[Winona] Handicap parking violations

[Joliene Olson]

I have to agree with a couple of our recent postings that the problem of improper use of handicap parking is, in the scope of things, probably not that big a deal.    However, when individuals encounter something like this or other violations we often feel powerless to do something or don't know what action to take to help us in our frustration.   I have Chief of Police Frank Pomeroy's permisson to share with you what he said could be done by someone who encounters a situation AND wants to take action.  Isn't it good to know there is an action that can be taken instead of just complaining and being frustrated?   Quote from Chief Promeroy follows: "We do make manyhandicap parking arrests, either when an Officer observes the violation or when a citizen calls and complains that someone is parked in a handicap zone. The fine for a violation is $200.00. If a person chooses to go to Court, and many do because of the amount, the fine is usually lowered to $25.00 to $100.00.   If a person were to take a picture of the vehicle, to include the license plate number and the time and date of the violation,  that person can contact the Police and make a citizens arrest. The reason for their making the arrest is that they are the person who witnessed a misdemeanor offense. The Police can follow-up on their complaint and locate the owner or driver of the vehicle and issue a citation for the violation."   Chief Promeroy also explained that the person taking the picture does NOT have to confront the person to make a citizens arrest but should be prepared to give the officer their name and possibly  appear in court, if need be, to tesitfy to what you witnessed and to the veracity of the photo that you took.         Further quote from the Chief: "As for speeders. We have ben saturating most of the heavily traveled roadways in our City and have issued an extraordinary number of speeding citations. You would think that sooner or later they would get it as their behavior directly affects everyone's safety". Chief Pomeroy   Sorry that this is kind of long but felt that having knowledge of an action step that can be taken, if desired, sort of helps bring an idea full circle. Joliene Olson