Piedmont Police Department
121 West Ladiga Street
Piedmont, AL 36272
ph: 256.447.9091
fax: 256.447.6119
alt: 911
crimetip
News
News and Events for the Piedmont Police Department
December 2012 Police Activity
January 9, 2012
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from December 1 through December 31, 2011.
Calls for Service 505
Officer Initiated Contacts 338
Motorist Assists 42
Total Contacts with the Public 885
Misdemeanor Arrests 25
Felony Arrests 10
DUI Arrests 0
Drug Arrests 10
Traffic Citations 34
Incident Reports 50
Accident Reports 4
Criminal Investigations 78
Ambulance Calls Dispatched 221
Fire Department Calls Dispatched 25
Naroctics Round Up
November 2011 Police Activity
December 6, 2011
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from November 1 through November 30, 2011.
Calls for Service 383
Officer Initiated Contacts 299
Motorist Assists 44
Total Contacts with the Public 726
Misdemeanor Arrests 23
Felony Arrests 4
DUI Arrests 2
Drug Arrests 5
Traffic Citations 34
Incident Reports 50
Accident Reports 5
Criminal Investigations 61
Ambulance Calls Dispatched 212
October 2011 Police Activity
November 8, 2011
Calls for Service 466
Officer Initiated Contacts 369
Motorist Assists 36
Total Contacts with the Public 871
Misdemeanor Arrests 24
Felony Arrests 4
DUI Arrests 0
Drug Arrests 2
Stolen Vehicles Recovered 1
Traffic Citations 29
Incident Reports 78
Accident Reports 11
Criminal Investigations 61
Ambulance Calls Dispatched 237
FEMA Testing
November 8, 2011
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wednesday, November 9 at 2pm EST. The test will last 30 seconds. The National-level EAS is a public alert and warning system that enables the President of the United States to address the American public during extreme emergencies. The Nationwide Test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline providers across all states and territories.
The test will be similar to local EAS tests conducted monthly by individual EAS participants and local officials with three key differences:
It will be on all radio and television stations. Local tests are typically on one station at a time.
- It will last approximately 30 seconds. Local tests are typically 1-2 minutes.
- During the test, the message crawl on television screens will not indicate “Test.”
However: - Most broadcast television stations, DIRECTV, DISH network, AT&T U-Verse and Verizon FiOS will insert a background image on the screen saying, “This is only a test.”
- Cable television systems may not be able to display a similar background image.
More information is available at http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm regarding this event
Yellow Dot Program
October 31, 2011
The Yellow Dot Program
The “Yellow Dot” program is the first program of its kind in the state of Alabama. It is designed to assist Alabama citizens and first responders in the event of an automobile crash or other medical emergency involving the participant’s vehicle. The program can help save lives during the critical “golden hour” by improving communication at a time when accident victims may be unable to communicate for themselves.
The “Yellow Dot” program provides detailed medical information that can be crucial following a crash. Participants of the program receive a “Yellow Dot” decal, a “Yellow Dot” folder and an information form with the participant’s name, an identifying photo, emergency contact information, personal physicians’ information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies and medications being used. A “Yellow Dot” decal on the driver’s side rear window of a vehicle alerts first responders to check in the glove compartment for the corresponding “Yellow Dot” folder. Having this information following a crash helps first responders positively identify the person, get in touch with family or emergency contacts, and ensures that the person’s current medications and pre-existing medical conditions are considered when treatment is administered for injuries.
The “Yellow Dot” program is a free service provided to individuals of all ages, with an emphasis on senior citizens. The program is being funded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs/ Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Division (ADECA/LETS) and is being administered by the Northeast Alabama Traffic Safety Office. The “Yellow Dot” program is a cooperative effort of local Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Senior Groups and concerned citizens. On Monday, November 7, 2011 public safety agencies in Calhoun County will begin implementing this life-saving program. On that day, the Piedmont Police Department and the Piedmont Rescue Squad will co-sponsor a registration event at the Piedmont Police Department. PPD and PRS personnel will be on hand to take photographs for the packets and to assist in completion of the forms. After November 7th, individual registrations will be conducted at the Piedmont Police Department or the Piedmont Rescue Squad, or packets may be picked up and filled out by the individual. There is no cost to participate in the program or to receive materials.
