A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Dear Citizens and Visitors,

On behalf of the men and women of the Clifton Forge Police Department I wish to welcome you to our Home Page on the World Wide Web. It is my hope that this service will provide an additional opportunity for you to interact with our officers and form a partnership to share information and discuss crime and community issues. Together, we will find opportunities which enhance our quality of life.

It is the mission of the Clifton Forge Police Department to improve the quality of life by providing a safe and secure environment and, within the framework of the Constitution, to enforce the laws, exercise regulatory authority, and preserve the peace while protecting the rights of all and applying the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in partnership with the entire community.

This department continuously strives to establish positive lines of communication with all segments of our service area.

I am especially proud of this department's employees and the continuing efforts put forth by the men and women of the Clifton Forge Police Department to help keep our community a safe place to live and work.

On behalf of the men and women of the Clifton Forge Police Department I wish to thank each of you for your continued support.

I know that by working together today we can build a better tomorrow.

Should you have any questions or comments, my office is always open to you.

Sincerely,

Barry G. Balser
Chief of Police


PATROL
The Patrol Division of the Clifton Forge Police Department is responsible for responding to all calls for service within the town limits. These calls for service run the entire gamut between major crimes, both in progress and which have passed, to unlocking vehicle doors. In addition, CFPD's Patrol Division is also responsible for traffic enforcement, accident investigation, business and security checks, aiding disabled or stranded motorists and travelers, and enforcing all state, federal, and local laws, and serving criminal court documents.

CFPD's Patrol Division responds to an average of 6,500 calls per year. In addition, its officers issue an average of 1,000 traffic summons, effects in average of 700 misdemeanor and 120 felony arrests, serve 2,500 court documents, issue 700 parking violations, investigate an average of 100 traffic accidents, find about 250 unsecured buildings, and provide an average of 140 money/funeral escorts.

The Patrol Division consists of nine sworn officers, which includes the Sergeant and the Special Services Officer, (who is also a certified police officer and fills in where needed in the patrol division). All bicycle officers are also included here.

Each officer hired by CFPD Patrol Division is required to successfully complete the 18-week basic law enforcement class at Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy. Furthermore, each sworn officer must receive 40 hours of in-service training every two years. Officers who have special certifications (i.e. Breathalyzer, Instructor, Animal Control. etc.) must maintain these certifications with in-service classes every two years. Within the department, three sworn officers are certified as instructors and three breathalyzer operators are retained. Every sworn officer with CFPD is certified in the use of traffic RADAR. Specialty schools and certifications are open to all patrol officers.

The Patrol Division utilizes the Ford Crown Victoria police car as it's workhorse vehicle. It also utilizes the Glock M22 .40 cal. sidearm and the Mossberg 590 shotgun. Each sworn officer must pass yearly qualifications with these weapons.

Patrol officers at CFPD assist the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office and CSX Railroad Police in dealing with situations and calls for service which arise in areas surrounding the town (and in the case of CSX, within the town).

Traffic enforcement is perhaps one of the patrol division's most visible tools. Its purpose is to provide for the safe and smooth flow of traffic within the town. Through vigilant enforcement of traffic laws, through accident investigations, identification and eliminating traffic hazard and strict DUI enforcement, CFPD strives to make the town streets safe for everyone.

CFPD's patrol officers reach out into the community by means of personal contact, professional service, by conducting department tours, and by conducting and arranging talks with school children as well as various civic and community organizations. Community relations are very important to all of CFPD's patrol officers and each officer strives to increase community support on a daily basis.

For information concerning department tours or talks, or to meet the officers who form the patrol division, please contact our office at (540) 863-2513 or stop by our office at 547 Main Street (ground floor).


INVESTIGATIONS
As major crimes occur in Clifton Forge they are assigned to the department's investigator for handling. His job is to investigate such crimes as robbery, rape, theft, fraud, assaults and homicides. Other cases may also be referred to him for investigation or review.

An investigator must be able to do many things well and have an extreme knowledge of the law and police procedures. He must be able to process crime scenes which include photography, sketching, fingerprinting and collection of evidence. Once evidence is collected he must know how to properly handle and package it for delivery to the State Laboratory for analysis. He must also be masterful in the skill of interviewing victims of crimes and potential witnesses and suspects.

The primary investigator for the Clifton Forge Police Department is Ronald Paxton. Investigator Paxton has been with the department since 1993. He has completed advanced training in areas of evidence collection, arson investigation, narcotic investigation, fingerprint and impression evidence collection, crime scene photography and vehicle theft investigations among others.

Investigator Paxton is also assigned to the Regional Drug Task Force and Regional Major Crime Response Team. He also is a State Certified Law Enforcement Instructor and can instruct on General Law Enforcement topics as well as firearms.


COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications Officer is the life line for the community and the Police Officers. This officer has the first initial contact with individuals in need of services and therefore must project a positive and supportive image.

Duties of a Communications Officer are broad. In addition to performing a variety of clerical and administrative tasks, the communications officer's primary responsibilities revolve around receiving vital information from the public or other law enforcement agencies concerning various emergency and non-emergency situations, and providing the information to the appropriate responding units, whether it be police, fire or rescue.

