being a Good Witness
• Identity Theft
• Cops On The Take
• Are You Ready? Recreation Boating Safety Tips
• Burglary Prevention

CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINTS by Deputy Mark McVey 

Why do some people put their children at risk?  The answer to that question has eluded law enforcement for years.  During the year 2001, in motor vehicle crashes involving children up to 12 years of age, 52% of the children killed had no type of restraint system used.  But, did you ever stop to realize that you might unknowingly be exposing your children to risk?  Look at this statistic for example.  Of the adults that take the time to place their children into a car seat only 21% of the children are properly belted in.  During the year 2001, 18% of the children killed in motor vehicle crashes were not properly restrained in their belting system.   

Seatbelts, infant car seats, convertible car seats and booster seats are all designed to redirect the force of the impact to the stronger points of our bone structure.  All restraint systems, when used properly, redirect and distribute the impact force to our hips, back and shoulders.  Children under the height of 4'9" cannot be properly restrained in a vehicle using an existing lap and shoulder belt; therefore booster seats are available and should be used. 

Sometimes, trying to figure out what the various manufacturers and different states require to match age and/or weight to what type of restraint system can be confusing.  Requirements set forth by Washington state law are listed below: 

•     All occupants of a motor vehicle must be restrained by an approved seatbelt assembly or a child restraint device.

•     All children under the age of 16 are the responsibility of the driver.

•     Under 1 year of age and weighing less than 20 pounds; use a rear facing infant car seat.

•     Between the ages of 1-4 or weighing 20-40 pounds; use a booster seat with vehicle lap and shoulder belt.

•     Between the ages of 4-6 or weighing 40-60 pounds; use a booster seat with vehicle lap and shoulder belt.

•     6+ years or weighing 60+ pounds; use a seatbelt.

Failure to comply will result in an $86.00 dollar ticket issued by law enforcement 

Remember, children under the height of 4'9", under the age of 8, or weighing 80 pounds can be at risk using the regular seatbelt.  Seatbelts in vehicles are designed for individuals who are taller than 4'9" over the age of 8 and weigh more than 80 pounds. Children also should never be placed into the front seat of a motor vehicle.  Most collisions that occur are frontal impact.  Keep your children as far away from airbags and the impact area as possible, put them into the backseat.

 Let's take responsibility for our children and keep them safe.  

Missiles In Your Car by Deputy P. Dawson                                                     Index

Have you ever stopped to think about all those loose items you have lying around in your vehicle? Think, for instance, especially around the Christmas holiday, about all those newly purchased presents, such as a VCR, TV, stereo, or bowling ball.  Have you ever thought where those items might end up if your involved in a collision?  Well, you really need to consider it.

 In motor vehicle collisions (MVC’s), even small items can become dangerous projectiles. Most people put items in their backseat, which wouldn’t normally seem like a problem. However, during a collision, those items can become dangers to passengers inside the vehicle and potentially cause serious bodily injury. Over the past several years, we have seen an increase in head injuries, sometimes fatal, caused by objects flying around the passenger compartment during a MVC. The weight of a seemingly light object changes dramatically during a collision due to the forces involved.  

During my years as a Deputy Coroner and Wyoming State Trooper, I have investigated numerous head-on and rollover MVC’s.  I have seen speakers, TV's, briefcases, groceries, and many other items cause injury by becoming projectiles. During a rollover accident, loose items in the vehicle go everywhere.  Please, just as we remember to buckle up our seatbelts, also try to remember to secure items inside your car and place them in the trunk whenever possible.  If you have an SUV, consider purchasing a screen to place between the passenger and the luggage compartment or use a cargo net to secure the items. 

 If you think it won't happen to you, just remember that is what the people involved were thinking.

 Drive Safe!

