Recent crime in the area

DRUG VIOLATION at 1001 N KENNEDY AVE SHAWNEE Nov 6
VANDALISM at 615 S CHAPMAN AVE SHAWNEE Nov 6
LARCENY at 1001 N KENNEDY AVE SHAWNEE Nov 6
ASSAULT at 1040 N DRAPER AVE SHAWNEE Nov 6
LARCENY at 507 W FORD ST SHAWNEE Nov 6
LARCENY OF AUTO October 17
THEFT, Petty Larceny N Kennedy Ave October 15
LARCENY OF A HOME on Ford Street October 27
ASSAULT AND BATTERY at W Wallace October 24
PETTY LARCENY at W Dewey October 20

November Neighborhood Watch

The November Neighborhood Watch will take place at the Benedict Street Market on Benedict, Starting at 6:30 on Tuesday the 10Th. Hope to see you there.

What is a neighborhood watch?

A Neighborhood Watch is a program that increases the safety and sense of community in your neighborhood. The program teaches you to look out for your own and your neighbors safety, your home and those of your neighbors.


The program teaches you and helps you:

To recognize and report suspicious and criminal activity.

About home and vehicle security.

Makes your neighborhood less attractive to criminals.

Increases your personal safety.


To better protect your family.


Build stronger relationships with law enforcement.

WNW Program Ideas

SAFE HOUSES for children such as the McGruff House or Block House.
Youth Escort Service is one way young adults can assist an older person who needs assistance or companionship for any reason.
Beautification Projects
Fire Prevention Programs and topics such as CPR, disaster preparedness, and fire safety.
Ident-A-Youth - The Shawnee Pd can assist us in fingerprinting children which can hasten the Identification of missing children.
Auto Bumper Decal- Program to identify vehicles belonging to residents within the Watch area. The basic purpose of the bumper decal system is to alert police patrol and concerned community members about vehicles which do not belong in the Watch area. Allowing appropriate action to be taken when necessary.
Warm lines - Set up by members willing to spend time talking to children who become lonely after returning from school to an empty home. It can be a link between "latchkey" children and a helping adult should an emergency arise.
House Sitting

Why Restorative Justice

What is Restorative Justice- Restorative justice is concerned with healing victims' wounds, restoring offenders to law-abiding lives, and repairing harm done to the community.


Offender’s Role
In the existing criminal justice system, offenders may play a passive role and not be held accountable to right the wrong they have committed. However, in the Restorative Justice process, offenders become active participants in reparation efforts. Offenders are held directly accountable to victims and are confronted with the personal impact of their crime. Restorative Justice requires them to make amends to the victim and community in whatever way possible.
It can help the criminal understand the impact of crime on victims, community, and society.

This requires the assumption that crimes or violations are committed against real individuals, rather than against the state. Restorative justice, therefore, advocates restitution to the victim by the offender rather than retribution by the state against the offender.

Through Restorative Justice, victims are offered opportunities to regain the sense of empowerment they may have lost as a result of crime. Victims can express how they were personally impacted by crime and their resulting needs.


The role of the community also changes dramatically with Restorative Justice. The community is responsible for supporting and assisting victims, holding offenders accountable and ensuring opportunities for offenders to make amends. Communities are also responsible for addressing the underlying factors and influences of crime. Also, that we must give offenders the opportunity to right their wrongs and redeem themselves, in their own eyes and in the eyes of the community.


RESOURCES

http://www.doc.state.mn.us/rj/publications/facilityrjgroupconf.htm

http://www.restorativejustice.org/

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Restorative+justice%3a+the+concept.(Restorative+Justice)-a020438182

Crime in the area Sept 19, 09

SHOTS FIRED at BENEDICT & KICKAPOO ST SHAWNEE http://is.gd/3tmqMabout 1 hour ago from API

SHOTS FIRED at 507 W FORD ST SHAWNEE http://is.gd/3sYJKabout 5 hours ago from API

SUSPICIOUS PERSON at 602 W KIRK ST SHAWNEE http://is.gd/3sN5Gabout 7 hours ago from API

FOLLOWUP at 558 W KIRK ST SHAWNEE http://is.gd/3sL3mabout 8 hours ago from API


SHOTS FIRED at 548 W KIRK SHAWNEE http://is.gd/3sJzqabout 8 hours ago from API

MVA-NON-INJURY at KICKAPOO SPUR ST & KENNEDY SHAWNEE http://is.gd/3skgdabout 12 hours ago from API

ASSAULT at 1122 W WOOD ST SHAWNEE http://is.gd/3rIdkabout 18 hours ago from API

New Mexican Drug laws

TRY TO KEEP YOUR KIDS OUT OF MEXICO DURING SCHOOL BREAKS! now not only can they get alcohol they can now take drugs legally.

Under siege by drug traffickers, Mexico took a bold and controversial step last week when it opted to no longer prosecute those carrying relatively small quantities of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other drugs. Instead, people found with drugs for “personal and immediate use,” according to the law, will be referred to free treatment programs where they will be considered patients, not criminals.

This new Mexican law is part of a growing trend across Latin America to treat drug use as a public health problem and make room in overcrowded prisons for violent traffickers rather than small-time users.

Portugal's similar law defines personal use as the equivalent of what one person would consume over 10 days. Police confiscate the drugs and the suspect must appear before a government commission, which reviews the person's drug consumption patterns. Users may be fined, sent for treatment or put on probation.

Foreigners caught with drugs still face arrest in Portugal, a measure to prevent drug tourism. This should have been a consideration in Mexico as well.

Should America consider the same type of law? Would it keep people out of prison who really don't need to be there because of their addiction's? Who, really wants to quit doing drugs but can't because they cannot afford treatment?

The law allows the state police to arrest those with up to 1,000 times the personal consumption amounts, people who would be considered dealers. Anyone with larger amounts would be seen as trafficking drugs, and they would be handed over to federal authorities.

Under the new law, a police search that turns up a half-gram of cocaine, the equivalent of about four lines, will not bring any jail time. The same applies for 5 grams of marijuana (about four cigarettes), 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams of methamphetamine or 0.015 milligrams of LSD.

The Bush administration criticized a similar bill proposed in Mexico in 2006, prompting then-President Vicente Fox to send it back to Congress. But Washington has stayed quiet this time, praising Calderon for his fight against drug cartels -- a struggle that has seen some 11,000 people killed since Calderon took office in 2006.

Shake and Bake Meth

Also known as the "one pot" method, shake and bake meth is produced in a two-liter soda bottle. A few cold pills are mixed with common, but noxious, household chemicals and produces enough meth for the user to get a few hits. After the chemical reaction, what's left is a crystalline powder that users smoke, snort or inject.

This type of meth lab is really a mobile ticking time bomb. If the bottle is shaken the wrong way or if any oxygen gets inside of it. The bottle can explod into a giant fireball, touches off intense fires and releases drug ingredients that must be handled as toxic waste.

