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The INDEPENDENT, December 15, 2005
Did You Know…
By Chief Matthew Workman
Vernonia Police Department
T h e
Ve r n o n i a
P o l i c e
D e p a r t-
m e n t
w o u l d
like
to
w i s h
e v e r y o n e
a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year! In soliciting
topics for my article I was
asked to talk about children
causing damage to property
with their bicycles. In particular,
riding across or on someone’s
property damaging grass, land-
scaping, or other items. A citi-
zen told me they repeatedly
asked the children not to ride
on the property where there
was newly planted grass. They
did and damage was done.
This is actually the crime of
Criminal Mischief and possibly
even Trespassing, but more-
over, this is a lack of respect for
a n o t h e r’s property and their
wishes. This citizen chose not
to file a report but was disap-
pointed in the lack of respect
for the kids and parents. I think
we all need to respect our
neighbors and their property.
Accidents and damage can
happen, but it is another matter
when damage is done purpose-
ly out of disrespect.
The new year brings with it a
number of new laws. Here are
a few highlights of some of the
new laws. For a more exhaus-
tive list check the VPD website:
• SB 78 requires all drivers to
submit accident reports to the
Dept. of Transportation not to
law enforcement.
• HB 2361 allows for perma-
nent license suspension for
felony DUII convictions and
other convictions.
• SB 76 allows a parent or
guardian of a person under 18
to request cancellation of driv-
ing privilege.
• SB 568 increases fines and
suspension for persons who
exceed the speed limit by more
then 30 mph or persons con-
victed of driving 100 mph or
greater.
• SB 1067 expands Te l e-
phonic Harassment to include
email and text messaging.
There are additional new
laws pertaining to Driving Privil-
See page 27