For more information, please go to http://adeca.alabama.gov/C15/YellowDot/default.aspxSeptember 2011 Police Activity
October 12, 2011
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from September 1 through September 30, 2011.
Calls for Service 421
Officer Initiated Contacts 401
Motorist Assists 33
Total Contacts with the Public 855
Misdemeanor Arrests 21
Felony Arrests 2
DUI Arrests 0
Drug Arrests 0
Stolen Vehicles Recovered 2
Traffic Citations 25
Incident Reports 70
Accident Reports 8
Criminal Investigations 45
Ambulance Calls Dispatched (Police Jurisdiction) 95
Ambulance Calls Dispatched (Outside PJ) 41
Ambulance Calls Dispatched (Transfers) 19
Child Safety Seat Information
September 21, 2011
August 2011 Police Activity
September 13, 2011
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from August 1 through August 31, 2011.
Calls for Service 501
Officer Initiated Contacts 482
Motorist Assists 33
Total Contacts with the Public 1016
Misdemeanor Arrests 33
Felony Arrests 12
DUI Arrests 1
Drug Arrests 4
Meth Labs Seized 0
Traffic Citations 61
Incident Reports 75
Accident Reports 8
Criminal Investigations 45
Ambulance Calls Dispatched (Police Jurisdiction) 121
Ambulance Calls Dispatched (Outside PJ) 62
Piedmont Police Department
Launches Intensive Crackdown on Impaired DrivingAugust 19, 2011
Police Vow to Arrest Everyone Found Driving Over the Limit
The Piedmont Police Department will join nearly 10,000 other law enforcement agencies nationwide in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving August 19–September 5, known as Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest.
The problem of impaired driving is a serious one. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows the number of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in America fell from 2008 to 2009, but the numbers are still too high.
In 2009 alone, 10,839 people died in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider was at or above the legal limit, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes was the 21-to-24 age group.
“All too often, innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this careless disregard for human life. Because we’re committed to ending the carnage, we’re intensifying enforcement during the crackdown. Since twice as many alcohol-impaired accidents occur over the weekend and four times as many occur at night, we will be especially vigilant during these high-risk times when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads,” said Chief Steven Tidwell.
Across the country, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 grams per deciliter or higher. According to the latest data, nearly a third of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC above the legal limit – an average of one fatality every 48 minutes.
The crackdown will include law enforcement officers in every state, Washington, D.C., and many U.S. cities and towns.
Piedmont Police Officers will be aggressively looking for all impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone they find driving while impaired — regardless of age, vehicle type or time of day.
“Our message is simple and unwavering: if we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions,” said Chief Tidwell “Even if you beat the odds and manage to walk away from an impaired-driving crash alive, the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can still destroy your life.”
DUI violators often face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Their insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.
Piedmont PD Adopts New Technology
August 17, 2011
The Piedmont Police Department is pleased to announce the availability of a new Police iPhone and Android application for the citizens of Piedmont. The app, named "My Police Department" or "MyPD", is available now for free in iTunes and Android marketplace.
This app includes features for checking on the latest news, social media postings, directions, department contacts, feedback & questions, department surveys, submitting crime tips, and more.The app is available to the public free of charge and for a nominal fee to participating law enforcement agencies. “We are proud to be an early adopter of this technology and provide it to our citizens. We are one of two police departments in the south and one of the two dozen or so departments in the country to adopt this technology. Smart phones have become more and more prevalent and offer many tools for the department to keep the public informed and likewise for the public to submit information to the police” said Police Chief Steven Tidwell.
The app defaults to the last city viewed upon opening, making it easy to always open the app to the City of Piedmont Police Department. The department home screen contains a number of functions and more are found on the bottom menu which activates upon touch or swipe. Some features, the survey icon for example, will only appear on the app when a survey is currently running. So not all features are always viewable at all times, it depends on what features the department currently is using.