THE PINOCCHIO SYNDROME by Deputy H. Wright                                                 Index

When we talk about issues with our children, we typically go over the common things like staying away from drugs and alcohol, don’t talk to strangers, or let your parents know where you are at all times.  The one thing that gets missed much of the time is the importance of telling the truth.  “The truth shall set you free” may not always be the case, but it certainly speaks for a person’s character at a time when they may need it the most.  If we instill this value in our children at a young age, then it won’t be so difficult to expect that of them when they are older.   

Lying is a common defense and self-preservation tool that kids use to either avoid consequences or “save face.”  Law enforcement officers deal with people who are untruthful, often many times during their workday.  If there were more energy placed into the importance3 of telling the truth, the whole world would run a lot smoother.

 The key is to establish with your children that lying is a “no-win situation,” and that when they tell a lie, it’s just like entering a room without any doors or windows…there’s just no way out.  Children need to have a moral foundation for wanting to tell the truth and what works best is to help build their conscience at a young age.  They need to have a sense of what is right and wrong and be able to feel empathy for others.  

Too much violence in the world damages our children and desensitizes them from feelings of responsibility and telling the truth.  Lying becomes an easy and normal response for some.  Kids are very intelligent and yet very easy to influence, therefore, we as adults, need to show them how telling the truth is not just “an option,” it’s the ONLY OPTION.

Bicycle safety Tips by Sergeant E. Bockelie                                                Index

Introduction

Riding a bicycle is more than basic transportation; it can be a fun and exciting hobby as well as a great source of exercise. When you ride you're not alone. You share the road with cars, trucks, pedestrians, and other cyclists. More and more cyclists are taking to the roads, trails, and paths this summer and an accident can quickly turn a bicycle adventure into a bicycling tragedy.  For children, the bicycle is usually considered a toy, however this “toy” is one of the major causes of head injury in children.  Children account for about half of all bicycle-related fatalities.

Bike size

Parents often make the mistake of selecting a bike that is obviously too big for their child, thinking that he/she will grow into it. Not only is learning to drive and ride an oversized bike extremely difficult, but much of the enjoyment is lost and the risk of falls and collisions is increased.
 

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Bicycle Patrol encourages you to follow these tips, which can go a long way to help prevent serious injury or death in bicycle riders of all ages:

    Always wear an approved helmet

    Obey all traffic signs and signals

    Ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic

Use hand signals

    Left        Right        Stop

    Ride in a straight line

    Be alert for road hazards

    Use lights and reflectors at night

    Be aware of parked cars with doors that may open                   

    Look out for cars at cross streets and driveways

    Ride you bike near the right-hand edge of the road

Additional safety tips:

·         Give pedestrians the right-of-way

·         Ride defensively

·         Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements, make eye contact with drivers

·         Keep your bike in good condition

·         Dress to be visible

IDENTITY THEFT by Detective M. Rodrigue                                                     Index

There are many ways that identity thieves can steal your identity.  We all place personal information on many documents in our day-to-day lives.  Writing checks, applying for credit or credit cards, filling out tax forms, completing applications for services.  Many of us keep our personal information on our computers, and without proper safeguards this information can be accessed by outsiders.  While we can’t completely prevent identity theft, we can take steps to quickly identify when our information has been stolen so we may report the theft to law enforcement. 

• The U.S. government offers identity theft information through their website at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft.
• There is also an Identity Theft Prevention and Survival website at http://www.identitytheft.org/index.htm that offers information and tips.
• The National Consumers League offers tips concerning fraud via the Internet at http://www.fraud.org/welcome.htm.

 What Should I Do If I've Become A Victim Of Identity Theft?

 If you think you've become a victim of identity theft or fraud, act immediately to minimize the damage to your personal funds and financial accounts, as well as your reputation. Here's a list -- based in part on a checklist prepared by the California Public Interest Research Group (CalPIRG) and the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse -- of some actions that you should take right away:

 Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the situation, whether –

 Online, (www.consumer.gov/idtheft/victim.htm)

 By telephone toll-free at 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338) or TDD at 202-326-2502, or

 By mail to Consumer Response Center, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580.

