FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2014
SUN, SUMMER, AND SAFETY
State Law Enforcement Reminds Alabamians that Safety is Paramount for
Graduation and Summer Celebrations
[Montgomery, Alabama] As summer approaches and another school year ends, state law enforcement agencies partner to remind Alabamians whether they are celebrating close to home or traveling to one of Alabama’s lakes, beaches, or another destination, to ensure safety is part of their summer festivities.
Law enforcement officers across the state will collectively work together to create a highly visible enforcement presence and to promote public safety throughout Memorial Day weekend and the summer months ahead. Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier said, “Our goal is to reduce injuries and deaths by teaming together to serve and protect the citizens of Alabama.” In addition, state law enforcement will combine forces with county and municipal agencies in Alabama to conduct various details designed to enhance public safety and to enforce all laws, including traffic, boating, and alcoholic beverage laws.
With more than 45,000 Alabama high school seniors graduating this month, it is especially important to caution graduates, other teens, and their parents of the dangers associated with alcohol and drugs. Not only is it dangerous to use drugs and for anyone younger than 21 to consume alcoholic beverages, but it is against the law.
Law enforcement officers urge Alabamians to:
- Restrict access and closely monitoring teens to prevent underage use of alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Buckle up -- no matter how short the trip -- on the road or on the water. Occupants of all ages should use seat belts or child restraints when traveling by motor vehicles. On waterways, all occupants of water vessels should use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Focus on driving or boating and avoiding such distractions as texting and talking on cell phones.
- Slow down in construction zones along the way. Drivers pose the greatest danger in work zone crashes by not paying attention, speeding and driving while impaired or distracted.
- Report anything suspicious (at school, public venues, etc.) to the Alabama Fusion Center’s tip line, 866.229.6220.
- Make hotel/motel stay safe. Choose establishments that are protected by both smoke alarms and fire
- sprinkler systems. Once in rooms, guests should review escape plans with the entire party. If alarms sound, leave rooms right away, using the stairs and avoiding elevators.
- Take care when using grills or building outdoor fires. Never leave them unattended, and place them a safe distance from everyone, especially children and pets. It’s a good idea to designate a 3-foot “safe zone” around the grill or fire.
- Pay attention to weather conditions, particularly when there is thunder and lightning. Storms can come up quickly, especially in warm weather, so keep an eye to the sky. Watch for temperature changes, shifts in wind patterns and changes in cloud formations.
Contacts
For further information on public safety or for more about participating law enforcement agencies, contact:
Alabama Department of Public Safety: Sgt. Steve Jarrett, steve.jarrett@dps.alabama.gov; or Robyn Litchfield, robyn.litchfield@dps.alabama.gov; 334.242.4445
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: Anna Morris, anna.morris@le.alacop.gov, 334.324.5525
Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Enforcement: Dean Argo, dean.argo@abc.alabama.gov, 334.213.6330
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Marine Police): Sgt. Walter Lacey, walter.lacey@dcnr.alabama.gov, 334.242.3678
Alabama Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal’s Office: Stephen Holmes, stephen.holmes@insurance.alabama.gov, 334.240.4434
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The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) was created by Act 2013-67 and represents the consolidation and realignment of 12 state law enforcement agencies/functions into one entity. ALEA is currently in a transition period, and upon full implementation on January 1, 2015, will be responsible for the functions and missions of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, Department of Public Safety, Alabama Bureau of Investigation, Fusion Center, Criminal Justice Information Center, Marine Police, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Enforcement, Department of Revenue Enforcement, Forestry Commission Investigations, Agricultural and Industry Investigations, Public Service Commission Enforcement, and Office of Prosecution Service Computer Forensics Lab.
