Amherst Police Arrest Fugitive From Pennsylvania

On Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Officers from the Amherst Police Department arrested a 29-year-old Pennsylvania man as a Fugitive From Justice after identifying him during a motor vehicle stop earlier that same morning.

Arrested was Louis A. Betances, of 712 West Linden St., Allentown, PA. Mr. Betances was arrested on Fairfield Street, in Amherst, without incident after Amherst Detective David Foster facilitated his surrender.

Mr. Betances is wanted on a felony arrest warrant out of Lower Saucon, Pennsylvania, on the following criminal offenses:

1. Attempted Criminal Homicide
2. Two Counts of Aggravated Assault

On July 27, 2010, Mr. Betances was transported to the Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown, MA, where he was arraigned on the fugitive charge.

The Amherst Police Department Launches Special Statewide Click It or Ticket Enforcement Effort

Massachusetts drivers and passengers should always wear their seat belts or be ready to face the consequences. That’s the message the Amherst Police Department will be sending as they check to make sure motorists are buckling up.

This special mobilization, being conducted July 23 through July 31, 2010, marks the second seat belt enforcement mobilization across the state this year. It is designed to increase seat belt use and decrease motor vehicle fatalities.

“Too many people still have the reckless attitude that a crash will never happen to them,” said Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingstone. “Unfortunately these tragedies can and do happen every day. The Amherst Police Department has taken a zero tolerance stance on seat belt use. Amherst Police Officers have issued 82 citations this year for failing to buckle up.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 64 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed in motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts during 2008 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. This is nine percent higher than the national average.

That’s why the Amherst Police Department is joining with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), and many other law enforcement organizations, to conduct this special Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization. This stepped-up law enforcement activity is funded by the EOPSS.

So remember, if you are pulled over for disobeying traffic laws, Amherst Police Officers WILL be checking to make sure drivers and passengers are wearing their seat belts. No more excuses. No more exceptions. Click It or Ticket.

The Amherst Police Department would also like to remind all drivers that motor vehicle crashes pose a tremendous risk for children. When properly installed, child safety seats reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a motor vehicle crash by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.

The Amherst Police Department conducts Child Passenger Car Seat inspections, once a month, by appointment only. Open to Amherst residents only, our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect child passenger car seats for wear and effectiveness and install them properly to assure the safest ride for our children. To schedule a 30-minute appointment either email the Amherst Police Department or call 413-259-3355 and leave a voicemail. This program is open to Amherst residents only. Out of town residents may contact the Western MA SAFE KIDS Coalition, which conducts weekly checkpoints on Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by appointment only at (413) 794-2255.

If you have questions concerning this mobilization please contact Sergeant William Menard or Patrolman Todd Lang at 413-259-3000. For further information you may also visit Highway Safety Division website.

* According to NHTSA, all numbers and percentages referencing belted or unbelted fatalities are based on “Known Usage.”

Officer Carlos M. Gutierrez is Deployed

Officer Carlos M. Gutierrez, a member of the Amherst Police Department since October 27, 2008, is being deployed to Afghanistan with his Massachusetts Army National Guard Unit. Officer Gutierrez is a member of the Alpha Co. 1-181 Infantry based out of Agawam, Massachusetts. He currently holds the rank of Sergeant and is serving as a Team Leader. Officer Gutierrez will begin his deployment to Afghanistan on August 3, 2010. This is his fourth deployment including two deployments while serving in the United Stated Marine Corps between 1998 and 2002. During his third deployment to Iraq in 2007, he was assigned to the U.S. Embassy, in Bagdad, providing personal security details and convoy security for embassy personnel and the United States Ambassador to Iraq.

Officer Gutierrez is a 1998 graduate of Charles H. McCann Technical High School, in North Adams, MA. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1998 and concluded his active duty status in 2002. He is a 2006 graduate of Southern Vermont College, in Bennington, VT, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Officer Gutierrez joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard in May of 2006. He currently resides in Granby with his wife, Jessica.

Officer Gutierrez graduated from the 44th Municipal Police Officers Training Academy in Springfield, MA, on March 19, 2009. He is currently assigned to the patrol division of the Amherst Police Department and is a member of the bicycle patrol. In Amherst Police tradition, the department will be honoring Officer Gutierrez’s continued service to our country and the Town of Amherst by placing a service star banner, with his badge number sewn on it, in the department’s roll call room. Officer Gutierrez will be returning from deployment mid-2011, and the department is looking forward to his safe return.

