The Cop Column
May, 2006
Sgt. Rick Hord
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
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Cop’s Wish List for Tourist Season
Do cops dread tourist season?
Some do, for much the same reasons as anyone else: the crowds, especially on the roads.
On the other hand, quite a few look forward to summer, also for the same reasons as thousands of other locals and visitors.
Are the cops extra busy during the summer?
Yes and no. Contrary to conventional wisdom, activity for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office does not soar through the roof. July and August will almost certainly be our busiest months in 2006, but if recent trends hold true they won’t be any busier than the slowest two months of 2010. We’re quite busy year-round.
Here’s this Deputy’s wish list: suggestions that would make life easier and safer at any time of the year, especially during the summer.
1-Drivers:
don’t get stuck in the middle of an intersection when the light changes.
2-Cashiers, servers, and clerks: check ID’s. Not just for alcohol and tobacco, but any time a customer uses a credit card or a check. Bartenders, waitresses, and others have intercepted a lot of stolen cards and checks… and helped us catch quite a few thieves in the process.
3-Beachgoers: know where you are. This one isn’t as silly as it may seem. When you’re walking down the beach, every condo starts to look the same. It’s not just children who get lost along our miles of white sand.
4-Travelers: get sufficient rest. The dangers of drunk drivers have been making headlines for years, but there’s been little outcry over fatigued drivers. Perhaps there should be, as many experts believe sleepy drivers may be responsible for more crashes than drunk drivers.
5-Motorists:
know the “move over” law. Statistically, the most hazardous place law
enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs must work is on the side
of the road.
6-Vacationers: remember, you’re on vacation. Sad, but true: more than a few vacationers bring ill will and harsh tempers with them. Getting into any kind of fight, or serious family argument, is a good way to ruin a vacation. We see it happen every day.
7- Everybody: live by the Golden Rule. Can you imagine how many problems that would solve?
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