Weekend Activity Log 7/25 - 7/27

This past weekend, Amherst Police Officers responded to 216 calls for service, and 9 individuals were either arrested or will be summonsed into court on criminal charges.

The primary offenses for which these persons are charged include:

Operation of a MV with Suspended License - 1 Person
Breaking and Entering (Daytime) - 1 Person
Warrant - 1 Person
Trespass Violation - 1 Person
Possession of Alcohol under 21 - 1 Person
Discharge a BB Gun on Public Way - 2 Persons
Possession of Class D (Marijuana) - 1 Person
Indecent Exposure - 1 Person

APD Supports Special Olympics

On Friday, August 8th, the Amherst Police Department will be the starting point of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The 3-mile run will begin at the Amherst Police Department at 7:50 pm and will end at UMass at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Massachusetts Special Olympics. The Special Olympics takes place August 8th through 10th. Nationally, the law enforcement community has been a long-time supporter and fundraiser for Special Olympics through the Torch Run and other events. In June, the Amherst Police Department participated in the first annual Cruiser Convoy where $8,000 was raised from police officers throughout the Commonwealth. Amherst’s involvement in this successful event was coordinated by Sergeant Chuck Nelson.

For more information on this year's 2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, please contact Lt. Bob O’Connor at 413-259-3208. You may also visit the Massachusetts Special Olympics website.

Photo of Sergeant Chuck Nelson (left) and Sergeant Brian Daly (right) with two Special Olympics athletes at the June 15th Cruiser Convoy event.

Adventure Academy Cancelled

The Amherst Police Department regrets to inform citizens that this summer's Adventure Academy has been cancelled due to insufficient interest and lack of applications. We apologize for not being able to provide this service to our community. Please check back periodically for updates and possible future programs.

Weekend Activity Log 7/18 - 7/20

This past weekend, Amherst Police Officers responded to 163 calls for service, and 3 individuals were either arrested or will be summonsed into court on criminal charges.

.

The primary offenses for which these persons are charged include:
.

Operation of a MV with Suspended License - 1 Person
Assault and Battery - 1 Person
OUI Liquor (4th Offense) - 1 Person

New! APD Crime Tip Line: 413-259-3344

In an effort to combat crime, the Amherst Police Department has installed a new tip line. Most incidents are witnessed by someone, and citizens often do not realize that they are witnesses until after they've left the scene or until they hear that a crime has been reported to the police. Some people want to help but are hesitant to get involved. The Amherst Police Department is hoping that these citizens will take advantage of the tip line, which is a welcome tool for investigators, as callers can remain anonymous if they wish.

Callers can reach the tip line at 413-259-3344 or online at http://www.amherstpd.org/.

Dial 911 for Police, Fire, or EMS

911 is the number to call in the event of an emergency when you need the police, fire department, or an ambulance. Dispatchers in the Amherst Public Safety Communications Center, located on the third floor of the Amherst Police Department on Main Street, are here twenty-four hours a day to answer calls and to send help. We hope that you won’t ever have to call, but, in the event of an emergency, keep the following tips in mind so we can get you the help that you need.

.

* Be sure to tell Dispatchers exactly where you are or where the help is needed. If you don’t know the name of the street you’re on, try to provide landmarks – house numbers, stores or restaurants, or other descriptive details – that will help responders find your exact location.

* Try to stay calm. It’s often difficult to remain in control during a crisis, and it may seem like Dispatchers are asking an awful lot of questions, but keep in mind that they are sending help to you while you’re still on the phone.

* Don’t hang up until the Dispatcher tells you to - even if you think you don't need help anymore. Responders may still want to touch base with you to be sure that the danger is gone. In the event of a medical emergency, Dispatchers are trained to provide pre-arrival instructions so they will remain on the line until the Paramedics or Police arrive.

* If you dial 911 by mistake, please stay on the line so that Dispatchers can verify that there is no problem and that it was a simple misdial. They may also want to verify your address and phone number in case you ever do call to report an emergency.

* Finally, please use 911 only for emergencies. Noise complaints, reports of stray dogs, or simple requests for information can be handled on the business line at 413-259-3000.

Molly Bish Motorcycle Ride 2008

The Amherst Police Department took part in the annual Molly Bish Memorial Motorcycle Ride this past Sunday, June 29th, 2008. Officer Todd Lang and Officer Derick Lamoureux were among more than twenty uniformed officers from around the state who assisted in escorting hundreds of motorcycles on the 37.5 mile ride. The Amherst Police Department has a long-standing dedication to the Molly Bish Foundation and is honored to be involved again this year. Additional information can be found at The Molly Bish website.