PRESS RELEASE: Oct. 22-26 is National School Bus Safety Week and serves as a reminder to drivers the importance of making sure children taking the bus are getting to and from school safely.

Turlock Police supports national efforts to promote school bus safety and inform drivers what they need to do around buses.

California law requires drivers in both directions to stop whenever a school bus has activated its flashing red lights and stop signal arm. Drivers must stay stopped until the flashing red lights are turned off. Flashing yellow lights means drivers should slow down and prepare to stop.

“Passing a school bus with flashing red lights is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Chief Amirfar said. “For the safety of children and bus drivers, we are urging the public to be aware of school buses and to stop on red.”

If the school bus is on the other side of a divided road or road with two or more lanes in each direction, drivers do not need to stop.

During National School Bus Safety Week, Turlock Police will be cracking down on vehicles that illegally pass school buses, conducting enforcement operations looking for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.

If caught, drivers face at least a $150 fine, with multiple violations resulting in up to $1,000 in fines and a suspended license for one year.

A May 2018 survey by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services found that nearly 14,000 drivers statewide failed to stop for a school bus that was stopped to pick up or drop off students. The survey involved reports made by 4,474 bus drivers.
School buses are the safest way for children to get to school. Teaching drivers and children to follow these safety tips will ensure that children are as safe as possible when traveling to and from school.

Drivers:
• Before making a turn, make sure the path is clear. Let pedestrians with the right-of-way safely cross intersections before turning.

• Avoid distractions like texting, talking on the phone, grooming or eating while driving.

• Be careful backing up. Look for pedestrians who may be behind your car.

• Always keep an eye out for children, especially during pick-up and drop-off times.

• Flashing red lights on a bus school means “STOP.” On a two-lane road, cars traveling in BOTH directions must stop until students exit the bus and the flashing red lights are turned off.

Children:
• When boarding or getting off a bus, play it SAFE.
• Stay five steps away from the curb.
• Always wait for the bus driver to tell you when to board.
• Face forward when riding on bus.
• Exit bus when it stops, looking both ways before stepping onto sidewalk.

###

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only.

For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.

This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant David Hall.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Russ Holeman
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 668-6524
Email – rholeman@turlock.ca.us

PRESS RELEASE: Rules for the Road: Week Dedicated to Teaching Teen Drivers How to be Safe Behind the Wheel

National Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 21-27

This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and Turlock Police Department wants to remind parents and guardians the importance of talking to their teen drivers about new responsibilities and rules that come with operating a vehicle.

“For teens, getting a license is a rite of passage tied to freedom and independence, but is also something that can be dangerous because teens lack experience behind the wheel and are more likely to take risks,” said Chief Amirfar, “National Teen Driver Safety Week is a way to encourage all parents to instill good driving habits that help their teens stay safe on the road.”

The reality is that vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 18. According to data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 73,736 crashes in 2016 involving drivers 16 to 20 years old in California alone. In those crashes, 437 people were killed.

Throughout the week (Oct. 21-27), Turlock Police will join the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in offering tips to parents and caregivers on how to talk to teens about the consequences of making dangerous and illegal choices behind the wheel.

• Graduated Driver License (GDL): Learn about California’s GDL laws, which place restrictions on passengers and driving late at night during the first year they have a license.

• Lead by example: Practice safe driving yourself. Have practice driving sessions with your teen.

• Set Ground Rules: No cell phones, no passengers, no speeding, no alcohol, no drowsy driving, and always buckle up. No keys until they know the rules. Establish consequences you will enforce if your teen breaks the rules.

• With driving comes great responsibility: Remind your teen that driving requires your full attention. Texts and phone calls can wait. Teach them about zero-tolerance laws, and the adult consequences they face for driving after drinking or using drugs. Urge them to never ride with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.

“Whether it’s drinking and driving, not wearing a seat belt, speeding, driving distracted or with friends in the car, it’s important for parents to let their teen know that driving is not a right, but a privilege,” said Chief Amirfar, “It can be taken away when they don’t follow the rules.”

To learn more about teen driver safety, visit the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) website at http://ghsa.org/html/issues/teens/index.html.

###

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only.
For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.

This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant David Hall.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Russ Holeman
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 668-6524
Email – rholeman@turlock.ca.us

A Message from your Traffic Safety Unit:
#trafficsafety #turlockpolice #turlockpd

The Turlock Police Department processed 341 calls for service during the 3 shifts covering the 24 hour period for Thursday, October 18, 2018.

https://ci.turlock.ca.us/_pdf/daily24hrpatrolsupervisorreport.asp?id=1461

The Turlock Police Department processed 320 calls for service during the 3 shifts covering the 24 hour period for Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

https://ci.turlock.ca.us/_pdf/daily24hrpatrolsupervisorreport.asp?id=1460

This Saturday!
Coffee with the Chief - Are you coming? See you at 9am.

