Notice about fireworks inside the city limits

As the July 4th holiday approaches, we remind our citizens fireworks are illegal in the City Limits of Dothan. The Police Department will be patrolling and may issue citations for illegal use of fireworks. For those readers who may legally use fireworks at their home (again, this is no one in the City Limits of Dothan!!) we would like to encourage safety first! We encourage those within the City Limits to visit a professionally produced fireworks show such as the “Fireworks on the Fairgrounds” beginning at 9:00 PM at the Peanut Festival Fairgrounds.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety lists nine safety tips that encourage firework users to celebrate our nation’s heritage on the Fourth of July safely.

If discharging fireworks where it is legal to do so:

  • Use fireworks outdoors only.
  • Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
  • Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).
  • Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
  • Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should
  • wear safety glasses.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
  • Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
  • Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives!

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.

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.

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