The Saratoga Police Department is making preparations for the 2023/2024 school year, according to Chief Mike Morris. Morris also provided some updates regarding the hobo pool.
In a sit down with Morris, the topic of school bus pickup and dropoff along with maintaining a significant presence around the schools was his main concern. Morris spoke on getting everyone on the same page understanding how a safe and effective bus pickup and drop off at the schools should take place.
Last year, with the construction on Spring Street, the loading and unloading of school buses was moved from the Saratoga Elementary School parking lot to the south side of the school on Elm Street. Being that the dropoff and pickup is on a roadway, stopping when the flashing lights are on is required of all motorists.
“The extra three minutes it takes for the pickup is worth it to maintain a safer environment for the children” said Morris.
The buses will continue to load and unload on the southside of the elementary school this year.
Additionally, the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office will provide a resource officer to help assist the SPD to maintain a consistent presence around the schools. The resource officer will also provide assistance to the other schools in the Carbon County School District No. 2.
Summer in Saratoga brings with it tourists and, typically, hot pool violations. An increase of violations hasn’t been noted for this year, though Morris noted infractions of hot pool restrictions mainly include the consumption of alcohol on site along with some forgetting to keep proper swimming attire on during their visit.
Occasionally the unfortunate passing of visitors while on site does happen, mainly due to health issues and the heat compounding to cause heart failure.
“Visibility is the number one deterrent” insists Morris. The hot pool surveillance system is also key to the SPD to keep a vigilant watch on the facility when no one is available for a walk through. It is accessible for the dispatch and officers on duty via their on board computer.
Morris said, “I don’t see it as a Big Brother thing, (camera surveillance) some people may see it that way, but it is more about public safety.”
The SPD is also looking to obtain some new vehicles for the department to replace some aging patrol cars. Morris stated that he would like to get the public in on creating new artwork for the decals on the new vehicles.
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