This is why the new "shake and bake" process is even more dangerous than the old makeshift meth labs.

Drug users are making meth while driving around in their cars and throwing the used plastic bottles, containing a poisonous brown and white sludge, along the highway.

If you come accross a discarded container used in one-pot (shake and bake) meth making do not touch it – contact the police department to discard it, as they will likely need to have a haz-mat team clean up the mess left behind.

Ok, so people are using coke bottles and such why not make the lids just snap on and not screw on!

Recent crime in our area

7-8 public drunk, 7-12 warrant/misdemeanor, Ford, 7-12 malicious mischief, Wallace St.,
7-19 2nd Degree Burglary, W Ford St. 7-28, Larceny from a house, W Dewey St.

Suggested activities for the youth of Shawnee

I have searched the web to come up with a few ideas for the youth of Shawnee that could be started here. These are just a few of the many that are out there. What is really needed is for the youth to speak up and let us as a community know what they would be interested in, what would keep them out of trouble, what would it take to keep you from drugs and alcohol. What do you feel that you need? Do you need #'s of people that you could talk to that would not be judgemental, Do you need a ride to a safe activity, Do you need help with school work and you don't want anyone to know? Do you need a place to hang out? Ok, so we have places and programs out there like this. What can the community of Shawnee do for you? Let us know, let me know and I will see what I can do to help I am only one person but sometimes that is all it takes.

City of South Burlington
Every Tuesday and Thursday after school students are invited to gather in the cafeteria and enjoy some of the activities provided. This includes everything from pool tables, ping pong, bumper pool, foosball, and air hockey. Along with games students are encouraged to finish homework and socialize with one another. There are often snacks available for a reasonable price, and fresh popcorn is always free. Some new additions to the program are a Flight Simulator game, Guitar Hero III, and Dance Dance Revolution.

Students who attend the program are required to register through the Recreation Department, and are asked to sign in and out when coming to and leaving the program. Students are supervised by members of the Recreation Department and the Police Department. Also on hand are High School Volunteers. The High School students volunteer their time to help mentor the younger kids by interacting with the games, helping out with homework, and socializing with the kids.

CSI CAMP

Every Summer members of the South Burlington Police Youth Services Unit put on a CSI (Crime Scene Investigation Camp), in conjunction with the Recreation Department. Campers learn skills such as crime scene photography, evidence collection, fingerprinting, and crash investigation skills. There are various hands on activities campers complete with the new skills they learn. Mock Crime Scenes and Car Accident Scenes are processed by campers in teams of fellow detectives.

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development

Teen ACTION programs allow youth between the ages of 13 and 21 to design and implement a meaningful service project that meets a need in their community. Teen ACTION promotes:
Appreciation for service and civic engagement
Life-skills and critical-thinking skills
Supportive relationships with caring adults
Commitment to academic achievement
Healthy behaviors

Beacons are school-based community centers serving children, youth, and adults. There are currently 80 Beacons located throughout New York City, operating in the afternoons and evenings, on weekends, during school holidays and vacation periods, and during the summer.Typical activities for youth include:
Literacy activities
Tutoring
High school/college prep
Math clubs
Photography
Basketball
Chess
Martial arts

The Out-of-School Time (OST) Program provides a mix of academic, recreational and cultural activities for young people (grades K-12) after school, during holidays and in the summer. Programs are free of charge and are located in every neighborhood across the City.
New York City's OST programs provide:
Safe programs in a supportive environment
A schedule that meets the needs of working parents
Separate programs for elementary, middle school, and high school students
Trained staff
Homework help
Healthy snacks

ICP and the Juggalo a gang or not!

Insane Clown Posse - is a Hip-Hop group that performs hardcore music termed "horrorcore" it is known for it's dark and violent lyrics.

Insane Clown Posse is an underground rap group that got its start in Detroit in the early 1990s. The early days, Joe Bruce ("Violent J") and Joey Ustler("Shaggy 2 Dope") grew up in the nicer suburbs of Detroit, but were underprivileged. They grew up drinking a cheap soda popular in the Michigan area called Faygo. Even now, at concerts, the band often sprays Diet Faygo into the crowd.

ICP fans or followers are called Juggalos and Juggalettes. They don't see themselves as a gang, but as individuals. But by legal definition are considered a gang. Juggalos also identify themselves by the hatchetman logo and are known to carry hatchets and knives as weapons.


Juggalo and Juggalettes
The population of this group is mainly Caucasian.
The Juggalos can be identified by heavy clown make-up (sadistic wicked-type faces and jester style), tattoos, clothing, and specific music possessions.
They wear dark clothing, but do like to also dress in bright clown colors, dye their hair in bright colors, and wear Mohawks. They like to stand out and be noticed.

They tag areas with “ICP”, “Dark Lotus”, etc. They also have their own hand signs.

Juggalos are changing. If you were to meet a juggalo from back in 1995 and compare them to today's juggalos than you would see a totally different mind set.


A recent post from a Juggalo, "Im almost sick of calling myself a juggalo because of people being crazy and stupid my homie was killed by a juggalo because he thought he was a blood because he had all red on and he didn't see juggalo in white on his shirt. he thought he was part of a gang. being a juggalo isn't what it used to be people don't know what it means to be a juggalo anymore."


For more information on the Juggalo go to the http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Juggalo%20



So why the Tagging or graffiti? I still don't know.



The primary difference between gang graffiti and plain old tagger art, is that you can read gang graffiti clearly. When you can read the initials or name it’s usually gang graffiti, because they are doing it to make it clear that is their territory. On the other hand, elaborate designs in which individual letters can’t be discerned are often just marks of vandalism by people with an ego and a spray can. Quote

Graffiti on the wall now what

Report it:

• Report graffiti immediately.



• If you see graffiti in progress, report it "DON'T TRY TO INTERVENE."



• Take a photo of the graffiti. It may provide information that will lead to identification of the vandal.

Remove it:

• Removing graffiti promptly is the best way to prevent it. Prompt, persistent removal usually results in a nearly zero rate of recourrence. Before any graffiti removal begins, however, find out whether the police want to photograph it as evidence.

Prevent it:

• Rapid removal is one of the best ways to prevent future graffiti. Removing graffiti tells the vandals that people care about the community and that their work has little chance of being seen.



• Choose paints and coatings to deter graffiti. Dark colors make graffiti harder to see.



• Plant shrubs, or climbing vines to restrict access to tempting walls,



• Use good lighting to deter vandals from popular graffiti sites.



• Involve the media.