 Under the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, the Federal Trade Commission is responsible for receiving and processing complaints from people who believe they may be victims of identity theft, providing informational materials to those people, and referring those complaints to appropriate entities, including the major credit reporting agencies and law enforcement agencies. For further information, please check the FTC's identity theft Web pages. You can also call your local office of the FBI or the U.S. Secret Service to report crimes relating to identity theft and fraud.

 You may also need to contact other agencies for other types of identity theft:

• Your local office of the Postal Inspection Service if you suspect that an identity thief has submitted a change-of-address form with the Post Office to redirect your mail, or has used the mail to commit frauds involving your identity;
• The Social Security Administration if you suspect that your Social Security number is being fraudulently used (call 800-269-0271 to report the fraud);
• The Internal Revenue Service if you suspect the improper use of identification information in connection with tax violations (call 1-800-829-0433 to report the violations).

Call the fraud units of the three principal credit reporting companies:

 Equifax:

To report fraud, call (800) 525-6285 or write to P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374-0250. To order a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states), write to P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241, or call (800) 685-1111. To dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report. To opt out of pre-approved offers of credit, call (888) 567-8688 or write to Equifax Options, P.O. Box 740123, Atlanta GA 30374-0123.

 Experian (formerly TRW)

To report fraud, call (888) EXPERIAN or (888) 397-3742, fax to (800) 301-7196, or write to P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013. To order a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states): P.O. Box 2104, Allen TX 75013, or call (888) EXPERIAN.

To dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report. To opt out of pre-approved offers of credit and marketing lists, call (800) 353-0809 or (888) 5OPTOUT or write to P.O. Box 919, Allen, TX 75013.

 Trans Union

To report fraud, call (800) 680-7289 or write to P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634.

To order a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states), write to P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA 19064 or call: (800) 888-4213. To dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report. To opt out of pre-approved offers of credit and marketing lists, call (800) 680-7293 or (888) 5OPTOUT or write to P.O Box 97328, Jackson, MS 39238.

 Contact all creditors with whom your name or identifying data have been fraudulently used. For example, you may need to contact your long-distance telephone company if your long-distance calling card has been stolen or you find fraudulent charges on your bill.  

Contact all financial institutions where you have accounts that an identity thief has taken over or that have been created in your name but without your knowledge. You may need to cancel those accounts, place stop-payment orders on any outstanding checks that may not have cleared, and change your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, account, and Personal Identification Number (PIN).

 Contact the major check verification companies (listed in the CalPIRG-Privacy Rights Clearinghouse checklist) if you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up by an identity thief. In particular, if you know that a particular merchant has received a check stolen from you, contact the verification company that the merchant uses:  

• CheckRite -- (800) 766-2748
• ChexSystems -- (800) 428-9623 (closed checking accounts)
• CrossCheck -- (800) 552-1900
• Equifax -- (800) 437-5120
• National Processing Co. (NPC) -- (800) 526-5380
• SCAN -- (800) 262-7771
• TeleCheck -- (800) 710-9898

 (The above information was obtained from the US Department of Justice ID Theft website, http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html)  

 Know the Rules: Going To and From School Safely by Deputy Eric Adams             Index

1. Instruct your child to always take a friend when walking or riding a bike to and from school.
2. Even though there is safety in numbers, when it is possible provide supervision for your young children. Whether it is you as a parent or an older sibling, this will help insure their safe arrival to and from school.
3. Your child should stay with a group while waiting at the bus stop. If anyone should bother your child, you should teach him or her to get away from that person, and tell a trusted adult.
4. You should visit the bus stop with your children and learn the bus number.
5. Instruct your children that if someone they don’t know or feel comfortable with offers a ride, say NO.
6. Tell your children that if someone follows them on foot to get away from him or her as quickly as possible. If someone follows them in a vehicle, they should turn around and go in the opposite direction. They should go where a trusted adult can help and advise them what happened.
7. Teach your children if someone ever tries to take them somewhere, they should quickly get away and yell. (This person is trying to take me away)
8. Children should be taught to never leave school with someone they don’t feel comfortable with or know. They should always check with you or another trusted adult first. Even if the person says it is an emergency, they should check first.
9. If your child walks to school, walk the route to and from with your children pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they are being followed or need help. Make sure that their route takes them on main roads rather than through isolated areas or would be short cuts.
10. Remember to practice these safety rules with your children to make certain that they really know and understand them. Make the walk to and from school a teachable moment and a chance to put their skills to the test.

