Petaluma Police Department

Our department’s looking a little more red than usual tonight, and that’s because we’re participating in Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s ‘Illuminate California’ which aims to remember victims of impaired driving by illuminating landmarks, buildings, and homes in red. “The color red, MADD’s signature color, symbolizes the courage and strength of the victims and their families. This occasion will signify the kickoff of the holiday season, highlighting efforts to save lives during one of the most dangerous times of the year on our nation’s roadways-the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The campaign also serves as a call to action to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, promote safer traffic measures and encourage responsible hosting, especially during a time when incidents of impaired driving increase. By lighting up landmarks in red, MADD hopes to remind the community of the importance of safe driving practices and to support its mission of eliminating drunk and drugged driving.” Driving under the influence is 100% preventable. Please help keep our community safe by planning ahead if you’re drinking. Utilize a rideshare, designate a driver, or call a taxi.

In the first episode of our ‘One Bad Decision’ series, hear from a DUI driver who has lived with the consequences of driving impaired. Future segments from victims, first responders, and families will be released to illustrate the profound impacts of One Bad Decision. Protecting Petaluma is always our priority, and one of the ways we do that is by Increasing traffic safety and educating people on the dangers of driving under the influence. Help keep our community safe by planning ahead if you’re drinking; designate a driver, utilize a rideshare, or call a taxi. Driving under the influence is 100% preventable. This video was produced by the Petaluma Police Department and sponsored by the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program. #police #policedepartment #californiahighwaypatrol #chp #DUI #madd

Congratulations to our newest Officers- Lucas Arios, Nathaniel Libeu, Edgar Farias, and Manuel Martinez who just completed the police academy! They were part of a Academy Class #215 that averaged a 91% grade! They’ll now begin our field training program before heading out on solo patrol. 🎉Welcome to Petaluma PD!

They’re usually experts on cookies, but now they’re experts on our department! Seven new little future officers joined us at the department for a tour, a stop in dispatch, training on fingerprinting, practicing talking on the radio, checking out a patrol car, and meeting the chief! Thanks for stopping by Girl Scouts!

District 2 Officers have been conducting extra patrols in shopping centers throughout the city to combat ongoing organized retail theft. We have made several arrests for shoplifting and grand theft in the past few weeks and continue to look for suspicious activity. We would also like to urge our community members to remain vigilant in securing their purchases. Steer clear of keeping valuable in your vehicle where they may be visible, try to park in well-lit areas when possible, and always remember to lock your car!

$13,500 is the average cost of a first-time DUI. Not exactly the kind of Black Friday purchase you should be planning to make. This holiday week, we advise you to steer clear of ~fowl~ play, which includes (but is definitely not limited to): driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, drug violations, assault, theft, and excessive gobbling (just kidding). 🚔We recognize a lot of the community will be out and about tonight, as well as throughout the weekend, which is why we’ll be conducting extra patrols in the area. 🦃 Please help us keep Petaluma safe by using a rideshare, taxi, or designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol. 🚨Community safety is always our priority. If you see a suspected drunk driver, please report it by calling 911. 🐶Shoutout to @petvethospital for the great sign! Here are some animal winter safety tips: 🦴-be careful giving your pets leftovers; splintered bones can cause severe damage 🎄-decorations might look like toys to them, so please watch low-hanging decorations and make sure your pet can’t snack on them 🥶-if it’s cold out to us, it probably is for your pet! Temperatures continue to drop tonight, so please be sure to keep your furry friends safe and dry

You know that cool gift you got your mom that she really wanted? Well, the Grinch wants it too. If possible, we urge the community to request delivery notifications/signatures or to schedule a delivery for when you’re home to ensure your package is not left unattended. Did you know we also have a security camera registry program? The community is often our biggest asset when investigating and solving crimes, and participating in the program helps our team process evidence and identify suspects faster. This is a completely voluntary program where you can register your home or business security cameras so in the event officers need surveillance footage, they know who to contact in the area. Things to note: • Police NEVER have access to your camera feed or equipment • It’s ALWAYS voluntary to provide footage • Police will ONLY contact you if it is believed that your camera may have captured relevant footage To register sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gsBZjq4C

Thinking about purchasing your child (or yourself!) an e-bike or e-scooter this holiday season? Before you do, you might want to check out the regulations associated with each. 🛴SCOOTERS (motorized or engine): -A motorized scooter has 2 wheels, a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard that you can stand on while riding it. -You can only drive motorized scooters on a bicycle path, trail, or bikeway, not on a sidewalk, and you cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph. -You do not need to register motorized scooters. -You can drive a motorized scooter with any class driver’s license (16 years of age) or learners permit (15.5 years of age) -You cannot have passengers -Helmets are required for all juveniles 🚲E-BIKES: An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Three classes of electric bicycles have been established: -Class 1: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached. -Class 2: A low speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached. -Class 3: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached. The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle: · Must be 16 years old or older. · Must wear a bicycle safety helmet. · Must not transport passengers. · May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance. ⚠️If an e-bike does not have pedals, it is not an e-bike and is considered an electric motorcycle which is subject to all to rules of the road as a conventional motorcycle. 💻 We also encourage you to enroll in CHP’s e-bike safety course here: https://lnkd.in/gPD-5QP4

October stats are in! Here’s ~what’s going on~!

Coming soon to a street near you: US! That’s right! The 2024 Santa’s Safety Parade is back next week starting on December 2nd. Check out our route maps and join us Monday-Wednesday beginning at 6:30pm. See ya there!