Gangs and Links

Some of the Gangs that we have in Oklahoma

Westside 90's Crips, Playboy Gangsta Crips, Rollin 60 Crips- Started in 1966 in L.A., 107 Hoova Crips - comes from 10700 block of Hoover Street in Los Angeles, Hard Hoova Crips, Shotgun Crips, Rollin 20's Crips, Outlaw 30's Bloods, 456 Piru Blood, Juarito's, South Side Loco's, Grande Barrio Central - is the largest gang in the Oklahoma County Juvenile detention center.
Sureno, Nortenos, South Side Loco's - Is the largest gang in Oklahoma City


Gang Information Links:

Florida Department of Corrections - http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/index.html

Dealing With Gangs
http://www.dealingwithgangs.org/

Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association
http://www.ogia.net/index.htm

Gang Watchers
http://www.gangwatchers.org/gang-laws.html

All about gangs:
http://allaboutgangs.blogspot.com/2008/03/black-street-gangs-in-los-angeles.html

National Gang Center:
http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/


Federal Bureau Of Investigation
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/ngic/violent_gangs.htm





Hand signs - are used by gang members to show their gang affiliation. They create letters or numbers with their fingers and hands.

Light up the Neighborhood

The benefits of leaving your porch light on all night far outweigh any cost considerations. This action lights up shadow areas that people hide in and is an effective deterrent to criminals who prefer to work in the dark. If every home puts a motion light up in their front and back yard, a suspect hopping fences to get away from
police can be tracked from the air and ground by the lights going off in succession. This is a good way to deter criminal activity.

Vandalism in the neighborhood

The following streets were the target of vandalism late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
W Benedict, N Chapman Ave, W Wallace and Jefferson Cir. Cars, street asphalt, homes and the Wallace Ave Baptist Church were hit with ICP and Juggalo graffiti

OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT

· School Violence Prevention
· Domestic Assault Awareness
· Auto Theft Prevention
· Crime Prevention in Your Home
· Community and Crime Prevention
· Internet Safety

· Stranger Safety
· Bike Safety
· Safe Driving

· Identity Theft
· What a Police Officer Does
· Senior Safety

· Drug Abuse Awareness
· Drunk Driving
· Youth and the Law

· Tour the Law Enforcement Center
· Personal Safety for Women

· Car Seat Safety / Inspections

· Block Parent program for schools
· Operation Identification
· Traffic Safety Education
· Neighborhood and Business Watch

911 What Is your Address?

The following are 10 suggestions that may help emergency personnel better locate your home:


1. House numbers should be at least four inches high on the front of your house, near the front door where a “lit” porch light makes them visible from the street.

2. Numbers “could” be located on your porch roof support post next to your steps. If this method is used, keep trees and shrubs trimmed from hiding your numbers.

3. Numbers “should not” be just located on curbs or step risers. Snow, leaves or vehicles could obscure the numbers.

4. One inch high numbers are not recommended because they are hard to see at a distance under adverse conditions. These are good for roadside mailboxes.

5. Homeowners with trees and shrubs may want to place two sets of numbers on their property.

6. Homeowners that have alleys to the rear of their property may want to consider numbers on a fence or garage. The police may find it necessary to approach your home from the alley in an emergency.

7. Never paint over your house numbers - it camouflages them.

8. A porch light costs pennies per night to operate, and it illuminates your address numbers. It may even keep burglars and thieves away.

9. Put your address numbers on your trashcans. It adds to marking your home for emergency personnel. Every little bit helps.

10. When calling for emergency assistance, give a brief description of your home, i.e., a blue house with black shutters, green Chevy in the driveway. Make sure you repeat your address back to make sure the operator knows you live at 1234 Somewhere Road, not one block over on 1234 Somewhere Place.

DOPE

DOPE (Death or Prison Eventually) is a film by Southern California's Chris Aherns and filmed by Chris Laurie.
This movie chronicles the rise, fall and redemption of four of the world's most influential skateboarders.
Bruce Logan, Jay Adams, Dennis Martinez, and Christian Hosoi

Taking you from their days of innocent fun, winning trophies for their skatbording skills and endless supplies of money, the film takes a jump to the dark side with the introduction of hard drugs, prison, and death. Included in this film are Interviews with police officers, transients, skateboarders, parents and loved ones of these skateboarders, it shows the true affects that drug use brings to our society as well as the intense pain and misery it causes for those that know drug abusers.
http://www.dopethemovie.org/

Recognizing and Treating Heat Exhaustion

Sudden high temperature (but less than 104 degrees)
Hot and flushed skin that might be clammy to the touch
Muscle or stomach cramps
Nausea and/or vomiting
Headache
Profuse sweating
Rapid pulse
Dizziness
Treating Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is not usually a life-threatening condition. The two important rules to remember regarding heat exhaustion are:
Get the ill person out of the sun.
Replace the body's lost fluids and salt by having the person drink lots of water, Gatorade, decaffeinated iced tea, or juice.
Cool the person's body with fans, cool towels, or sprays.
Keep the sufferer out of the sun for the next 12–24 hours.

LYME DISEASE PREVENTION

The majority of Lyme disease cases are caused by tick bites acquired around the home. Children may be at particular risk because of the amount of time they spend playing outdoors and the failure to recognize a tick bite. To help reduce this risk of tick exposure, remind your family of these “tick-safety tips”:
Before Going out: Wear light-colored, tightly woven clothing to make it easier to spot ticks; tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks; wear closed shoes / sneakers rather than open sandals; use a tick repellent as directed. Products should contain DEET (for clothing OR skin) or Permethrin (for clothing ONLY). Remind children to ask an adult to apply the tick repellent and DO NOT apply to hands or face. Use products with less than 10% DEET and always follow manufacturers’ directions carefully. Do not use repellents on children under 3 years of age.
Pay particular attention to tops of shoes and lower portion of pant legs, as ticks are most likely to attach here.
While Outside: Stay in the center of trails; avoid low bushes and leafy brush; periodically check clothing and skin for ticks and remove.
Upon Return: Check clothing, skin, and hair for ticks (take special note of your child’s navel, underarm, groin area and behind the ears). If a tick is found, remove it carefully with tweezers. If it was attached, note spot of attachment, mark calendar, and save tick in a jar for later identification. Should symptoms such as an expanding “bull’s eye” rash, flu-like symptoms or painful joints develop, contact your physician.

Tall grass and Weeds

"Weeds" are defined as grass, weeds, bushes, vines, poison ivy, poison oak, or any other foreign growth, other than trees, ornamental shrubbery, flowers and garden vegetables. When any of these types of vegetation are allowed to remain tall, there are possible negative consequences. Tall weeds detract from the appearance of the neighborhood. Undesirable wildlife like rats and mice use the unmowed lawn for hiding places and habitat, and these animals may carry disease. Lastly, unmowed grass tells passers by that no one cares about the property, which may invite criminal activity.