 Website resource information for child safety

www.missingkids.com

surfsafely.com/surfsafety

www.safekids.org

www.strangerdanger.info

www.safetycops.com/stranger_danger.htm

www.mcgruff.org

www.ncpc.org

Winter Driving Tips by Deputy Tim Young                                                             Index

The weatherman said we should get ready for a cold winter this year.  One of the problems with cold winters is that many of our vehicles are not prepared to deal with the change in climate.  Go through this checklist to make sure you make it through this winter. 

1.  Inspect your vehicle; this includes making sure that your battery and charging system are in good working order. Starting your vehicle in cold weather takes a lot more out of your battery than when the weather is warm. Check all your belts and hoses and make sure they are not cracked or worn. You know Murphy’s law, if something bad is going to happen, it will happen when it is most inopportune and you may find yourself stranded somewhere.
2. “Winterize your car.”  Make sure the coolant in your radiator is ready for the colder temperature.  Having enough anti-freeze in your radiator is the difference between a cracked engine block and a running vehicle.  Repairing this problem is very costly.  Gas stations will usually check your antifreeze for you, but if you want to do it yourself, you can buy your own tool from an auto parts store for a few bucks. 
3. Check your windshield wipers and your defroster.  Make sure they are doing a good job of keeping your windshield as clear as possible.  Poor visibility can lead to accidents. 
4. Be prepared for delays.  Automobile accidents can leave you stuck in traffic for hours at a time.  Pack a blanket, some non-perishable food items, and some water or a two liter of soda pop and leave it in your vehicle.  Those items may come in handy in the event that you get stranded with automobile problems or are forced to wait while accidents are investigated and cleared up. 
5.  SLOW DOWN.  If bad weather hits, the best thing you can do to avoid getting into an accident is to slow down.  By increasing the distance between you and other vehicles, you should be able to react in time to upcoming dangers. If driving in snow, exaggerate the amount of distance you normally would have between you and other vehicles.  Make your turns gradually and accelerate and decelerate slowly.  Keeping traction is the key to controlling your vehicle in the snow.

SEARCH AND RESCUE by Deputy M. Rufener                                                     Index

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for all Search and Rescue (SAR) missions within the county.  The sheriff’s office SAR program consists of four Coordinators (1 Sergeant and 3 Deputies) and is currently working on adding 2 additional Deputies.  We also utilize volunteer resources consisting of over 191 members belonging to several volunteer organizations.  

Typical SAR missions include:

·        Searching for missing children, disabled persons, or the elderly.

·        Searching for missing aircraft and locating radio distress beacons used by aircraft and boats.

·        Searching for evidence of major crimes in outdoor settings. 

·        Recovering victims of drowning and other marine emergencies. 

·        Assisting with floods and other disasters. 

 The Search and Rescue volunteer organizations are as follows:

• Explorer Search and Rescue- "ESAR"

(This group consists of both adults and youths.)

• Mobile Electronic Support Unit- “MESU”
• Olympic Mountain Rescue- "OMR"

For the year 2000, the groups totaled over 1,187 hours of volunteer time and traveled 6,205 miles in mission responses both locally and to assist in other counties in our state (this was a slow year). The same units logged 23,205 miles and 13,028 hours for training in 2000.  In addition to that, SAR volunteers have provided over 893 hours of public education and awareness traveling a total of 4,858 miles in the process.  Using market survey formulas for man-hours and miles traveled, Kitsap SAR volunteers have provided services in and for this county valued at an estimated $334,228. 

