STALKER SAM DELIVERED - IN USE BY JUNO BEACH POLICE

A catchy headline, but let us explain...

To ensure a safe flow of traffic through Juno Beach, several tools are used by the Juno Beach Police Department to assist with Officers' deployment in the areas of concern. One of those tools is the new Stalker SAM Trailer.

Stalker is the leader in the design, development, and distribution of speed radar equipment primarily used in law enforcement. SAM is an acronym for Speed Awareness Monitors

Last month we reported that your Juno Beach Police Foundation had provided a $20,000 grant to the Juno Beach Police Department for the purchase of two Stalker SAM Radar Trailers.

Both trailers have now been received, operators trained, and these Speed Awareness Monitors (SAM's) are now deployed in the Town of Juno Beach.

( SAM Trailer being deployed using the Police Foundation funded golf car. )

The SAM trailers are designed to create a 24/7 Traffic Calming Presence with 1,000-Foot visibility, 18" amber displays, and nearly “infinite” field operations thanks to their solar panels.

When speeding concerns are brought to the attention of the Police Department, one of the trailers can be deployed to the concerned location. The trailer is left at the location for about a week, during which time the trailer will collect the speed of vehicles traveling on the road. The data can then be analyzed, and based on the information collected, Officers can then be deployed to the areas of greatest concern.

Tests by other law enforcement agencies show that:

    • Speeders will slow down up to 80% of the time when alerted by a speed sign
    • Typical speed reductions are in the 10-20% range
    • Overall compliance with the posted speed limit will go up by 30-60%
    • Radar speed signs are particularly effective at slowing down “super speeders”

Initially deployed on Donald Ross Road near the Sea Oats community and on Ocean Drive near Pelican Lake, Chief of Police Brian Smith reports that "the department is already seeing a sharp reduction in speed as vehicles approach the trailers." By constantly moving the trailers within Juno Beach, the Chief hopes to see a major reduction in the overall number of speeding violations throughout the Town.

COFFEE WITH A COP - BACK ON THE MONTHLY CALENDAR

On Wednesday, July 7th, Chief of Police Brian Smith, along with some of his Officers will once again welcome residents, business owners and guest to the Town Hall patio for coffee and donuts (sponsored by Dunkin') - along with an informative review of police activities over the past month in the Town of Juno Beach.

The Chief will also display one of the Speed Awareness Trailers (see above article) that the agency recently acquired with funds from the Juno Beach Police Foundation.

Come out and Join the Chief, his Officers, members of the Juno Beach Police Volunteers, and representatives of the Juno Beach Police Foundation for a lively and sure to be enjoyable morning.

July 7, 2021 @ 9:30 AM - we look forward to seeing you at Coffee With A Cop

NEW OFFICER JOINS THE JUNO BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT

At the June 2021 Town Council Meeting, Town Clerk Caitlin Copeland swore in a new member of the Juno Beach Police Department.

Police Officer Chris St. John joins the agency after 5 years of service in the US Navy as a Military Policeman.

Originally from New York, Chris is the son of a New York City firefighter (FDNY) and a Long Island High School teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University and is working on his proficiency in Spanish.

Officer St. John spent his active duty military career as a Shift Supervisor, Investigator, and Antiterrorism Training Coordinator while stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia and US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece.

Some of his service awards include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for recognition of professional achievements in the superior performance of his duties and the Humanitarian Service Medal for his relief efforts in response to Hurricane Irma in 2017. Chris is now an active reservist and hopes to be commissioned with the rank of Ensign soon.

Chris says he "looks forward to helping to protect the Town of Juno Beach along with the shoreline and beaches that make up this wonderful South Florida Town."

Welcome Officer St. John, we are pleased to see you as a member of the Juno Beach Police Department.

Thank You! - OCEANVIEW UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

In recent months, the Juno Beach Police Department has had problems with individuals parking in the Methodist Church parking lot and then walking onto the beach. Once there they often get intoxicated, trespass on residents’ homes, urinate in public, and litter the general area.

Pastor Emily Denmark McGee has worked closely with both the Town and the Police Department and as a result has drastically reduced and restricted the amount of parking available in the Church parking lots, posted no trespassing notices, and hired a tow company to remove violators cars.

The Church said in one of its statements that "This is a case of a very few rotten apples spoiling the bunch. However, because we allow the public to park on our property, the church is ultimately responsible for what they do in our community."

Thank you, Pastor Emily and the Oceanview United Methodist Church, for being such responsive community citizens.

POLICE VOLUNTEER RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Based on a nomination by Major Fertig, Juno Beach Police Volunteer Tom Murphy was presented with an award at an annual County wide luncheon.

The award recognizes Tom for his continued dedication to keeping our community a safe place to work, live and play stating that "Tom's law enforcement experience is a strong asset to the Juno Beach Police Department as well as the Juno Beach Community and we are grateful for his endless support and dedication."

Captain Steve Thibodeau from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office presented the award on behalf of the Palm Beach County Traffic Safety Council.

Congratulations Tom for your well-deserved Distinguished Service Award.

LAW ENFORCEMENT "Blue Mass"

The Blue Mass, held in conjunction with National Police Week, is celebrated annually, for members of all faiths, throughout the United States. It brings together members of law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, 911 operators and EMS personnel. The service honors those who have died in the line of duty and those currently serving as first responders. The Mass is also an opportunity for the local community to show gratitude to first responders and their families.

This year's Blue Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 29th at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens by the Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach County.

Law enforcement officers of all faiths will gather with family and friends at 8:30 a.m. and march into the Cathedral for the service. Light refreshments will follow in the Parish Hall.

Come join the members of the Juno Beach Police Department, and of numerous other Palm Beach County Law Enforcement and first responder agencies, to honor their past and ongoing service to the community.

September 29, 2021 @ 8:30 AM - we hope to see you there!