Maintaining necessary records of all in-coming calls and out-going radio communications also fall under the responsibilities of the communication's personnel. These records can at times provide key information pertaining to cases under investigation and many time are used in a court of law as evidence.

At times the job of the communications officer becomes very stressful. Many times a call is received from someone in a crisis situation in need of the police, fire or rescue squad. The officer must be able to calm the person so the necessary information can be obtained such as, the nature of the problem, the address or directions to the scene, whether or not weapons are involved, etc. The officer must then effectively pass the information to responding units.

The safety of police officers involved in emergency situations fall on the shoulders of the communications officer. The communications officer knows that if an officer calls for assistance, it could be a life or death situation and must know where and how to get help for the officer.

The communications center receives and dispatches an average of 7,500 call per year. They also dispatch approximately 1,200 first-aid calls per year.

To be a communications officer an individual must successfully complete 6 weeks of intensive on the job training, 16 hours of NCIC/VCIN computer operators course and 48 hours of academy based basic dispatcher's school.

It takes a special type of person to be a communications officer. They must be alert, level-headed and above all quick thinking. These men and women are professionals and take pride in performing their jobs to the best of their abilities.


BIKE PATROL
In August 1997, the Clifton Forge Police Department became the first department locally to utilize police officers on bicycles as a means of regular patrol. The program, due to the enthusiasm of the officers involved, enjoyed instant success. during the first three weeks of operation, the bike officers effected 60 arrests which included; drug related, DUI, traffic infractions, drunk and disorderly in public, suspended drivers, and warrant service.

Officers assigned to the bicycle patrol complete a 40-hour bicycle training course. Officers are taught bicycle safety, maintenance, riding techniques, suspect approach, tactical dismounts, and obstacle negotiation.

The officers in the bicycle patrol use specially designed Raleigh mountain bikes to conduct patrol and work special events. They also participate in bicycle safety demonstrations for schools and civic organizations.

Bicycle patrols, in addition to other types of patrols, has emerged as an affective way to patrol communities. It allows the officer to cover more ground and at the same time provides less of a barrier than a vehicle for improving community relations. In addition, the bicycles allow officers to get into areas normally not easily accessible by patrol vehicles, and allows the officers to "sneak-up" on the bad guys. The availability of this type of patrol is dependent upon the bicycle of officers schedules, the necessity of motorized patrol, and or course, the weather.

Since the conception of the program in 1997, the bike patrol officers have logged over 4,500 miles and participated in numerous arrests. Feed-back from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. The bicycle patrol is more approachable than a car and the public feels that the officers are more accessible.

Look for the bicycle patrol in your neighborhood, and don't be afraid to say hello!

For information on upcoming bicycle safety programs or to schedule one for your group or organization, please contact the Clifton Forge Police Department at (540) 863-2513.


ADMINISTRATION
Because of various job duties performed in the communications center, there needs to be some to oversee all activities of the center. The Administrative Assistant is the person that does just that.

The Administrative Assistant for the Clifton Forge Police Department is Joy Lawhorn, she was appointed this position November 9, 1998. Joy has been with the department since August 1984 when she was hired as a part-time dispatcher. In February 1996 Joy was appointed to be the Records Manager for the Police Department.

Including the basic dispatcher's training, Joy has had additional training in: Emergency Medical Dispatch, Advance Dispatch Workshop, Critical Incident, Haz-Mat, Criminal History Information Training, WordPerfect Certified, and attended the Virginia Criminal Records Management Regional Conference. She was certified to process the departments monthly state reports (IBR) in 1996.


ANIMAL CONTROL
The Police Department is responsible for animal control within the town limits of Clifton Forge. Animal control is handled by the Special Services Officer who, along with animal control has other duties such as town ordinance enforcement, special traffic details, and patrol.

The Special Services Officer, in addition to 18 weeks of basic police training, receives at least 40 hours of training on animal control related topics such as; animal control laws, search and seizure and capture techniques.

During hours, animal control averages approximately 50-70 complaints a month such as dogs running at large, capturing wild cats and cruelty cases. In Clifton Forge, there are laws requiring dogs to be vaccinated by the time they are 4 months old and they must be licensed every year. Animals which are captured are taken to the Alleghany Humane Society. Dogs are held at the shelter for 10 days then placed up for adoption to the public. Cats are kept for a maximum of 7 days. The shelter can be reached at (540) 826-2436 Tuesday thru Saturday, 11 AM until 4 PM.

The main purpose for animal control is to ensure people are safe from animals and that animals are safe and properly cared for.

A leash law within the town of Clifton Forge requires that animals must be restrained from running at large in public areas.

Questions concerning animal control matters may be directed to the Police Department at (540) 863-2513


PROGRAMS
The following programs are currently available or being implemented by the Clifton Forge Police Department's Crime Prevention Division. Please contact the Crime Prevention office at (540) 863-2513 for additional information.

Armed Robbery - The purpose of this program is to provide information to persons who are at risk of becoming victims of armed robbery. This program focuses on educating the public on how to avoid becoming a victim of armed robbery and how to respond if confronted by a robber.