Adventure Academy: Day 5

A week of fun-filled activity has come to an end but not without excitement from high in the trees. Soon after the campers' arrival on the last day, they were brought back to the ropes course where their individual skills were challenged. Self confidence, pushing beyond one’s limits of personal comfort, and relying on the support of their classmates from below were skills necessary to accomplish the elements that each camper conquered.
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The three elements that the campers traversed were the Burma Bridge, Pamper Plank, and Zip Line. With some convincing, wise counsel, and the support of their friends, each camper pushed beyond his or her limits and set and surpassed the goals they had set for themselves on day one.
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Following the ropes course, the campers returned to the dining commons for one final display of culinary madness, and then it was off to the pool at Mill River. It didn’t take much convincing for the kids to go into the pool. After swimming, it was on to our annual game of hoops in which the academy staff ruled the court once again.
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Our graduation ceremony was led by Officer Lang who introduced Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingstone and UMass Police Deputy Chief Pat Archbald. Both had high praise for the program, its participants, and their support of it in the future. Following the pomp and circumstance, the campers left with their parents and siblings in tow.
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On behalf of the academy staff and members of each of our departments we offer thanks to the community, parents, and campers for making the 2010 adventure academy a big success.
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2010 Academy Graduates:
Andre Shepard, Mark Grabiec Jr. , Hunter Bascomb, Blake Grabiec, Griffin Donta, Calvin Renfrow, Austin Choquette, Jessica Crooker, Nina Choquette, Dalton Wesoloski , Ashely Borkowski, Abigail Hoisington, Morgan Farrick, Matt Salvage, Jack Sarnacki, Kira Cairn, Katie Dunn, Joseph Woynar, Zofia Noble, Riley Quinlan

Youth Adventure Academy: Day 4

Day four of the Adventure Academy was filled with hands-on activities for both the campers and staff alike. After arriving for the day, the campers went over to the St. Brigid's Parish Center where they were led through a defensive tactics component. The campers learned about the force continuum and how Officers are able to successfully control suspects while minimizing harm to both themselves and the person in custody. After doing many static drills, all campers were given handcuffs and were able to “arrest” one another. Campers were reminded to use proper instruction, maintain a safe distance, and search the suspect following a handcuffing.

After a hearty lunch, the campers returned to the ropes course where they participated in some high ropes initiatives including the dangle duo, two ships crossing, multi-vine, and the cat walk. It was fun to watch the team building unfold as many of the elements were two-person and required communication, trust, and leaving one’s comfort zone to accomplish goals.

You're Invited - Celebrating the Promise: Americans With Disabilities Act

20th Anniversary
Saturday July 24, 2010

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Stavros Invites You To Join Us:
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Amherst Town Common
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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LOTS OF MUSIC
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Los Ciegos del Barrio
(guaranteed to get you moving!)
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The Chris Burke Band
and The Berkshire Hills Music Academy Rainbow Players
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Food Vendors/Beverages
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APD Officers will be there for the Child I.D. Program
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GAMES
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Wheelchair Obstacle Course

Wheelchair Floor Hockey And Soccer Demonstration

PRIZES, FACE PAINTING

Check Out Community Resources and Equipment

SERVICE ANIMALS

AND LOTS MORE!

Detective Janet Lopez Returns From Deployment

Detective Janet Lopez, a member of the Amherst Police Department since 1999, has returned from her military deployment in Iraq. Detective Lopez, a member of the 747th Military Police Company based out of Ware, Massachusetts, joined the National Guard in 1995. She currently holds the rank of Sergeant First Class and is assigned as a Platoon Sergeant in her Military Police Company. Detective Lopez began this deployment to Iraq on July 5, 2009. This was Detective Lopez’s second deployment after first serving in Afghanistan in 2003.
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A graduate of Belchertown High School in 1996, Detective Lopez currently resides in Springfield with her two-year-old son, Angelo. Detective Lopez’s parents, Mayra and Dana DiCocco, also of Springfield, cared for Angelo during her deployment.
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Chief Livingstone stated, “I am very happy and relieved that Detective Lopez has returned home safely. I am certain that she has served her country with distinction, and we look forward to her return to work after a much deserved vacation.” It is anticipated that Detective Lopez will return to the Amherst Police Department in mid-August, 2010.
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During her 11 years with the Amherst Police Department, Detective Lopez was assigned to the patrol division for six years before being reassigned to the Detective Bureau in 2005. In her current position, Detective Lopez is the Department's Court Liaison Officer. She is an Adventure Ropes Course instructor, a child passenger safety seat technician, a defensive tactics instructor, and she is a member of the Amherst Police Department’s Warrant Entry Team.
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While deployed, Detective Lopez sent to the Amherst Police Department a United States Flag that was flown over the Al Asad Airbase, at the 747th Military Police Company’s Tactical Operation Center in Anbar Province, Iraq. This flag will be encased and hung in the community room of the Amherst Police Department in honor of Detective Lopez and all service members who have served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Youth Adventure Academy: Day 3

On day three of the Adventure Academy all of the campers arrived in good spirits even though Mother Nature indicated she wasn’t going to cooperate.
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After settling in, all of the campers were loaded into vans and brought to the Amherst Fire Department’s North Station for a tour of their station, a demonstration of their equipment, and a mock car accident in which the jaws of life were used. A big thank you goes out to our firefighters for putting on their turnout gear and for giving the campers such an informed program!
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Following lunch, which seems to be the campers' favorite activity day after day, they went to the Amherst High School gym where they participated in several more team-building initiatives. The day concluded with more low element challenges.
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Overall it was an enjoyable day and Officers could see the kids beginning to come together as one cohesive unit.