1) properties that have a realtor “For Sale” sign on the lawn. A simple phone call to the realtor will, in most cases, result in that lawn being mowed expeditiously. Don't wait for Someone else to do it. Give them a call.
The realtor has a vested interest in maintaining good relations with WNW residents and
2) those for which there is no “For Sale” sign nor any contact information on the property; i.e. usually an absentee landlord. Any citizen may file a complaint for a weed case violation by calling. The Shawnee Action Center at 878-1602 Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm.

Could there be a Reason your Neighbor hasn't Mowed?

Neighbors don't always talk to other neighbors, but a little awareness of your neighbor's situation may go a long way toward that sense of community and the appearance of your neighborhood.

Shawnee Action Center has seen quite a few cases where serious family illness or physical limitations and inability to pay someone to mow the lawn are the reasons for neglect of the lawn. Think about the home where a spouse is on military assignment or the elderly neighbors who cannot push a mower anymore. Look out for your neighbors and offer to mow their grass; arrange for other neighbors to take turns mowing, too. Neighbors helping neighbors works!

Observation Skills Test

For some time now I have been looking for a good Observation Skills test for you all to do and I finally found one. It is located at www.topsecurityagency.com/tsaobservation.htm
_______________________________________________________

Fire Escape Plans

MAKE AND PRACTICE AN EXCAPE PLAN.
Plan for two ways to escape from each room.
Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened and that they have a quick-release latch and that everyone knows how to open them. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.

When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
Plan for everyone in your home-including babies and others who need help to escape.

Pick a place to meet after you escape to check that everyone got out.

Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.

Involve children in making and practicing your escape plan.
Teach children to never hide during a fire-they must get out and stay out.
Clear toys, boxes, and other debris from exits.

Never open a door that feels hot. Escape another way.
When you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route.

lawnmower safety

Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.

Hotel Safety

Now that the summer vacation season is here, we must remember that crime prevention doesn't stop when we leave home. To help ensure that a vacation will be an enjoyable experience for everyone, here are some crime prevention tips that will help protect your family and property when staying at a hotel or motel.

Arriving at a Hotel

Park your vehicle in a well-lit area close to the lobby where you can see your vehicle and occupants.
Before getting out of your vehicle, check your surroundings for suspicious looking people.
When leaving your vehicle, put valuables out of sight and be sure to lock it.
Memorize your vehicle license information so you don't have to go back outside.
Checking In

Make reservations ahead of time to prevent being stranded with no vacancies or unsafe accommodations.
Women traveling alone may prefer to sign in using only a first initial and last name.
Register using your business address.
When Arriving at Your Room

Store valuables in a hotel safe and get a receipt instead of leaving them in your vehicle.
Don't enter your room if someone is loitering in the area and watching you. Report this to the front desk immediately.
Be sure the locks on your door are working properly.
Familiarize yourself with the closest fire evacuation route.
Make sure you know how to use the phone in your room and that you can dial out to 911.
Memorize the name and address of the hotel and your room number.
Use the "peep hole" to identify visitors. Do not open the door to strangers.
Going Out

Hang the "do not disturb" sign on the doorknob and leave a light and radio or TV on when leaving.
Do not enter an elevator if someone inside seems suspicious.
Inquire at the front desk about safe places to eat, shop, walk, or jog. Ask for a map of the area.
Following these tips will help make your vacation a safe and enjoyable experience.

Nighttime safety

With spring approaching, more and more people will be getting out to enjoy the warm evenings. Many of us like to walk or jog during this time of year. Here are a few precautions to take to protect you while walking or jogging at night:

Avoid walking or running alone at night. Instead go walking or jogging with a friend.
Don't use headphones while walking, driving, or jogging.
Always walk in well-lighted areas.
Avoid the use of shortcuts.
After dark, keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
Always stay near the curb.
If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If necessary, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Your follower will also have to reverse directions.
Do not display cash openly, especially when leaving an ATM.

your teen driver

Please! If you or your teen driver likes to blast your stereo while driving, be mindful of the churches that you are passing and turn down your music.

Require your teen to wear a seat belt and set firm penalties for breaking the rule. Seat belt use is the single best injury prevention measure a driver can take.
Eliminate distractions – including cell phone use while driving.
Spend time with your teen behind the wheel. Experience is a skill-builder.
Set a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use.
Know who your teen is riding with and whether that teen is a competent driver.
Prohibit new drivers from taking teen passengers along for the ride.
Set a curfew. Teenagers driving at night with passengers are 4 to 5 times more likely to crash than when driving alone during the day

Spot a Drunk Driver

Be aware of cars that are speeding, drifting across lanes and erratically braking.

Watch for high beams. It's often a sign of a drunk driver. While you might be tempted to flash a high beaming car, be careful not to overdo it. The driver could be distracted by the flashing lights and swerve into your lane.

Drunk drivers often travel with their headlights off or their parking lights on. Some turn on an interior light to adjust the heat or radio, then forget to turn the light off. If you spot these signs in an oncoming car, move to the right-hand lane as quickly (and safely) as possible.

Never pass a driver you suspect is drunk. If you stay behind, you can see and react to problems.

To create some distance between yourself and a drunk driver, safely pull into a parking lot, wait a few minutes, then proceed.

Lose a tailgater by making a right-hand turn when you can do so safely. It may be a drunk driver who's using your tail lights as a focal point. Most drivers under the influence won't be able to respond fast enough to follow you.

Keep your distance at intersections. Drunk drivers tend to cut the corners short or wide.

While it's always a good idea to stay one or two car lengths back from an intersection, on New Year's Eve you should make it three car lengths.

Don't pull off to the shoulder unless you have no choice. A drunk driver can easily mistake your tail lights for moving traffic and may drift onto the shoulder, as if it was a driving lane. Remain on alert after sunrise. Many people will try to `sleep off' the alcohol, then start driving at daybreak. But if they've had too much to drink, they still can be driving under the influence.

Reminder

Parents please remind your teen drivers that they need to be extra careful of small children playing outside and around the parks. A driver never knows if someone might come out between a car chasing after a ball or running while playing tag or other games. Lets make this an accident free summer.

FREE TREES

Free Trees Available Again
6/2/2009
Three free trees per household will be available on Sat. June 6 at the Shawnee Airport, north of the big hangers beginning at 8 am. The Oklahoma Tree Bank and Apache Foundation are supplying the trees to the Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee. The Types of Trees are tulip poplar, pines, oak and arborvitae shrubs in containers, similar to those distributed last fall. Preselection is not available.

Summer Curfew Hours

Curfew hours means those hours during the period ending at 6:00 a.m. all days of the
week and beginning at 12:00 midnight on Sunday through Thursday and 1:00 a.m. on Friday
and Saturday.
Minor means any person under 18 years of age. Furthermore, the term "minor" is
synonymous with the term "juvenile."

