Holiday Safety Tips

The Richland Police Department is committed to your safety.  This flyer has some safety tips that can be used year-round, but during this holiday season they are a great reminder for us all. Crime prevention is a multi-faceted approach that requires the police and community to work together. Feel free to print it out, share it with people anyway that is convenient and help us by becoming our partner in preventing vehicle prowls. 

Rollover Crash in Richland

On 11-22-2013 at about 10:45 AM a car driven by 55 year old Richland resident David Muller struck a fire hydrant at the intersection of Wright Ave. and Thompson St.  Muller was driving north bound on Wright and apparently suffered some type of medical crisis.  The Ford Escort he was driving left the roadway, sheared off a fire hydrant and rolled into the front yard of a residence.

Photographs below show the geyser of water created when the fire hydrant broke off.  No other vehicles were involved.

Muller was transported from the scene by Richland Fire paramedics.

Contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362, for additional information.

Stabbing Occurred At Richland Days Inn

ARRESTED: Coffey, Cassidy S., 32 year old female, Richland

CHARGES: Assault 1^st Degree

Synopsis:

On November 10, 2013 at 6:45 PM, Richland Police were dispatched to a disturbance in progress at the Richland Days Inn.  

32 year old Cassidy Coffey and a 42 year old female were in a room at the Days Inn.  An argument between the females turned into a physical altercation.  Both females sustained injuries during the disturbance with Coffey allegedly stabbing the other female multiple times in the torso.  A folding knife with a blade length of approximately 3 ½” was recovered at the scene.  The nature of the relationship between the two females and details of the incident is under investigation by Richland Police Detectives.

Coffey was booked into the Benton County Jail on a 72-hour hold for Assault 1^st Degree.  The victim was transported from the scene to Kadlec Medical Center and is currently in stable condition.  No additional details are available at this time.  The investigation is continuing.

Contact:  Cpt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362.

Alleged weapon:

School Bus Safety Violations

The Richland Police Department Traffic Safety Unit would like to remind all drivers of the law pertaining to School Bus violations.  The State Law R.C.W. 46.61.370 states: vehicles on a two lane road MUST stop when the Red Lights and STOP SIGN are displayed.  On a four lane road, vehicles traveling in the same direction must stop for the bus, while the oncoming traffic may pass without stopping.  The Traffic Safety Unit has received numerous complaints of violations in south Richland neighborhoods.  The violation doesn’t have to be witnessed by a Police Officer, the driver of the bus may file a complaint that will be followed up by an Officer.  A citation for this violation maybe issued with a fine of $394.00

 

 

Officers will be closely monitoring violations of this type to help create an environment of safety for children accessing the school bus.

 

Contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362, for additional information.

Halloween Safety and Fun Community Event

Richland PD's Community Services Unit is inviting children to stop by the Police Station between the hours of 3 PM and 6 PM on October 31, 2013. Our goal is to host an event that will allow us to promote Halloween, child and personal safety.  There will be a patrol car for the kids to look at, flyer's & coloring books on safety topics for both the kids and their parents & since it is Halloween we will even have some candy for the kids. 

RPD is excited to interact with the citizens of this great community and their children.  If you have any questions about this event contact Ofc. Rick Kane.

2014 Citizens Academy Now Accepting Applications

The 2014 Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for enrollment. If you are like most folks, you probably haven’t had the occasion to learn much about the workings of your police department, the criminal justice system, or the emergency response system in your community.  For Richland citizens, your police department offers an annual twelve-session Citizens’ Police Academy which begins in January 7th and continues into March 25th.  The Academy classes are held Tuesday night of each week, and one Saturday session toward the end of the Academy. Attendance is limited; priority attendance will be given to current Richland residents and those who have not attended before.  These positions are filled on a first-come-first-served basis, so if you’re interested don’t delay!  To apply, complete the app below and mail to Richland PD, Attn. Ofc. Rick Kane, PO BOX 190, MS-17, Richland, WA 99352, or drop it off at the station.

Distracted Driving Education

 

The Richland Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is asking you to please put down the cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.  The Washington State Law RCW 46.61.667 Using a wireless communications device while driving and RCW 46.61.668 Texting while driving while cost you $124.00 fine.  We remind you that drivers with an Intermediate License cannot use a cell phone while driving even hands free.  

Parents please watch the attached video of a family dealing with the loss of a child due to texting while driving.  Please talk with your children about this video and the consequences texting could cause your family. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT0k--HnHrM 

What is distracted driving?
Distraction occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off your primary task: driving safely. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing

Who are the most serious offenders?
Our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk, with 16% of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20. But they are not alone. At any given moment during daylight hours, over 800,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.

Sending or reading one text is pretty quick, unlike a phone conversation - wouldn't that be okay?
Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction simultaneously. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded. It's extraordinarily dangerous. If you have any questions regarding this program please contact Cpl. Scott Morrell at 509-942-7715.