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Fireworks: TPD takes aim at fireworks violations

By John Larson

Tacoma Weekly
jlarson@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: July 03, 2008

Tacoma Police Department (TPD) officials hope increased enforcement of the city’s fireworks ban will result in fewer booms and bangs in neighborhoods in the days leading up to and after the 4th of July.

Tacoma Fire Department Assistant Chief Dan Crotty and TPD Assistant Chief Bob Sheehan discussed the topic during the June 26 meeting of Tacoma City Council’s Public Safety, Human Services and Education Committee.

Crotty discussed an informational flyer about the fireworks ban, with text in English, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Cambodian. Neighborhoods that are known as trouble spots will receive ample supplies of flyers.

“Can I get out on my bike and deliver them?” asked Councilmember Rick Talbert.

Talbert expressed frustration with how the fireworks ban has been enforced in the past. He acknowledged the difficulty police face, especially in his East Side district. “The East Side is just a shooting zone,” he remarked. “Our whole neighborhood is lit up.”

Talbert did note that injuries related to fireworks have decreased in recent years.

Last year the council altered the law to make violations a civil infraction carrying a $257 fine. Police issued 11 citations last year.

“Hopefully if enough people are penalized this year it will send a message,” Talbert commented.

Sheehan discussed enforcement plans. Dedicated fireworks patrols started June 28 and will continue through July 6. For the first four days there were four officers assigned to the North End and adjacent areas and four assigned to the southern sections of the city. That number increased to six in each area as of July 3 and eight from July 4-6.

Sheehan said the department will spend $26,000 in additional labor costs for these patrols. Because of Freedom Fair and Tall Ships, Sheehan said all officers have been informed they may have to start their shifts early and end late through the busy week.

“This plan is more aggressive than what we did last year,” he commented.

He noted officers on fireworks patrols will not be able to respond to every complaint. When possible, officers on regular patrol will be sent to investigate such complaints.

Sheehan said TPD is keeping track of addresses known for fireworks complaints.

Talbert said he hoped officers could focus enforcement in sections of the city known for fireworks violations.

Unlike in some past years, there is no fireworks hotline this summer. Citizens who wish to report fireworks being set off are asked to call Law Enforcement Support Agency’s Communications Center at (253) 798-4722. Sheehan said residents must realize the phone may ring 20 times or more before it is answered.

For incidents that pose a threat of serious harm to people or property, citizens are asked to call 911.

Sheehan noted that TPD is bringing in many additional officers over the 4th of July weekend, from Ruston to the University of Washington campus police.

“I am very confident it will be a wonderful 4th of July,” he remarked.

TPD Sgt. Rob Jepson spoke about fireworks enforcement with Community Council of Tacoma during its June 26 meeting. He told the members that setting off fireworks is similar to speeding in that a police officer needs to witness the violation in order take action against an individual. Hearing about a violation from a citizen, even if they provide photographs or videotape, is not sufficient.

Jepson discussed one tactic that will be used.

“We are going to try to sneak up on them in unmarked cars.”

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