Teens, cell phones and the internet

Although the increased independence that a cell phone might offer a child can be good, it can also be a negative thing. Consider that with a cell phone, your child will simply have another way to communicate with the outside world that you will have little supervision over. Cell phones may even be a distraction to kids. We all know that they are a distraction for drivers, but one study has also shown that cell phones can be a big distraction for kids crossing the street and could lead to more accidents and injuries. Cell phones allow kids to keep their contacts secret and can facilitate contact with bad influences. The Office of National Drug Control Policy has reported that some teens are using technology and the Internet to get drug information, and cell phones provide instant access to information and sources of drugs.



What you can do about it.

Know your children's cell phone contact list.

Be specific about cell phone use and set up specific rules about how and when the phone will be used. Set a limit on how much time children can use each month and how many text messages they can send and receive.

Emphasize and enforce the rule that teens should never use a cell phone while driving.

Establish rules of etiquette, such as never using a cell phone within 20 feet of another person.


Carriers offer some options for parents to limit what their kids can do with their Web-equipped phones here are some of them:

If your child's phone has Internet access, check with your service provider to find out how you can block adult sites. The provider might do it for you, or you might have to do it on the phone.

Cingular cell phones give adults an easy option to block adult sites, allowing parents to block or filter content.

And if your children figure out a way around your password and changes the filters, Cingular sends parents an email letting them know the content blocking feature has been bypassed.

Verizon Wireless added new parental controls for cell phones last year. Users can choose from three levels of settings that will filter the content available on the phone based on a rating system that takes the age of the user into account. The most restrictive setting, aimed at kids between the ages of 7 and 12, blocks access to e-mail, instant messaging, social networking sites and chat groups. The free service also filters Verizon's V CAST multimedia player that plays video and music according to the setting chosen by the parent. To sign up, Verizon customers can visit the Web site or call customer service.

AT&T Inc. has this plan Smart Limits plan for $4.99 a month. The plan lets users limit the number of text and instant messages sent and received.

Parents can block content that may not be appropriate for younger users, like chat rooms and dating sites, on AT&T's home page called MEdia Net, which comes with most of AT&T's basic cell phones. Or they can block access to the Web entirely.

T-Mobile USA Inc. offers a free service called Web Guard that filters mobile Web sites that might be inappropriate for younger users. It automatically blocks the search and browsing of several categories of sites, including dating, gambling and sex . The company says the service works on most phones, but may not work at certain times and in certain locations.

Sprint Nextel Corp.'s free service is called Web Access and limits Web browsing to about 100 preselected sites that are considered safe for all ages. Parents can turn on the service from their profile on the Sprint Web site or from their child's phone. All other sites are blocked. E-mail, instant messaging and access to mobile chat rooms can be blocked only by turning off the Web features on the phone itself. free service is called Web Access and limits Web browsing to about 100 preselected sites that are considered safe for all ages. Parents can turn on the service from their profile on the Sprint Web site or from their child's phone. All other sites are blocked. E-mail, instant messaging and access to mobile chat rooms can be blocked only by turning off the Web features on the phone itself.

Animals that are a nuisance

Sec. 5-20. Animal a nuisance.
(a) It shall be the duty of the animal control officer to investigate any proper claim that an animal is a nuisance within the meaning of this chapter. Should the investigating official determine that a nuisance exists and it is necessary to abate the nuisance or should the official have reason to believe a threat to public health or safety exists, he shall refer the matter to the city prosecutor for approval of a verified complaint and an order from the court that the animal be impounded. Following the filing of such verified complaint and an evidentiary hearing, if the court finds upon a preponderance of the evidence that a nuisance existed, the court may order the animal euthanized as in the case of a vicious animal. In lieu of ordering the animal euthanized, the court shall, at the request of the animal owner, require that the owner abate and prevent such nuisance and give a good and sufficient bond within three days in an amount not greater than $500.00, satisfactory for a period not exceeding one year. In this event, the court may order the return of such animal to the owner. However, during the pendency of such bond, upon a finding by the court that the nuisance has reoccurred, the court shall order the animal be impounded, euthanized and the owner's bond be forfeited. If the court shall find no nuisance existed, the court shall order the animal be surrendered to the owner.
(b) For purposes of this section, nuisance shall mean any animal that habitually commits any one or a combination of the following acts:
(1) Scratches or digs into any flower bed, garden, tilled soil, vines, shrubbery or small plants and in so doing injures the same;
(2) Overturns any garbage can or other vessel for waste products or scatters the contents of same;
(3) Chases any person or domestic animal, or kills any domestic animal;
(4) Barks, howls, brays or makes any other loud or offensive noise common to its species or peculiar to itself, so as to disturb the inhabitants of the community;
(5) Is running at large.
(c) At the option of the owner, but subject to the approval of the animal control officer, an animal impounded pursuant to this section may be impounded in a private kennel or veterinary clinic during the pendency of the nuisance action. The operators of the facility shall then assume full liability for the confinement and maintenance of such animal and shall not release it without first being authorized by the animal control officer or the court. All fees for such impoundment shall be the responsibility of the owner. In no event shall the City of Shawnee be liable for costs of fees charged by the private facility. Further, the city may assess to the owner the cost of transporting the animal to the privately operated impoundment facility.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the release from impoundment of any animal not properly licensed and vaccinated, or a threat to public health or safety.
(e) A violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of $200.00, plus court costs.
(Ord. No. 2386NS, § 1, 12-1-2008; Ord. No. 2395NS, § 2, 2-17-2009)

Violations in our area watch

5/28/2009 1302 FLR TO WEAR SEAT BELT/ADULT 3700 N KICKAPOO
5/27/2009 2354 OBSTRUCTING/INTERFERING W/OFFICER 500 N BONITA
5/27/2009 2354 PUBLIC DRUNKENNES 500 N BONITA
5/17/2009 0100 NO MANDATORY INSURANCE KICKAPOO SPUR / KENNEDY
5/7/2009 1119 LOUD AMPLIFICATION FROM VEHICLE KICKAPOO / WALLACE
5/7/2009 0328 PUBLIC DRUNKENNES 623 W KICKAPOO SPUR
5/3/2009 1216 FLR TO WEAR SEAT BELT/ADULT KICKAPOO SPUR / POTTENGER

Crime in our area

On 5/13/2009
There was a robbery on Wood and N Kickapoo St at 9:30 pm

also on 5/13/2009
It was reported that someone received, or possed stolen property on the corner on N Kennedy Ave and Ford

Vacation Crime Prevention Tips

Vacation is a time for relaxation and enjoyment. It can also be the time for crime victimization if appropriate crime prevention measures are not followed. The following crime prevention tips are designed to allow the vacationer to enjoy a safe and secure trip and to return to a secure residence.

