PLYMPTON– The recently released annual town report from Plympton shows some interesting figures, which indicate that both Police and Fire Departments were busy in calendar year 2015.
The Plympton Police Department, led by Chief Patrick Dillon, reported an overall total of 1,145 violations, 51 motor vehicle accidents (leading to three fatalities), 172 records requests filled, and 35 firearm licenses issued.
Of the 1,145 violations, 30 people were arrested, while 107 received criminal citations ordering them to appear in court. 133 criminal cases were successfully closed and prosecuted, the document indicates.
171 citations for civil infractions were issued, as well.
The rest of the violations resulted in either verbal (370) or written (471) warnings.
Police report that they handled a wide variety of crimes, from personal to property incidents although the most serious crimes occurred in very small numbers– generally one or two for the year. But there are large numbers of motor vehicle infractions– which is consistent with Chief Dillon’s statements over time that the Plympton Police focus heavily on motor vehicle infractions.
Dillon also has a word to the wise: wear your seatbelt; it can save your life. Despite the fact that not wearing your seatbelt is not a primary violation– an officer cannot initiate a stop because you don’t have your seatbelt on, but you can be cited if you’re stopped for something else– the Plympton Police are cracking down this year on those who don’t buckle-up.
In 2015, they reported only seven citations for seatbelt violations. As of this week, they’ve already issued 22, more than tripling the total number from last year in the first five months of this year.
“It’s a point of pride for certain officers. People will hopefully remember that ticket, and wear their seatbelt next time they get into their cars,” said Dillon.
Chief Dillon pointed out that the health or well-being of a police force or community couldn’t necessarily be measured objectively by the number of arrests, or crimes committed. Many factors are at play, he says.
Dillon also wanted the public to be aware that the department isn’t necessarily there to crack down on accidental forgetfulness. For example, at the discretion of an officer, an unregistered motor vehicle can be renewed roadside during a traffic stop if you happen to be carrying a mobile-phone and a credit card.
Because this information is updated to police databases immediately, you might drive away with a warning. Although this isn’t an invitation to stop taking care of your responsibilities as a car-owner, it is a huge break for anyone pulled over who accidently forgot to renew their registration.
The Fire Department, under the leadership of Chief Warren Borsari, reports that his department responded to 496 calls in 2015, representing 371 EMS calls and 125 fire service calls.
He reports, as does the Plympton Police Department, a steady increase in call volume over the last several years.