Gated community, Winfield OK cop pact
A plan is in place to give Winfield police officers more enforcement powers in the town’s Doubletree Lake Estates gated community.
The roads there are private and officers can’t write tickets for minor traffic violations, because of the community’s government by its homeowner’s association.
A traffic enforcement agreement between the town and the HOA was introduced April 23 to the Town Council.
Officials said they want to avoid having a situation that happened last year in nearby Lakes of the Four Seasons when state police raided the gated community’s security force after it was accused of acting as a pseudo-police force with Lake County Police unable to write citations for minor traffic infractions.
Winfield Town Marshal Dan Ball said criminal offenses are still enforceable, such as reckless driving, as his department still patrols the community.
Officials said residents are becoming more concerned over speeding cars along the private roads – especially residents with children.
Councilman Dave Anderson, who introduced the ordinance, said “security can’t do squat.”
A first reading of the ordinance passed 3-1, with Anderson, Gerald Stiener and Tim Clayton voting for the agreement. Councilman Jim Simmons voted no while Councilwoman Bridget Baird abstained.
Trauma kits
Ball announced his department has received five trauma kits for police cars courtesy of the Winfield Community Foundation.
“They look small but there is a lot packed into them,” he said.
The kits are specifically outfitted for gunshot wounds and other injuries with items such as gauze and tourniquets.
Ba l l said they are geared toward officers who become injured but also for victims who are not law enforcement.
Rob Earnshaw is a freelance reporter for the PostTribune.