#coffeewiththechief #turlockpolice #turlockpd #turlock

PRESS RELEASE: Double Homicide 2600 Block Fulkerth Rd.

On Thursday, October 18, 2018, at approximately 2:13 A.M., Turlock Police Department received several phone calls advising of a vehicle found stopped near the intersection of Fulkerth Road and Highway 99. The vehicle had obvious signs of having been shot at multiple times. Inside the vehicle, callers located two victims; the apparent driver and his occupant, who were deceased. Multiple police officers responded to the scene and located the victims, both of whom had been shot. Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The victims have not yet been identified.

This is an ongoing investigation with detectives currently processing the evidence located at the scene and attempting to determine a motive for this crime.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is encouraged to call Detective Brandon Bertram (209) 664-7323. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only.
For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.

###

This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Russ Holeman.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Russ Holeman
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 668-6524
Email – rholeman@turlock.ca.us

Students who were a part of the Mayor's Youth Conference today stopped by the Public Safety Facility this afternoon for a K9 demonstration, got to view patrol vehicles and the SWAT truck, and were able to ask officers one-on-one questions.

Being able to showcase a career in law enforcement to our youth is important to everyone's future. Maybe we'll have some applicants from this group in a few years!

#turlockpolice #turlockpd #turlock #mayorsyouthconference Turlock Unified School District City of Turlock - Parks, Recreation & Public Facilities Department

Time is running out! Last day to apply for Police Officer Trainee is Thursday, October 18th at 5:00 pm!

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/turlock/jobs/2142166-0/police-officer-trainee

#turlockpolice #turlockpd #turlock #lawenforcement #police #policeofficer #policejobs #criminaljustice #community #communitypolicing #hiring #werehiring #cops #californiajobs

Mark your calendars!
Come Trick-or-Treat at TPD! 11:00am - 5:00 pm!

#turlock #turlockpolice #turlockpd #halloween #trickortreat

The Turlock Police Department processed 374 calls for service during the three shifts covering October 16, 2018 which resulted in the following attached notable police activities and reports taken for the 24 hour period of October 16, 2018.

https://ci.turlock.ca.us/_pdf/daily24hrpatrolsupervisorreport.asp?id=1459

Mark your calendar! Our next Coffee with the Chief is on October 20th!

#coffeewiththechief #turlockpolice #turlockpd #turlock

The 21st Annual Policeman's Ball is scheduled for Saturday, November 10th! Purchase your tickets before October 30th! Bring your friends!

Tickets can be purchased at the TPD Records Lobby. Contact (209) 664-7332 for additional info/questions.

Turlock Police Association #turlock #turlockpd #turlockpolice #policemansball

Last day to apply for Police Officer Trainee is Thursday, October 18th at 5:00 pm!

#turlockpolice #turlockpd #turlock #lawenforcement #police #policeofficer #policejobs #criminaljustice #community #communitypolicing #hiring #werehiring #cops #californiajobs

Patrol Logs from over the weekend are now posted on our website.

Total number of calls processed for:
Friday: 369
Saturday: 333
Sunday: 299

***UPDATE***9:45am

James has been found and is safe. Thank you for your help.

PRESS RELEASE: Homicide 300 Block W. Linwood

On Thursday, October 11, 2018, at approximately 8:55 P.M., Turlock Police Department received a 9-1-1 phone call advising of a drive by shooting that had just occurred in the 300 block of W. Linwood Avenue. The caller stated that two people had been shot. Multiple police officers responded to the scene and arrived within minutes of the initial 9-1-1 phone call. Upon arrival, officers located a young adult male who had sustained at least one gunshot wound. No other injured persons were located. Paramedics, who had been parked nearby when the shooting occurred, quickly arrived on scene, however the victim had already succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The victim has been identified as Johnny Wilson (18yr from Turlock).

As this is an ongoing investigation details are limited, however, it is believed that three or four subjects were in the front yard of the home when the shooting occurred. Witnesses advised that the suspect(s) arrived in an unknown type vehicle and began shooting at the subjects who were standing in the front yard. The suspect(s) then fled in the vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is encouraged to call Detective Frank Navarro (209) 664-7319. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/. Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only.
For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.

###

This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Russ Holeman.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Russ Holeman
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 668-6524
Email – rholeman@turlock.ca.us

***UPDATE***9:45am

James has been found and is safe. Thank you for your help.

###############

***ATTENTION***At Risk Missing Adult

James Riddle, a 19 year old male, was last seen around 10:00pm last night in the 200 block of West Avenue South.

It is unknown what James is wearing.

If you have seen James please call Dispatch at (209) 668-1200 immediately.

Check out our Volunteers at their recent training, LEVOC (Law Enforcement Volunteers of California) training in Lodi! We have the best volunteers 💙🤗