The Winter Parking Ban is an effect. Vehicles parked on the street between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM are subject to fines. Any vehicles parked on the street during a snow emergency may be fined and towed. For residents who live in or around the center of town, vehicles can be parked, overnight, in the […]
Archive for May, 2018
Winchester Police Offer Safety Reminders Ahead of High School Prom and Town-Wide Events
Posted By Winchester Police on May 17th, 2018
As residents of all ages look forward to the En Ka Fair, senior prom and Town Day, Chief Peter MacDonnell and Winchester Police wish to offer tips for remaining safe during each event.
The En Ka Fair takes place on May 18 and 19, senior prom is scheduled for May 30 and Town Day will be held on June 2.
“Each of these yearly events is exciting and attract many residents,” Chief MacDonnell said. “Our priority is ensuring that everyone has a good time and gets home safely. We want high school seniors in particular to be conscious of their behavior and the importance of making good decisions on prom night.”
Residents should be aware that some roads will be closed during these events. Beginning on Wednesday May 16 at 8am and going through Sunday morning May 20, Skilling Rd, both directions from the high school entrance to the Town Hall intersection shall be closed in order to accommodate the En Ka Fair. On Thursday, May 17 Mount Vernon St shall be closed in both directions from the rotary to the town hall intersection. For both the fair and Town Day, motorists should exercise extreme caution due to increased pedestrian traffic on town streets and sidewalks.
Winchester Police will have an increased presence at each event, but fair and Town Day attendees should remain vigilant and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Anyone who sees something that appears suspicious or out of place should immediately notify an event organizer or public safety officials. Parents should keep in mind that during this time of year, risky behaviors among our middle and high school aged youth increase.
The senior prom is a memorable and exciting event for our high school seniors, but for parents, it can be a stressful night. Students should remember that poor decisions made before, during and after prom can have long-term negative consequences.
Chief MacDonnell recommends that parents reinforce the importance of good decision making with their children, and encourages families to remember the following guidelines as prom night approaches.
Think responsibly: Students are responsible for their own actions, and should not feel pressured to take part in inappropriate behavior — prior, during, or after the dance. It’s OK to say no, even if others are participating.
Travel safely: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers. Always buckle up, no matter how short the trip. It’s the law.
Don’t drink and drive, and don’t get in a car with a driver who has been drinking, or using drugs.
Don’t text and drive. Texting and cell phone use while driving is illegal and a major cause of accidents.
Plan ahead and know the law: After prom parties should be supervised. Students should make plans to be with friends and notify parents or guardians where they’ll be and how to reach them.
The law now also provides immunity from prosecution for those under twenty-one who unlawfully possession alcohol (c. 138 § 34C) and those who unlawfully purchase alcohol (c. 138 § 34A) when seeking medical attention for alcohol incapacitation. The person who calls for medical attention and the person in need of medical attention are immune from prosecution from these alcohol related offenses.
The Good Samaritan Law (M.G.L. 94C §34A) states that a person experiencing a drug-related overdose (or someone with the overdosing party) who seeks medical assistance will not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance.
Under the Social Host law, parents can be criminally and civilly liable if they allow underage drinking to occur in their homes or any property controlled by them.
Communicate: Parents should reinforce to their children that underage drinking is illegal and can impair a person, especially a young person’s ability to make good decisions. Get students’ itineraries for the evening, including whom they will be with, where they’ll be going before and after the prom, and the phone numbers of where you can contact them. Come to a fair decision on a curfew and express any concerns about their health and safety.
Be understanding: Family members are urged to make it clear to their students that they can call them at any time for help, advice or a ride.
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