Regardless of where you go hiking, there are things that can be done to aid in your safety and below is a simple list of ten essential items that if carried and used properly can aid in your survival odds in the wilderness if you become lost or even injured while enjoying the great outdoors.

THE TEN ESSENTIALS

To provide for proper safety and shelter in the wilderness, always carry the following minimum equipment with you:

1) Map of area                                                         6) Waterproof matches

2) Compass                                                              7) Fire starter

3) Extra clothing                                                     8) Waterproof flashlight

4) Extra food                                                           9) Sunglasses

5) First aid kit                                                         10) Pocket knife     

Other items proven useful include a whistle, rope, large trash bags, rain gear, wool clothing, hat, insect repellent and sunscreen.  Remember, these items will be of little value, with out the knowledge of how to put them to use in an emergency. This list is only the barest essentials and for your comfort, additional items will be needed depending on your planned destination and time of year.  A cell phone and/or a GPS unit are more modern items that can be added to your list of items to carry, but do not substitute the tried and true items above thinking that these will be enough.  For lots of different reasons, including but not limited to, low or dead batteries, poor training or no training on how to use the equipment properly not to mention it becoming damaged in a fall or other mishap.

 If you follow common sense rules of being outdoors, carry the essential items for survival and have the knowledge of how to use them you increase your chances of survival if the unthinkable should happen to you or your hiking companions.

Avoiding a Dog Attack by Deputy J. Carey                                                         Index

Dogs are said to be man’s best friend, but they do have the capacity to bite, and unfortunately children are sometimes the ones to get bitten.  This can be avoided by some basic safety information.  Everyone should learn how to behave around dogs, especially children.

 Basic Behavior: 

• Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog.
• Do not tease a dog.
• Do not put your hand through a fence to pet a dog.
• Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not approach a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
• Approach dogs slowly and carefully, allowing them to sniff you first.
• Do not make loud noises around dogs.
• Do not play with dogs unless supervised by an adult.
• Stay away from stray dogs.

If you are attacked or threatened by a dog:

• Try to stand still and be calm.  (Do not scream and run).
• Give the dog a book or backpack to chew on.
• Cover your head, neck, and face.
• Slowly back away.  Do not turn your back on the dog.
• Avoid direct eye contact.
• If you fall down or are knocked over, curl into a ball, cover your head, and lie still.
• Remember, a dog will usually bite the part of the body that it is closest to.

 If you are bitten: 

• Tell your parents immediately.
• Get medical treatment if necessary.
• Report all dog bites to Animal Control.  Try to include as much information as possible about the description of the dog, location, and where it might live.

Remember, most dog bites are avoidable.  By knowing how to behave around dogs, you can help keep dogs man’s best friend. 

Kitsap County Animal Control  (360) 698-9654 

BEING A GOOD WITNESS By Deputy S. Montague                                                Index

Hello, I am Deputy Montague from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.  We appreciate your support and most importantly your interest in our community.  We, the members of the Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild strive to keep the community informed and safe, and you can help, too! 

A Boy Scout recently asked me what he could do to help law enforcement officers protect our community.  I had to think his question for a few moments because law enforcement officers are in the business of helping people, not the other way around.  The one thing I could think of, however, was how hard it was to investigate a crime when a witness could not remember details of what they saw or heard.  I told the Scout that the best way he could help law enforcement and our community, was to be a good witness.  

A good witness is someone who remembers the details, such as the height, weight, hair color and style, and clothing of a suspect.  If a vehicle was involved, a good witness would remember a license plate, color, make, model, and any other identifying marks.  A good witness would probably consider carrying a pen and paper with them to write these things down as they happen or immediately after.  The longer you wait to write information down the more you forget. 

