Author: Dave Schwab

Posted on

Avoiding COVID-19 Scams

Fake testing kits, “cures” and “treatments” for the virus, counterfeit personal protective equipment (PPE), and email phishing scams are examples of schemes that have become popular recently. Not only are these scams taking people’s money, they also have potentially dangerous consequences.

Resources & Links

FDA Health Fraud Program
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/health-fraud-scams

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx

National Center for Disaster Fraud
https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud

Posted on

Emergency health rules have force of law

The Dothan Police Department’s Patrol Division has responded to a number of party complaints over the weekend which violate the rules regarding gatherings promulgated by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) in the past week.

All non-work-related gatherings of 25 or more persons, or non-work-related gatherings of any size that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons, are prohibited.
State Health Officer Order as Amended

These responses not only divert resources from our regular duties, but they put both the participants of the gatherings and the law enforcement officers and their families at risk of contracting coronavirus via a completely preventable route of infection.

We want to remind everyone that our community is under orders from the ADPH to refrain from participating in non-work related gatherings of 25 or more people in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

These rules have the effect of state law under Title 22-2-14 of the Code of Alabama 1975. The Dothan Police Department will enforce these rules as they are promulgated by ADPH.

Any person who knowingly violates or fails or refuses to obey or comply with any rule or regulation adopted and promulgated by the State Board of Health of this state shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than $25.00 nor more than $500.00 and, if the violation or failure or refusal to obey or comply with such rule or regulation is a continuing one, each day’s violation, or failure or refusal shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punished accordingly.
§ 22-2-14 Code of Alabama, 1975

Your cooperation is appreciated in this matter.

Posted on

24th Annual K9 Seminar Video

The Dothan Police Department K9 Unit wrapped up the 24th Annual K9 Seminar on Friday, February 7, 2020.

This annual seminar is intended to provide K9 teams from all over the country with an opportunity to do real world scenario-based training in a controlled and safe environment.

The seminar provides these guys a week of quality K9 training that allows these teams an opportunity to fix any issues they may have and make themselves better according to Sgt. William Wozniak, K9 trainer.

Teams from around the United States participated including New Jersey, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Indiana and North Carolina.

Posted on

Discussion on plans for animal shelter

A group of city leaders met with private partners today to discuss plans for replacing the city’s aging animal shelter. Discussions centered on projects ranging from a website for increased transparency to reviewing several possible locations for the new facility.

“We really just wanted to make sure the public was aware that this project is being undertaken in earnest,” said Steve Parrish, Dothan’s Chief of Police. “We have a long way to go, and these meetings are a key part of making sure we’ve got everything in place to make the project a success.”

Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, District 5 Commissioner Beth Kenward and City Manager Kevin Cowper were also in attendance at the meeting.

The current animal shelter is not adequate for the city’s needs and has been found to be in need of replacement. The goal is to build a new shelter that provides not only a clean, inviting atmosphere for its visitors, but also is a safe, healthy place for strays to be kept until they can be adopted.

City officials discuss plans for new animal shelter
Posted on

Police promotion ceremony held at Opera House

The Dothan Police Department held a promotion ceremony recognizing ten members’ promotions to various ranks. Following recent promotions and retirements, the department has promoted the following personnel as they appear in the photo from left to right:

  • Captain William Glover
  • Captain Scott Long
  • Lieutenant Scott Owens
  • Lieutenant Christopher Watson
  • Sergeant Peter Markow
  • Sergeant Sean Morgan
  • Corporal Keith Cook
  • Corporal Blake McCallister
  • Corporal Erik Broten
  • Corporal Caleb Gilmore

Please join us in congratulating these officers on this outstanding achievement!

Posted on

Local deaf community recognizes officer

On Saturday, September 28, 2019, members of our local deaf community presented our own Lieutenant Rachel David with an appreciation award. The presentation was made at the Deaf Awareness Picnic held at Eastgate Park in conjunction with Deaf Awareness Month. The event was attended by approximately 100 people.

Ms. Gwen, a member of Dothan’s deaf community, cited Lt. David’s passionate involvement in helping bridge communication barriers faced by the deaf when dealing with law enforcement. Lt. David’s commitment in attending American Sign Language classes offered at the Dothan, Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) was recognized.

Ms. Gwen pointed out that Lt. David regularly helps members of the deaf community even when she is off duty.

Posted on

Enhanced Foster Fest Security

The Dothan Police Department and the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DDRA) met on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 to discuss several issues related to last Friday night’s Foster Fest event.

Dothan Police arrested nine individuals for fighting, seven of whom were juveniles. Police and DDRA official are committed to making this a safe event for all residents and visitors to enjoy. Immediate steps are being taken to prevent disorderly activity in the future.

City officials will assign more police officers to work the event as well as increasing safety measures such as video surveillance, undercover police officers and increased security lighting.

Posted on

Crash causes power outage

A vehicle crash In the 1000 block of John D. Odom Road has caused a power outage. Please use caution if you are driving in the area as police, fire, medical and utilities units are on scene.

If you are without power please be careful if you were using any appliances (especially your stove) when the power failed. Be sure and turn off any appliances that may have been operating when the power failed.

Copyright © 2017-25 City of Dothan, Alabama