Youth Adventure Academy: Day 2

On day two of the Adventure Academy all of the participants returned along with the addition of one new camper. Apparently the activity level of day one was sufficient as several parents reported that their children came home and took naps. Did any academy staff do the same?
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After taking roll call, we departed for UMPD where campers were shown some of their department’s special units and equipment. This included the motorcycle unit, special operations, and the K-9 patrol. First was a presentation by Officer Kershaw, who is currently assigned to the motorcycle unit. Officer Kershaw explained the benefits of patrolling by motorcycle, the training required, and their role in the department.
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The second presentation of the day was given by Lt. Cyr. Lt. Cyr is currently the Officer in Charge of the special operations unit at UMass. Lt. Cyr explained the role of the unit as it relates to civil disobedience and showed several weapons systems used in combating this type of activity. Following the classroom portion of the presentation, the campers were taken to McGuirk Stadium where they observed several of the systems in live fire situations. The grand finale was the detonation of several smoke devices.
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The final presentation of the day was by Sgt. Dewolfe and his K-9, Bosco. Bosco is a 3-year-old German Shepard and he is a multi-purpose patrol dog. Bosco has the ability to find missing persons, locate drugs, and he does handler protection as well. Sgt. Dewolfe led Bosco through a simulated vehicle search and drug detection and concluded with a demonstration on handler protection.

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After lunch, the campers again went to the ropes course and began their journey upward. The campers participated in several low element initiatives to include the Mohawk walk, lord of the rings, wild woozie, and the swinging logs. During these activities Officers continued to stress the importance of teamwork, communication, and how plans can change and how important adaptability can be.

Youth Adventure Academy: Day 1

On July 12, 2010, Officers from the Amherst and UMass Police departments welcomed nineteen 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from Amherst and several surrounding communities to the 2010 Youth Adventure Academy.

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The academy gives Officers and youth the opportunity to participate in a week of team building activities while also developing new friendships.

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After being welcomed by Amherst Chief of Police Scott Livingstone and UMPD Deputy Chief Patrick Archbald, the campers were given a behind-the-scenes view of the Amherst PD. The campers were brought through the station and were able to view our dispatch center, detective bureau, records office, crime scene lab, and the jail.

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Following the tour, the campers participated in their first team activity where they were tasked with dressing one of their fellow campers in full riot gear. During this activity, campers were reminded to communicate with one another, and they saw first hand the importance of paying attention to detail and of teamwork.
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As with past adventure academies, the highlight of the day was a trip to the UMass dining commons! As expected, most campers realized that their parents weren’t lurking nearby and made nothing but “quality” food choices.
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Following lunch, they made their way to the Norwottuck Visitors Center where they participated in many team building initiatives. Officer Arocho was able to dig deep into his games arsenal and he led the group through many new and exciting activities.

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Day one of the academy was very successful, and campers promised that they would be back for day two to continue to challenge themselves further.

Amherst Police Receive $10,000 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Award

The Amherst Police Department was awarded $10,000 in grant funding as part of the 2010 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Grant Program from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). This program provides overtime funds for enforcement of underage alcohol laws through activities such as compliance checks, reverse stings, party patrols, surveillance patrols, and Cops in Shops. The EOPSS awarded 31 of these grants totaling over $310,000.

The Amherst Police Department intends to use this funding to assign extra patrols on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through the fall to enforce the open container of alcohol bylaw and underage drinking laws. During fiscal year 2009, Amherst Police Officers charged 355 persons with being minors in possession of alcohol. The Amherst Police Department has found that strict enforcement of liquor law violations has greatly increased the quality of living for those who reside in the center business district and those in the vicinity of the University of Massachusetts.

For more information on these increased enforcement efforts, please contact Lieutenant Robert J. O’Connor at (413) 259-3208.

According to the Fatality Reporting Analysis System (FARS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among young drivers between the ages of 15 and 20. Additionally, youths 15 to 20 years of age represented 9 percent of the U.S. population in 2007 and 6 percent of the licensed drivers; however, 19 percent of the fatalities in the United States in 2007 were related to young-driver crashes.

For more information on impaired driving, go the EOPPS website.