Before Leaving . . . . Secure Your Residence
· Have good locks on all doors and windows and use them.
· Make sure your residence looks lived in, not empty.
· Leave shades and blinds in a normal position.
· Ask a neighbor to watch your residence while you are away. Leave your vacation address
and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
· Test your smoke and burglar alarms.
· Stop all deliveries, arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspaper and packages.
· Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the
home a lived-in look.
· Have a neighbor place garbage cans at the curb on your normal pickup day(s) and return them after the garbage pickup is made.
· Plug in timers to turn lights and a radio or television on and off at appropriate times.
· Turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won’t be alerted to your absence by a ringing telephone.
· If you have call forwarding on your telephone, forward your calls to a trusted friend or relative.
· Don’t announce your absence on answering machine messages; leave your normal
message on the machine.
· Engrave your valuables with your driver’s license number.
· Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
· Consider taking valuables to a bank safety deposit box.

Teens that gather in groups

It is a part of society that young people will congregate in public. It is both inevitable and socially necessary. Congregating is part of the rite of passage of sorts from childhood to adulthood, allowing youth to socialize and bond with their peers, out of their parents' view.

Young people's self-identity and self-worth are profoundly shaped by how they believe their peers perceive them, and gathering in public provides opportunities to see, and be seen by, others. Group settings provide a relatively safe context for teenagers to flirt and pair up with one another, supported and protected by their friends.

But they often do not always see how their gatherings affect other people. It can often make people feel afraid or apprehensive regardless of their behavior when most people see such a gathering they automatically see them as a gang.

Such gatherings can become disorderly depending of their conduct such as cursing, blocking sidewalks and streets, playing games in the streets, playing music loudly, drinking, fighting, littering, making offensive remarks to passerby and vandalizing property.

Young teens usually are looking for a place where they can hang out with each other without excessive adult supervision. In England, the police arranged for their teens to help an architect design a public youth shelter.

Some of the following can help problems from occurring:

Employ youth where businesses are negatively affected by disorderly conduct, it can promote a sense of responsibility among youth. Make sure that youth have adequate transportation to and from events this removes the risk of them being on the streets. Give teens a place to gather where they will not be complained about. Install closed-circuit TV where problems exist. Rules of conduct need to be established and made known to area teens if they wish to be in that particular place.

Mediating conflicts between youth needs to be a factor in helping teens know that there are other ways of handling situations. And that they must be held accountable for their actions.

Online Reporting Of Child Sexual Exploitation

The CyberTipline®, www.cybertipline.com, allows concerned individuals and electronic service providers to report information online regarding the possession, manufacture, and distribution of child pornography; online enticement of children for sexual acts; child victims of prostitution; sex tourism involving child victims; extrafamilial molestation of children; unsolicited obscene material sent to children; and misleading domain names. The CyberTipline also maintains a contact list of many major electronic service providers in the United States.

Deliver Shawnee

Do you need someone go to the grocery store, pharmacy, do some needed shopping for you? Then give Deliver Shawnee a call at 1-800-839-7057. For a small fee of 15% of the total bill they will pick up your needed items. They will pay the bill and when they get to your home you reimburse them. The hours of operation are between
10am -10pm Sunday - Thursday and 10am - 12pm on Friday and Saturday. Deliver Shawnee website is under reconstruction and will have menus of local restaurants and will also include a listing of other services that the offer. At http://www.delivershawnee.com/ So if you are ill, have a sick family member and don't want to leave, or cannot leave the workplace give Deliver Shawnee a call

Crime in our Area

Between 4/12/2009 and 5/9/2009 at the following locations the following crimes occurred:

Wood - Vehicle Larceny
Ford and Kennedy - Assault
On Kickapoo between Benedict and Dewey - Public Drunk
On Kickapoo between Wood and Wallace - Malicious mischief/ Vandalism
Jefferson St. - Incident Report
On Kickapoo between Kirk and Burns - Warrant/Misdemeanor
Kickapoo Spur and Kennedy - Incident Report

Notice of Crime in our watch area

CRIMES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD BETWEEN 3-21 AND 4-17

There have been seven burglaries on the the following blocks:

• 1 Jefferson Cir.
• 3 Kickapoo
• 1 Dill
• 1 Ford
• 1 Chapman

2 Larceny from a house:

• 1 Wood
• 1 Chapman

1 Assault and battery on (Kickapoo and Kennedy)

1 Aggravated Assault and battery upon a peace officer (Wallace)

1 Warrant served for a felony on (Kennedy)

1 Warrant served for a misdemeanor on (Kickapoo Spur)

1 Malicious mischief Vandalism (Wood)

1 Obstructing an officer (Benedict and Kickapoo)

1 Lewd, indecent acts against a child (Benedict)

Crime in our area is on the rise we need to be more arwar of things going on in our neighborhood.

If you see anything that does not look normal please call the police.

Nightmare Over Deborah Kalai Fourzan Found

In the state of Washington during a routine traffic stop, a lane violation, around 4p.m. Saturday, Deborah Fourzan was found. James Reimer, has been arrested without incident, and is expected to be charged with kidnapping because of Deborah's age. Reimer is also facing possible federal charges.

Article about the WNW featured in the Shawnee Outlook

Be sure to read the article about us in the Shawnee Outlook pg. 19, March issue, written by Mindy Wood. The photographs were taken in October of 08, at the cookout. Right after the Shawnee Pd arrested two suspects.

March WNW Meeting

The next WNW meeting will be the Tenth of March, the meeting will be held in the basement of the Wallace Ave. Baptist Church from 7:00-8:00pm. Hope to see you there.

Missing From Shawnee Teen found

Cody has been found safe and has been removed from the National Crime Information Center's missing persons database. Cody was located on Tuesday and he is fine

CODY BRANDON JILES: MISSING FROM SHAWNEE SINCE, FEBRUARY 28, 2009.
AGE 18
BROWN HAIR
GREEN EYES
6 FEET 2 INCHES TALL
ABOUT 175 POUNDS

Last seen wearing black pants, White shoes, and a black Metallica T-Shirt.
If you have any information please contact the Shawnee Police Department at (405)273-2121 or
The family at (405)808-5460 or (918)290-0357

WANT TO JOIN A GANG

So you want to join a gang. What could happen to you if you pursue your quest of the downward spiral of life that you seek.

Do you want to be in a fight with 3 or more gang members, for a set amount of time? This process is called (Jumped in, Rolled in, or Lined in) It tells the gang how tough you are. Lined in - is where you have walk, run, crawl towards the end between two rows of gang members while they beat you to a pulp. How are you going to explain this to your parents or other family members about how your face looks when you get home? What are you going to do when they want to make a report to the police?

Or you could be (Courted in) - Is your talent Stealing, do you know someone who sells drugs, do you have the only car on your block and you don't mind if it is used for illegal activity? Do you want to be taken advantage of, used, do you want to get caught and spend time in jail or most likely prison? Than you might be Courted.

