Police Blotter 3/13/2012

One case was turned over to the IRS to pursue.  The other is currently under investigation.  Financial identity fraud is a felony.  Sergeant Jason Daniels said it always bears repeating to protect your passwords.  Don't make it easy for someone else to pose as you on the internet.

Spring Break, 2012 is here!  Except for one noise complaint at a local hotel called in about 1 a.m., things are "so far, so good," said Daniels. 

A new noise ordinance on Ocracoke is in effect.  It attaches decibel levels to certain times of day and night, and requires officers to measure those with decibel meters.  The department is working to educate itself about the new law.  The meters have not yet been purchased.

Sergeant Daniels reminds drivers, "DO NOT PASS ON THE RIGHT."  This is a law Ocracokers want to see enforced.  "You will get a very expensive ticket, no matter who it is.  We will write that ticket every time," he said. 

The Sheriff's budget this year included the purchase of three new vehicles.  Two are in use on the mainland, and the third V-6 Dodge Durango replaced the Jeep Daniels' used to drive, which is back on patrol across the sound.  Hurricane Isabel in 2003 flooded and destroyed much of the police fleet, which Sheriff Mason is still working to rebuild.  Hyde officers work to be good stewards of county property, Daniels said. 

Driving dependable, safe vehicles is important, especially when officers are on the road off the island, said the Sergeant.  It is bad enough to be broken down on the side of the road, and even worse when you are transporting someone--who probably doesn't want to be there--in the back of a cruiser.  Think about that.

Check Ocracoke Current each Tuesday for more Caught on the 'Coke!