Bicycle Safety - This program is designed to teach six to ten-year-old children the importance of riding a bicycle safely on our town streets. Through discussion the children learn the "rules of the road" to help them become safe riders. A separate Bicycle Rodeo Program is also available. The Bicycle Rodeo is designed as a practical exercise to reinforce the safety skills learned in the classroom. Bicycle safety helmets are available for use during the Bicycle Rodeo.

Business Watch - This program is designed to get businesses involved in working together on programs of mutual assistance to prevent crime. The businesses are trained to recognize and report to the police suspicious activities that occur in their business community.

Drug Recognition/Prevention Program - This program provides young people with information on the dangers and consequences of using/selling illegal drugs or alcohol. Classroom discussions allow the youth to become acquainted with the different types of drugs that are more prevalent in our society and what to do if they do encounter these illegal drugs or alcohol. The program also discusses many of the laws that apply to the control and sale of alcohol and drugs. The contents of this program can focus on either drugs or alcohol if a specific area of interest is desired.

Fingerprinting - This program assists the parents of young children in establishing a permanent record of their child's fingerprints. The record would be available to law enforcement should the child become lost or reported missing. Officers assist in taking children's fingerprints which are placed on a fingerprint card and given to the parent or guardian.

Gun Safety - This program is designed to teach children about the dangers of firearms and the importance of not playing with guns. The children are also taught what steps they should take if they ever find or encounter a firearm while playing. The main emphasis of this program is to make children realize that firearms are not toys and under no circumstances should they play with them.

Halloween Safety - This program is primarily offered to individuals and civic groups during the month of October. The program emphasizes Halloween Safety by educating the public on how to dress and prepare their children for the potential dangers that are encountered during the Halloween season.

Holiday Safety - This program is provided to the public and civic groups during the months of November and December. Officers provide personal safety tips geared specifically for the holiday season. Topics included are Safe shopping tips, Safe pending practices, increased awareness etc.

Home Security - Through the use of community meetings, home owners are provided with suggestions on how they can improve the physical security of their homes. Recommendations are provided to the group on many practical way of deterring crime in their neighborhood. Crime Prevention Officers discuss the different types of locks, alarms, and interior and exterior lighting that can be utilized to help deter a would be intruder.

Latch Key Kids - This program is designed for children ages eight and up. Through the use of film and lecture, Officers teach the children how to be safe in their home while they are caring for themselves after school.

McGruff - Through the use of a McGruff Crime Dog outfit, a Crime Prevention Officer dresses up as McGruff and interacts with young children. Police sticker badges and coloring books are passed out to the children in order to promote a positive attitude toward law enforcement.

Officer Friendly - This three-phase program is offered to all kindergarten and second grade students in the Clifton Forge School System. Officers discuss with students the role of the police officer in the community. In addition officers discuss many of the dangers that the children may face. These topics include: "What To Do If Approached By A Stranger", and "The Police Officers Uniform and Equipment", and a tour of a marked patrol vehicle.

Public Safety Center Tours - A guided tour of the Clifton Forge Police Department provides the children an opportunity to view the many different divisions that make up the Police Department. The tour begins with an opportunity for the children to ask questions of the Crime Prevention Officer about what a police officer does, as well as giving children the opportunity of dealing with the police in a positive manner.

Red Ribbon Campaign - The Red Ribbon Campaign is a national program designed to educate the public about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use. Through education, prevention efforts, and community mobilization, the National Red Ribbon Campaign gives individuals the opportunity to celebrate that they are proud to be drug free.

SCAMS (Senior Cash Alert Monitoring System) - Operation "SCAMS" is a program designed to reduce the loss of large sums of money to con artists. The program offers training to senior adults and bank personnel in the recognition of possible scams or con games that are often perpetrated against senior adults. Bank Examiner, Home Improvements, Pigeon Drop, and Credit Card Fraud are some of the scams addressed in this program.

Security Survey: Business - A business security survey is an assessment of the business's existing security application by an officer. The officer will point out to the business owner potential problem areas in the building's physical security in an attempt to reduce the possibility of a sore break-in. Officers also discuss cash management, making bank deposits, and address several safety concerns that a business owner faces while opening and closing their business.

Security Survey: Residential - This program is designed to provide the home owner with an overall view of the physical security of their home and property. Officers work with the home owner to identify potential problem areas at their residence, both inside and out, that could be inviting to a criminal. The officer will discuss the different types of locks and burglar alarms available, and how to utilize interior and exterior lighting to deter the common criminal.

Senior Alert - Senior Alert is a personal safety class directed toward senior adults. The emphasis of this program is to educate the senior adult about crimes that they are most likely to be the victims of due to their age. Scams and frauds are discussed along with basic safety practices that can easily be incorporated into the senior adult's daily activities such as how to carry their belongings, cash monitoring, and the buddy system.

Summer Safety Program - This program is designed to educate ten to fourteen year old children in the areas of self-esteem, conflict resolution, drug prevention, stranger danger, and bicycle safety. This program allows children to interact with the police officer in a positive manner through recreational activities.