Or you could be asked to join a gang this is called (Walked in)

Are you a female who has the desire to join a gang? To be used by more than one gang member? Roll the dice, if you roll a six than you will be required to have sex with six of the gang members. Another words what ever number you roll with 2 dice than that will be how many partners you will have to be with before you are a gang member. And you want to join a gang!

Do you want to commit crimes against the people in your town? Would you be willing to steal someones auto?
Are you a thief? Do you want to go to jail or prison? Can you live with your self if you have to kill someone? What will your grandmother think? Do you want to have children at a young age? Do you want to be addicted to drugs or alcohol? These are just some of the things that you should think about before you attempt to join a gang.

If you do decide to join a gang you might want to think about where you want to be buried. Keep your little brother or sister away from you because you never know when they might be a victim of a drive by. By the way what will you do if you get an STD?

WNW Calendar

Shawnee and Tecumseh area Transportation

Central Oklahoma Transit System
1-800-256-5940 or 273-3000
Provides transpportation to schools, Vocational technical centers, medical appointments, shopping or special events.
Children under the age of 12 ride free but must be accompanied by an adult. Parents must provide all child safety seats.
Rides must be booked 24 hours in advance
$3 Per ride in Shawnee and Seminole city limits.

7AM - 5 Pm
Monday - Friday
Oklahoma, Pottawatome and Seminole Counties

7Am - 8 PM
Monday - Friday
Shawnee Only

8Am- 5Pm
Saturday in Shawnee Only

The Citizen Pottawatomi Nation now offers public transportation in the Tecumseh and Shawnee Areas. For no charge.
For more information call: 878-4833
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
They have 1 handicap accessible bus and 2 mini vans
You will need to call 24 hours in advance to schedule your transportation date.
They will transport outside of the Tecumseh and Shawnee areas for medical purposes up to 65 miles for a charge of $25.00.

Free Tax Preparation

Need help doing your taxes? Free tax help is being offered by COCAA, RSVP, and the IRS
Location: 108 E Main Street
Shawnee, Ok Across the street from Pott. County Bookstore
Time: Thursdays 9am-4pm
Saturdays 9am-3pm
Call 878-1512 for an Appointment or for more information.

MISSING FROM TECUMSEH UPDATE

Deborah Kalai Fourzan, age 14, missing from Tecumseh, last seen before school on Monday, Febuary 2th. She is believed to be with James "Jim" Joseph Reimer age 40. May be headed to California or Texas. Authorities say that Reimer purchased a WHITE MERCURY COUGAR XR7. The car has front-end damage. License plate VRW-932. James Reimer has been charged with a felony and an arrest warrant has been issued.

Fourzan is 5 ft 2 in. tall, 110 pounds, has blond hair and blue eyes.

Reimer is 5 ft 10 in tall, 280 pounds, has brown hair and blue eyes.

Michael Fourzan, Deborah's father, say's that "He has been a total wreck ever since she's been gone." And that he can't thank about anything other than getting her home safe."

If anyone has any information please call the Tecumseh Police at 598-9305 or 598-2115.

If you happen to see them please call the local police at 911.

Nike on the lines?

Why in the world would anyone want to throw their shoes up on the power lines?

Well, there are several idea's floating around as to why. Some say that when you see tennis shoes on the power lines in front of a house you can buy drugs there, although this would be a clear sign to the local police department of the drug activity that's going on. That it marks gang territories, I guess that some of them do their business out on the rural roads, because you sometimes see them out there hanging on the lines, as well. Or that a murder occurred nearby at some point in time.

Some say that when you got a new pair of shoes that you threw the old ones up there. Just for fun, so that you would not be tempted to wear them again. This phenomenon occurs in the United States and in other countries around the world. Bullies, also will sometimes throw their victims shoes over the lines. Or, the practice could be that someone is moving and they want to leave something behind, letting others know that they were there. Or just because of old fashioned boredom, Just to see if they can do it. I guess that the best way to find out why someone would throw their shoes over the line would be to ask someone that is actually doing it.

Children and Meth, 2008 Meth Threat Assessment link

National Drug Intelligence Center
Information Bulletin:
Children at Risk
http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs1/1466/index.htm



National Methaphetamine Threat Assessment 2008
http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs26/26594/index.htm#Top

This Threat Assessment is a national-level strategic assessment of methamphetamine trafficking in the United States. It addresses significant trends in methamphetamine production, transportation, distribution, and abuse. It discusses a wide range of issues, including methamphetamine production in Mexico, the increasing availability of Mexican ice methamphetamine in domestic drug markets, and apparent methamphetamine shortages in some western markets.



Ofice of National Drug Control Policy
Drug Endangered Children
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/enforce/dr_endangered_child.html

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), a component of the Executive Office of the President, was established by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.

The principal purpose of ONDCP is to establish policies, priorities, and objectives for the Nation's drug control program. The goals of the program are to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences. To achieve these goals, the Director of ONDCP is charged with producing the National Drug Control Strategy. The Strategy directs the Nation's anti-drug efforts and establishes a program, a budget, and guidelines for cooperation among Federal, State, and local entities.

graffiti and tagging vandalism

Why couldn't we have a place that person's could paint their graffiti? This is a great idea if you want to have tagging and graffiti expand to surrounding areas. This idea would also be a good one if you want to increase vandalism's other aspects. Graffiti cannot be over looked and needs to be removed as soon as possible. If not, everyone will eventually pay the price of graffiti on their walls, fences, or just about anywhere paint can be sprayed.
Graffiti is vandalism, not art, and it is a crime. Graffiti artists, vandals do not have the right to paint on any surface that does not belong to them. Graffiti is not an acceptable form of self expression and is not protected by the first amendment.
The following is an example of the cost of tagging.

Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times

January 28, 2009

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies Wednesday arrested at least eight alleged members of the notorious Metro Transit Assassins tagging crew, some of whom are believed to be responsible for a several-blocks-long "MTA" tag in the concrete Los Angeles River bed that authorities say will cost millions of dollars to remove.

The arrests occurred during a series of early-morning raids centered in the Hollywood area. Among those detained for a parole violations was a famous tagger whose work as has won acclaim in the art community, "SMEAR."

Those arrested were booked on suspicion of vandalism, drug possession, narcotics for sales, weapons possession and other parole violations, officials said

"These individuals are responsible for tags not only in Los Angeles but Las Vegas and San Francisco," said Sheriff's Cmdr. Dan Finkelstein, who is chief of the Metropolitan Transit Authority police. "The Army Corps of Engineers estimates that removing the "MTA" tag from the riverbed alone will cost $3.7 million.

Cleaning graffiti from the river is far more expensive than cleaning other areas. Officials use high-pressure water spray to remove the toxic paint.

But hazardous-materials crews must then dam and capture all the paint and water runoff to prevent it from getting into the river. The crew did an additional $20,000 worth of damage to transit vehicles and facilities. Finkelstein said the Los Angeles River "MTA" tag, in a vast industrial district east of downtown between two rail yards, took about 400 gallons of paint -- 300 gallons white and 100 gallons black. "It took them four nights to do it," he said.