 But, most importantly, we would never want to see a witness hurt, so please don’t try to get involved if a crime occurs…just be a good witness by calling 911 and writing down everything you see and hear as soon as possible.

 Thank you for supporting law enforcement and our community!

Don't Be A Victim of Identity Theft by Deputy Joe Cleere                    Index

    Here are some suggestions on what to do if you are the victim of mail theft, fraud, stolen wallet/purse, or identity theft, and tips on preventing it.  These types of crimes are on the increase and are very prevalent in today’s society. Often times, thousands of dollars in charges can be racked up in a short amount of time, causing extreme financial problems, bad credit, false criminal history, and large headaches.

Tips on prevention: 

1.  Send outgoing bills and other sensitive mail through the post office. If you have a mailbox that is not easily visible from your residence, think about getting a post office box, or a locked mailbox. Check your mailbox as soon after mail delivery as possible. Talk to your neighbors and keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Call 9-1-1 if you see someone suspicious going through mailboxes and give a description of the person(s) and vehicle, especially the license plate number. Have your new checkbooks sent to your bank where you can pick them up in person. 

2.  Keep all sensitive information, check books, and credit cards and account information in a safe, hidden, locked location (not a dresser drawer), preferably a safe, lock box, or safe deposit box at a bank. Do not lend your credit cards or checkbook to anyone not authorized to make purchases, do not give anyone your PIN number. Do not keep your PIN number for your ATM cards in your wallet or any other easily accessible area. Always keep your wallet or purse in a safe and secure place. Do not leave them or other items unsecured in your vehicle, work area, or shopping cart. 

3.  Be leery of giving any personal information to anyone over the telephone or internet. Photocopy your important documents front and back, like your drivers license, credit cards, ATM cards, and social security card, especially the items kept in your wallet or purse. Keep the copy in a secure place. This will help you remember what was in your wallet or purse if it is stolen. The copies should also have the numbers should you need to call to report them as stolen.

 What to do if you are a victim: 

1.  Call 9-1-1 and report the incident as soon as possible. File a police report, and get a case number. Additional information can always be added later, it is important to report it immediately. Ascertain exactly what may have been taken. 

2.  Call your bank and advise them if you have had checks stolen. You will need to cancel the checks, and probably open another account under a different account number. Give the bank the case number, they will alert law enforcement if the stolen checks are being used. Get copies of any stolen checks that were used, and send a copy to the investigating police agency.  Call your credit card companies. They will cancel the cards, and also provide an alert on unauthorized use. They can also generate reports of usage of stolen cards, which includes date and times as well as location where it was used. Have the company send these to you, make copies and provide them to the investigating police agency. 

3.  Immediately call the three national credit reporting agencies to report the theft. They are:

               Equifax – 1-800-525-6285

               Experian (formerly TRW) – 1-800-301-7195

               Trans Union – 1-800-680-7289.

It is important that you call and have a fraud alert placed on your name and social security number. Criminals can and will try to get as many cards in your name as they can. They will within days max out any credit that you may have, as well as credit fraudulently received in your name. This can amount to thousands of dollars of charges in your name, as well as a bad credit rating.

 4.  If your drivers license was stolen, report it to DOL. In some states criminals can change a victims driving information on line. Get a new license as soon as possible. If you suspect someone has taken your social security number and is using your identity to commit crimes, call the Social Security Administration fraud line at 1-800-269-0271. Most credit card companies and banks require your social security number, so safeguard it and call the fraud line immediately.

  These are just a few suggestions to help keep you from being a victim of the growing crimes of mail theft, fraud, and identity theft. Always be vigilant in safeguarding your property, the days of leaving doors unlocked is over. These are crimes of opportunity, and today’s criminals will take you for all that they can. Limit or eliminate the damage these criminals can cause by taking preventative steps like the ones mentioned above. Talk to your neighbors, watch out for each other, and work together to help law enforcement agencies stop this rising problem.

