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Police chief warns residents not to handle found needles, previews DUI enforcement and ebike rules
Summary
The police chief told the council that officers and public works will pick up hypodermic needles reported on public streets, previewed increased DUI enforcement and recruitment testing, and warned that high-powered ebikes can be unlawful and dangerous.
At the April 14 meeting the police chief updated council on department training, recent incidents and safety guidance. He asked residents not to touch hypodermic needles found on streets and said police or public works will pick up and dispose of them in sharps containers.
The chief previewed increased traffic enforcement and DUI patrols as warmer weather returns and announced a recruitment/testing date (May 16) at Upper Marian Middle School for candidates with ACT 120 certification; completed applications are due Friday, May 8. He also warned residents about electric scooters and ebikes, saying devices over 750 watts or those that cannot be propelled with pedals may be unlawful and are dangerous on streets.
"It's extremely dangerous," the chief said of riding ebikes and scooters in traffic. He encouraged helmet use for bicyclists and urged parents to talk with children about roadway safety.
Why it matters: The guidance affects public-safety behavior for residents and clarifies disposal and reporting procedures for potentially hazardous items found in public spaces. Recruitment and enforcement plans may affect staffing and road-safety outcomes.
What comes next: Police will continue outreach about sharps disposal and enforce vehicle and ebike rules; staffing and training schedules will continue as announced.