The three block letters cover a three-story-high wall and run the length of several blocks between the 4th Street and 1st Street bridges. The tagging crew, which is also known as "Melting Toys Away" and "Must Take All," began about the time the transportation agency began using the MTA letters. Investigators say they have statements, including some on video, that implicate some of the crew members in the enormous tag.

"Some of this group could face federal charges," Finkelstein said. During the raids, Finkelstein said, investigators found customized high-pressure fire extinguishers that, when filled with paint, allow the tagger to hang upside down on the underside of a freeway and quickly scrawl massive graffiti. These taggers are not kids, he said.

Most those detained are in their 20s; one of them drives a $60,000 BMW, and another member possesses a diamond-and-ruby-encrusted Metro logo pendant with paperwork suggesting it's worth $29,000, Finkelstein said.

Crosswalk Safety tips

Pedestrians:

Always cross at marked crosswalks. You forfeit your rights as a pedestrian if you cross elsewhere.

Obey any pedestrian signals and look left-right-left to make sure the road is clear in both directions before crossing.

If a vehicle approaches, make eye contact with the driver to be sure he/she sees you before you cross.

Look before walking past stopped vehicles. Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.

Remember that bicyclists are not considered pedestrians unless they are walking their bikes. Otherwise, they are considered vehicles.

Drivers:

Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections

Be prepared to stop at all marked crosswalks. Stay alert and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks

Be alert for bicyclists and skateboarders whose approaches to the crosswalk may be much swifter than those of pedestrians.

Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.

Wait until pedestrians have crossed at least one lane past the lane you are in before resuming travel.

Never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down at a crosswalk.

Crosswalk at Burns and Kickapoo

To the City of Shawnee Traffic Commission:

This letter is concerning the placement of a crosswalk and other safety measures on the corner of Burns and Kickapoo.

There are several reasons to install a marked crosswalk at this location:

1. To indicate a preferred pedestrian crossing location, so that the students of Shawnee High School, and others needing to cross Kickapoo at this location, will have the right of way, because markings are viewed as proof that pedestrians have a legitimate right to share the roadway.
2. To alert drivers to an often used pedestrian crossing, for those that live in the Westside Neighborhood Watch area.
3. As an indication of school walking routes, for the students of Shawnee High.
4. This is also an often-used crossing location for the students that choose to eat lunch from Love’s. In addition, for those that patronize other businesses on the East side of Kickapoo during lunch hours and after school.

It is important that both drivers and pedestrians clearly see the crossing. With a pedestrian crossing warning sign or signs. This can be done in several ways.

1. Advance crosswalk pavement markings. The design consists of rectangular, white bar pavement markings sized and placed to form a triangle on travel lanes in advance of crosswalks.
2. Advance stop lines prior to the crosswalk with a (Stop Here for crosswalk) sign in each direction.
3. On this crosswalk crossing and others in the city of Shawnee the word >LOOK<>
4. Portable “Yield to Pedestrians” crosswalk signs placed before the crosswalk on the roadway.

It is also important that the public should be educated about the latest pedestrian safety measure. When the crosswalk is placed at the corner of Burns and Kickapoo.

Thank you in advance of your consideration and approval of this crosswalk.

Want to know more about Meth

Here is a listing of meth resources.

Meth Magazine
http://www.justthinktwice.com/gotmeth/home.html

Meth Education Tool Kit
http://www.metheducation.com

MethResources.gov
http://www.methresources.gov/Default.aspx

Meth360 exists to unite communities for the prevention of meth use and abuse. It has training, tools, and resources for community presentation about meth.
http://www.drugfree.org/meth360

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
http://www.odmhsas.org

National Association of counties
http://www.naco.org

Office of National Drug Control Policy
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/statelocal/ok/index.html

Methamphetamine or Meth Facts

Crystal Meth is a smokeable form of Methamphetamine. Crystal Meth looks like crystal's thus it's name. It is odorless and colorless. Also sometimes snorted or injected. An extremely addictive man-made stimulant that usually leads to physiological and psychological dependence.

Meth has been around for quite some time. Chemist Nagayoshi Nagai created meth from ephedrine in 1893. In 1919 Akira Ogata created its crystallized form.

Adolph Hitler mixed Benzedrine with other chemicals and gave it to his army to inable them to fight for days without food or sleep, it was called Pervitin. Also, known as Fliegerschokolade or "flyer's chocolate" given to pilots, or Panzerschokolade or "tanker's chocolate" when given to tank crews. It was mixed with chocolates.

The Japanese Kamikaze took the drug to calm their fears before attacking American Ships. After World War II, it became known as "Shabu" in Japan. Prohibited by the Japanese Ministry of health in 1951.

In the 1950's it was a prescribed drug for narcolepsy, alcoholism, treatment of obesity and post encephalitic Parkinsonism.

In the 1960's Methamphetamine manufacturing began in Hawaii.

Meth is made out of chemicals from solvents, lye, rat poison, battery acid, drain cleaner, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, gasoline or acetone, ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine. It has been produced in homes, hotels, storage facilities, in the back of auto's. Just about everywhere. The combination of chemicals can cause potentially explosive atmospheres.

This causes hazardous conditions to children in the homes of these meth labs, they are often malnourished, improperly clothed, neglected. It also causes the general public vulnerability to these labs as well when they are dumped into our waterways, ponds, public sewer systems, on the side of country roads or even in our yards.

Meth labs can be identified by the chemical smell, usually smelling like ammonia, or fingernail polish. Excessive amounts of pill bottles from the cold medicines. Propane tanks that have blue corrosion on the fittings. Starter fluid cans opened from the bottom, hotplates, lots and lots of baggies, coffee filters, matches, lithium batteries, mason jars, plastic tubing, funnels. Ventilation hoses sticking out of the homes where labs are located. Basically anything out of the ordinary.

Meth can cause erratic, violent behavior, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, extreme mood swings, and causes the user's behavior to become unpredictable. It can cause convulsions and tremors, irregular heart rate, increased blood pressure. Homicidal or suicidal thoughts and anxiety.

Methamphetamine is also known as lines, dope, tweak, stuff, cridium, crystal, zoom, wake up, junk, go, sketch, crystal meth, glass, ice, crank and speed.

Meth is introduced into the body by smoking, snorting, eaten or injecting it.

Typically sold in 1/4 gram packages for about $20-$25.

Meth is a stimulant that accelerates the central nervous system.

Crystal Darkness

www.crystaldarkness.com View the 30-minute documentary about the problem use of Meth by youth and their families. The documentary will be broadcasted at 6:30p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, on channels 4, 5, and 9. You can also view the film at the Ritz Theatre, on Jan 13th at 6:30p.m.