Allentown police conducting enhanced patrols for holiday weekend
Officers watching for fireworks, dirt bikes and other problems citywide
Allentown police are conducting citywide enhanced patrols this Fourth of July weekend and are asking the community to help make the holiday safe and enjoyable for all.
“We’re going out there, we’re going to be answering quality-of-life concerns, the fireworks, the dirt bikes, loud music, that type of thing,” chief Charles Roca said in a video posted Thursday on the police Facebook page.
“We want (everyone) to be respectful of the laws and ordinances here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Roca said. “And it’s important as we move forward that our community stays informed.”
Enhanced and joint patrols are nothing new to Allentown police and have targeted other problems like guns and illegal drugs.
“These patrols provide for additional manpower that can be proactive and address quality-of-life concerns throughout the city,” Roca told the Morning Call. “We want to have a presence and work with our community in addressing concerns.”
The focus this weekend includes fireworks. Gov. Tom Wolf in October 2017 signed a law allowing Pennsylvania residents to buy aerial fireworks including firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and other explosives with a maximum of 50 mg of explosive material. Previously, residents were only able to buy groundbased items such as sparklers and fountains.
The state had a financial incentive for the new law, allowing fireworks to now be taxed at 12%.
After an especially explosive Fourth of July in 2018, Allentown City Council members and Mayor Ray O’Connell proposed a law banning consumer fireworks between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., with penalties including 30 days in jail and fines of $50-$1,000.
“We don’t want to see any injuries happening from fireworks or anything of that nature,” Roca said in Thursday’s police Facebook video.
Dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles are another problem tending to worsen during summer months. Police have been cracking down on such vehicles for causing traffic safety concerns. Many are unlicensed, inspected or, in some cases, stolen.
Police are asking the public to report any problems caused by these vehicles.
“One of the things I’d like everybody to know is that we’re in this together with you guys,” Roca said in the video filmed at J. Birney Crum Stadium at 2027 Linden St., where a fireworks show is scheduled for 5-10 p.m. Sunday. “It’s key and vital for people to come out and let us know exactly what’s happening.”
Residents can call Allentown police to report the vehicles or use the Tip 411 app and include videos or photos of illegal activity. Any information can be provided anonymously, Roca said.
“This weekend’s patrols won’t be just a Center City thing, a South Side thing, a West End thing or just for our friends on the East Side,” he said. “We’re one city. We’ve got to come together from all aspects. It’s not just the police department involved. It’s our other departments in the city and our community nonprofits as well.”