Posted on March 16, 2023 at 12:16 PM by Harvey Baker
Community Members,
The University Park Police Department participated in the Route 1 Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Initiative on March 7, 14, 2023. The assigned officers passed out pedestrian safety handouts and conducted traffic enforcement within the Town’s jurisdiction on Baltimore Ave from Pineway to East West Hwy. The Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Initiative calmed the traffic down on Baltimore Ave and resulted in 76 traffic enforcement actions to include the following: 14 state equipment repair orders, 36 written warnings, and 26 traffic citations.
Please be aware of pedestrians, slow down and drive safely.
Thank you,
Chief Harvey R. Baker
Posted on March 16, 2023 at 11:27 AM by Harvey Baker
Incident Type | Total | 911 DISCONNECT | 3 | ACCIDENT | 2 | ASSIST | 1 | ATT SUICIDE COMBINED | 1 | CHECK WELFARE COMBINED | 1 | CROSSING GUARD ASSIGNMENT | 2 | COMMUNITY WALKS | 28 | FIGHT | 1 | GUNSHOTS | 1 | LOST PROPERTY | 1 | PEDESTRIAN STRUCK COMBINED | 1 | PREMISE CHECK | 351 | RESIDENTIAL ALARM | 2 | STOLEN VEH | 1 | SUSPICIOUS AUTO | 1 | SUSPICIOUS PERSON | 1 | T - Traffic Stop | 90 | TRAFFIC ASSIGNMENT | 3 | TRAFFIC COMPLAINT | 5 | UNKNOWN TROUBLE | 1 | VEHICLE ACCIDENT COMBINED | 2 | Total Calls --> | 499 |
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Posted on March 14, 2023 at 12:32 PM by Harvey Baker
Community Members,
Ridesharing has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation for many. Since 2015, more than 36% of Americans have used ridesharing apps; it’s also lucrative for drivers as it’s flexible, convenient, reliable, and provides a steady stream of income. Riders make transportation arrangements using their smartphone and once confirmed the vehicle arrives and the rider gets in and drives off with very little concern for their personal safety. Annually, ridesharing companies conduct driver license and criminal history checks of their drivers; however, sometimes criminals slip through the cracks and pretend to be ridesharing drivers. These imposters often make their vehicles look “official” by applying fake stickers from the ride sharing company and then drive around late-night gathering spots or airports looking for riders. Unfortunately, fake rideshare drivers have been successful in their scheme and have committed robberies, rapes, and serious assaults; in 2020, a ride sharing company reported 998 sexual assaults. Rideshare crime has been down since the pandemic but there is an inherent risk with getting in a car with a “complete” stranger. The University Park Police understands this risk and offer these basic safety tips to keep you or a love one safe while using ridesharing apps.
Ridesharing Tips
- Confirm the driver’s information matches the reservation on the app.
- Check your driver’s rating. No or low ratings pick another driver.
- Verify the vehicle’s license plate from your reservation on the app.
- Verify the make and model of the vehicle from your reservation on the app.
- Ask the driver your name if they don’t know it, they are a fake driver. Don’t accept the ride.
- Take a rideshare with a friend.
- If you must take a rideshare alone, take a picture of the rear license plate, and send it to a friend or family member.
- Don’t accept a rideshare with a driver you have not confirmed using the app.
- Use your personal tracking app on your smartphone so family members know when you arrive home.
- Sit in the back seat. Distance can provide a defense barrier and a quick exit in case of an emergency.
If you ever feel unsafe while using a rideshare service, it is best to trust your instincts. Please don’t accept the ride.
Chief Harvey R. Baker