                                                                                                                                                                    Index

Cops On The Take

First he takes the Oath.

Then he takes it in stride when people call him "pig."

He takes time to stop and talk to children.

He takes your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserve.

He takes on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.

He takes time away from his family to keep you safe.

He takes your injured child to the hospital.

He takes the graveyard shift without complaint because its his turn.

He takes his life into his hands daily.

He takes you home when your car breaks down.

He takes time to explain why both  your headlights have to work.

He takes the job no one else wants...telling you a loved one has died.

He takes criminals to jail.

He takes in sights that would make you cry.

Sometimes he cries, too, but he takes it anyway, because someone has to.

If he is lucky, he takes retirement.

he takes memories to bed each night that you couldn't hear for even one day.

Sometimes he takes a bullet.

And yes, occasionally he may take a free cup of coffee.

Then one day he pays for all he has taken and God takes him home.

-Author Unknown

Are You Ready? by Marine Patrol Deputy Ron Zude                                                     Index

    Boating season is now upon us in the Great Northwest, and Kitsap County attracts thousands of recreational boaters each year.  With over 230 miles of saltwater shoreline, boating in Kitsap County is one of the most popular activities.  With that also comes the increased possibility of boat and water related accidents and injuries.  Please read on....

First things first...is your boat equipment up to par?

    Boat equipment in Washington is regulated by the Revised Code of Washington along with US Coast Guard requirements (CFR's).  At a minimum, your vessel should be equipped with the following items:

    Back-Fire Flame Arrestor - Gasoline engines may backfire and cause the explosion of fuel vapors.  All motorboats, except outboards and diesels, must have USCG approved back-fire flame arrestor systems on each carburetor.  Arrestors must be clean and free of built up oil and dirt.

    Ventilation - All enclosed compartments containing engines and/or fuel tanks require ventilation to prevent the build up of explosive vapors/gasses.  Ventilation systems consist of both motorized and forced air systems.  Be sure your exhaust lines extend to the lowest parts of the bilges, and that intake lines extend below the carburetor.  Adequate ventilation, along with the proper ignition protected, marine application parts, can help prevent a dangerous or fatal explosion.

    Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's or Life Jackets) -  Vessels are required, regardless of size, to have one PFD for each passenger on-board.  PFD's need to be in good and serviceable condition, and must be the correct size for the passenger.  If you vessel is 16 feet or larger, you must also carry at least one Type 4 "Throwable device."  These commonly are USCG approved flotation cushions or life-rings.  We cannot stress how important it is that life jackets be readily accessible, and that each person is familiar with how to wear one.  The safest way to prevent accidental drowning is to wear your life jacket at all times while on the water.

Life jackets are REQUIRED for boaters 12 and under on boats under 19 feet (with certain exceptions), and on all Personal Watercraft operators.

    Sound Producing Device -  Vessels must be equipped with at least one efficient sound producing device.  Vessels over 39.4' must also be equipped with a bell at least 7.8 inches in diameter. Sound producing devices commonly consist of whistles, and horns (both electric and compressed air).

    Visual Distress Signals - Vessels are required to carry visual distress signals consisting of three daytime, and three nighttime USCG approved distress signals.  Vessels less than 16 feet are exempt from carrying daytime signals, but if equipped for operation at night, must carry the nighttime requirement.  Flares and rockets are often approved for both day and night use, and usually come in packs of three, meeting the day and night requirements.  Distress signals expire!  Be sure and check the expiration date on the signal yearly.

    Fire Extinguishers -  All vessels with fixed or enclosed fuel tanks, closed living spaces, and closed areas where combustible materials are stored, are required to carry USCG approved fire extinguishers.  For vessels up to 25 feet in length, one type B-1 extinguisher is required.  For vessels 26-40 feet in length, two type B-1 or one type B-2 is required.  For vessels 40-65 feet in length, three type B-1, or one B-2 and one B-1 extinguisher is required.  Fixed engine compartment fire extinguishing systems count as one type B-1 extinguisher.  Fire extinguishers also expire and lose pressure, check them each boating season.