“We hope that the citizens of Piedmont download and use the app to communicate with the department” said Tidwell. “There are many topics for tips and questions already built into the app to make things easy for the user. We are attempting to remove much of the guess work and allow the public to conveniently choose a topic and make sure that message gets to the correct officer.”
All of the forms can be sent anonymously to the department, though users are encouraged to use an email address or phone number if they would like a response. Users also have the availability to upload photos and GPS information with the app forms. For example a picture of a suspicious vehicle or person, traffic issue, or other complaint could be sent directly to the appropriate person at the police department.
As is the case with our other emails, tip sites, and social media, this app is not for any type of emergency situation. The Piedmont Police will attempt to review all messages in a timely fashion but they will not always actively monitor all messages and activity at all times.“Corporate America is using apps to provide their customers with better service and accessibility. Progressive police departments are adopting the MyPD app for the same reasons.” said Wired Blue founder Peter Olson. “Police departments strive to provide their citizens with convenient ways to reach the department and get the information they are looking for. This app allows the department to reach a majority of smart phone users with a native iPhone & Android application, all at a very low cost to the department.”
The app developer, WiredBlue LLC, has more features planned for future releases. Any suggestions and feedback can be directed to the department by emailing Chief Tidwell (steven.tidwell@piedmontcity.org) or the app developer at info@wiredblue.co.
“We hope the public finds our efforts to utilize the latest technologies helpful and informative. The department is always open to suggestions and feedback” said Tidwell.
More information can be found on our website at www.piedmontpolice.org and the MyPD app website http://wiredblue.co.
July 2011 Police Activity
August 12, 2011
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from July 1 through July 31, 2011.
Calls for Service 449
Officer Initiated Contacts 356
Motorist Assists 29
Total Contacts with the Public 834
Misdemeanor Arrests 57
Felony Arrests 16
DUI Arrests 2
Drug Arrests 3
Meth Labs Seized 0
Traffic Citations 51
Incident Reports 79
Accident Reports 8
Criminal Investigations 45
June 2011 Police Activity
July 14
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from June 1 through June 30, 2011.
Calls for Service 458
Officer Initiated Contacts 366
Motorist Assists 31
Total Contacts with the Public 855
Misdemeanor Arrests 39
Felony Arrests 10
DUI Arrests 1
Drug Arrests 5
Meth Labs Seized 1
Traffic Citations 58
Incident Reports 74
Accident Reports 5
Criminal Investigations 38
2010 PPD Awards
June 20, 2011
The Piedmont Police Department recently recognized the efforts of its personnel. Annually the department holds an awards banquet to recognize accomplishments made during the previous year. This year the banquet had to be postponed several times due to unforeseen circumstances.
The Piedmont Police Department awarded the 2010 Officer of the Year Award to Officer Sheldon Estes. Estes has been with the agency for 5 years. “Officer Estes has a tremendous work ethic and is always ready to assist the public and his fellow officers. Sheldon is very adept at all aspects of traffic enforcement and investigation and is a tremendous asset to this department and to this city, “said Chief Steven Tidwell.
The department also recognized the efforts of three of its communications division personnel. Bobbie Beavers, Doris Ingram, and Marie Kerr were recognized as Outstanding Communications Officers for 2010. “Beavers, Doris, and Ingram shouldered the burden of maintaining the communications center operations during the long term medical absences of multiple members of their fellow staff. They worked many tireless extra hours and not only made sure that the communications center was adequately staffed but carried on their commitment to excellence in the performance of public safety communications, “commented Chief Tidwell.
Annually, the police department recognizes one individual or business in the community for outstanding achievement and assistance in carrying out police operations. For 2010 the Piedmont Police Department award the Community Partnership Award to Kenneth Boles and the staff of the Piedmont Autozone.
Here is the complete list of awards:
Officer of the Year Sheldon EstesOutstanding Communications Officer Bobbie Beavers, Doris Ingram, Marie Kerr
Community Partnership Award Kenneth Boles and Piedmont Autozone
Training Award Nathan Johnson
Top Gun Award Don Glover
Most Arrests Nathan Johnson
Most Drug Arrests Shannon Kelley
Most DUI Arrests Freddie Norton, Tony Williams
Most Citations Sheldon Estes
May 2011 Police Activity
June 17, 2011
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from May 1 through May 31, 2011.
