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Show a beginning by Sgt. Mac Yospe, Salt Lake Police Department The police officer listens while Mr. Citizen complains that a neighbor's radio playing too loudly is keeping him awake, "and it's two in the morning and I have to get up at five to go to work!" n another part of the city an officer shakes his head in I sympathy as a sobbing woman relates that her husband has beaten her. Several hours later this same officer answers a call on a barking dog disturbing the neighborhood. In each instance the officer tells the complainant that they -- not he - will have to do something about it. A complaint needs to be signed. Legal terms are used and sometimes are little understood. What is a misdemeanor? Questions left unanswered and confusion fill the minds of these people who do not understand that a misdemeanor offense not ocairing in officer's presence cannot the be handled by an arrest. A police officer's peace cannot be disturbed! Crimes that are committed which are minor in nature and which are punishable by fine or confinement in the County Jail are called misdemeanors. A police officer cannot generally arrest someone for a misdemeanor unless it occurs in his presence. So when the police are called . . . to the scene where noise from a radio or stereo is disturbing the peace of the caller, the officer will be glad to talk to the people and ask that the radio be turned down. If the person refuses, then the officer cannot enforce his request but will ask the complainant to sign a complaint against the offender. When the lady complains that her husband has beaten her, the officer can only suggest that she sign a complaint. If there appears to be immediate danger, she can sign a citizen arrest form, place her husband under arrest and turn him over to the officer to be transported to jail. But she would have to come in the following morning and sign the complaint. Police try to be helpful and resolve situations in a peaceful way. But in misdemeanors not occuring in their presence, the public must cooperatively help themselves. (Ed. Note: This column was started to give residents an opportunity to learn about the law, see a side of the police perhaps they didn't know existed but most importantly, to provide a place where residents could comment, complain, suggest or ask questions. Please address your letters to Sgt. Mac Yospe, Salt Lake City Police Department, Hall of Justice or to the Model Neighborhood News, 383 East 1700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115. We Contest WANTED promise a prompt response in this column.) For Senior Citizens to attend Residents weekly luncheon "If I were the Editor at Redwood Service Center " The Model Neighborhood News is announcing a contest for all residents of the model neighborhood - have fun by participating and help improve your community newspaper. Simply write an essay of 300 words or less on what you would do as Editor of the Model Neighborhood News would you include material different than we have more pictures, or less new features - ideas -- Lunch by Reservation: 466-875- 5 -- -- Cost per plate: 60 cents 12:00 noon Reservations by Monday Tuesdays - layout? Include your name, address and phone number and mail your entry to Model Neighborhood News, 383 East 1700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115. You must be a resident of the model neighborhood to enter. All entries will be published and the winner (to be selei ted by the Citizen's Advisory Board of the newspaper) will receive a $25.00 gift certificate from Sears Department Store. ENTER TODAY Deadline: January 20, 1973. -- Call for 467-801- 4 additional information. -- FREE BINGO WITH PRIZES Need a house? Don't be left out! A job? "Do you ever get the feeling that some people live life like they watch TV? - They don't like what's on, but they're too lazy to get up and change the channel! Training or tutoring? Help withadrugproblem? Call the Model Neighborhood for News at 467-801- 4 information on availableservices. My Husband And MTt Can't I Communicate Problems... Problems ... Tojoin Q small class in your neighborhood -- child Care $ Iransporhticn - no charge call Community Education Services' Gr'flnite, Jordan $ Salt Lake School Districh and Division of Family Services 48trl8H,af.32 Larry Mowery or Elaine Bolsfer Call Community Mental Health at 328-056- 8 ' |