Again, these are minimum requirements.  We are proud of boat operators that exceed the above safety requirements and they should be examples to others.

Secondly, some operating tips..

    Ever wonder about wakes?  Wakes are what your boat produces when it moves through the water.  Wakes can damage other boats, and in some cases, cause personal injury or death.  Kitsap County Ordinance 10.36.130 prohibits creating a wake or operating a vessel greater than 7 nautical miles per hour within 150 feet of any pier, breakwater, or shoreline.  Boat operators are responsible for any and all damage caused by their wake.

    What about Water-skier flags?  State law provides for the display of a water-skier flag, defined as a 12" by 12" international orange or red flag on a 24" pole, to be displayed anytime a water-skier is in the water (not up skiing).

Now, to break the myth of "Alcohol and Boating go together."

    For years there has been what some call a "relationship" between recreational boating and the consumption of alcohol.  Some boaters will tell you that "There's nothing like a cold beer while cruising on the boat."  Well, that "relationship" is costing lives every year and there is a growing "zero tolerance" policy by marine enforcement officers for boating under the influence.  What some may not realize is that boating generally compounds the effects of alcohol unlike what a person on land might feel.  We call these compounding elements "Stressors."

    The major daytime stressors that can compound effects of alcohol are: fatigue, noise, shock, heat, sun glare, time pressure, and vibration.  All of these stressors can be present at night, with the exception of sun glare.  At night, additional stressors such as, dark adaptation, moon glare, and background lighting are present.  Stressors have the potential of increasing the intoxicating effects of alcohol as much as 30%.  You can see how "just a couple of beers" can lead to trouble, not to mention arrest.  Please do your part in breaking the myth.

    The Kitsap County Sheriff Marine Patrol, as well as the USCG, Poulsbo Police, and Bainbridge Island Police, will be out there this boating season in effort to save lives and make Kitsap County a safe recreational boating area.  We hope your season is wonderful, and ask that all boaters do their part to assist us in this effort.  If you have questions, feel free to send me an email at rzude@kcdeputies.org.  For your free copy of the Washington Boaters Guide, leave me your name and mailing address.  This guide contains a wealth of boating information, as well as boat sewage disposal locations and other parks information.

Burglary Prevention by Deputy Lori Blankenship                                                                                                    Index

Reducing Criminal Opportunity is the foundation from which Crime Prevention is built.

 Crime Facts

Burglary is the most prevalent neighborhood crime.  Most people believe that residential burglaries occur during the nighttime when people are not home. The truth is that more burglaries occur during daylight hours when people are away at work or on vacation. Household burglary is one of the easiest crimes to commit and the hardest to solve.

Household burglary is one of the most rapidly increasing major crimes in the nation. Statistics show that in over one-half of the household burglaries no forced entry is made.

What should you do if you arrive home and discover that your door has been kicked or pried open or a window has been broken out?

DO NOT ENTER YOUR HOME.  It is unknown if the burglar is still in your home. Household burglary has a high potential for death or injury in cases where the property owner surprises a burglar.  Immediately call 911 either on your cell phone or go to a neighbors and call. 

PREPAREDNESS AND AWARENESS IS THE KEY TO PREVENTION.  

**Get to know your neighbors.
**Organize a neighborhood meeting and establish a crime watch in your neighborhood.
** Be aware of suspicious vehicles and subjects in your neighborhood.
**If you see a suspicious vehicle write down the license plate and description of the vehicle.
**Try to obtain a good description of the subject (s). 
**Security systems have proven to be an effective deterrent.
**Install appropriate lighting systems around your home. 
**Take photographs and document serial numbers of important items.
**Engrave your personal ID number on your belongings

STAY SAFE!

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