Calls for Service 450
Officer Initiated Contacts 444
Motorist Assists 33
Total Contacts with the Public 927
Misdemeanor Arrests 33
Felony Arrests 6
DUI Arrests 2
Drug Arrests 3
Meth Labs Seized 1
Traffic Citations 115
Incident Reports 70
Accident Reports 7
Criminal Investigations 40
April 2011 Police Activity
May 9, 2011
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from April 1 through April 30, 2011.
Calls for Service 416
Officer Initiated Contacts 370
Motorist Assists 38
Total Contacts with the Public 824
Misdemeanor Arrests 36
Felony Arrests 1
DUI Arrests 1
Drug Arrests 1
Meth Labs Seized 0
Traffic Citations 57
Incident Reports 51
Accident Reports 7
Criminal Investigations 33
March 2011 Police Activity
April 5, 2011
Calls for Service 378
Officer Initiated Contacts 332
Motorist Assists 54
Total Contacts with the Public 764
Misdemeanor Arrests 25
Felony Arrests 4
DUI Arrests 1
Drug Arrests 1
Meth Labs Seized 0
Traffic Citations 73
Incident Reports 54
Accident Reports 12
Criminal Investigations 24
February 2011 Police Activity
March 15, 2011
Calls for Service 339
Officer Initiated Contacts 380
Motorist Assists 33
Total Contacts with the Public 695
Misdemeanor Arrests 29
Felony Arrests 0
DUI Arrests 0
Drug Arrests 0
Meth Labs Seized 1
Traffic Citations 87
Incident Reports 45
Accident Reports 11
Criminal Investigations 26
January 2011 Police Activity
February 8, 2011
The following information reflects the activities of the Piedmont Police Department from January 1 through January 31, 2011.
Calls for Service 326
Officer Initiated Contacts 332
Motorist Assists 37
Total Contacts with the Public 695
Misdemeanor Arrests 19
Felony Arrests 5
DUI Arrests 2
Drug Arrests 7
Meth Labs Seized 1
Traffic Citations 44
Incident Reports 45
Accident Reports 7
Criminal Investigations 25
Search for Missing Woman Continues
The Piedmont Police Department still seeks your help in locating a local missing woman. Piedmont Police continue to search for Carla Cook Fuqua who was last seen in late October of 2009.To date the Piedmont Police Department has conducted more than 70 interviews in the case, assisted in polygraph examinations, reviewed numerous hours of surveillance footage, and made physical searches. At least 20 locations have been searched, including several residences and the wooded area where she was allegedly last seen.
The Piedmont Police Department has been assisted by over a dozen different law enforcement entities ranging from local agencies such as the Calhoun and Cherokee County Sheriffs’ Offices, state agencies such as the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, and federal agencies including the US Marshals Service. Other public safety groups such as the Piedmont Rescue Squad have also assisted.
Mrs. Fuqua is a 28 year old white female with sandy hair and blue eyes. She is 5’04” tall and weighs approximately 100 lbs. More information can be found on Mrs. Fuqua on the Wanted Persons section of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s website at www.cherokeecountyalsheriff.com . Carla Cook Fuqua is currently listed as a wanted person for Failure to Appear on Unlawful Manufacture of a Controlled Substance and Failure to Pay on Negotiating a Worthless Negotiable Instrument.
Persons wanting to leave information or give support to the family can visit the social networking site Facebook. Family members have created a group called MISSING---PLEASE HELP US FIND CARLA.
Persons with information regarding Mrs. Fuqua can also contact the Piedmont Police Department at 256.447.9091 or at crimetips@piedmontcity.org or the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 256.927.3365.
Piedmont Police Department
121 West Ladiga Street
Piedmont, AL 36272
ph: 256.447.9091
fax: 256.447.6119
alt: 911
crimetip
