City of Glendale - News

Celebrate Safely

Glendale safety officials are encouraging residents to make safety their first resolution this New Year’s Eve

The transition of one year into the next has long been reason to celebrate. But before you party like it’s 2006, Glendale safety officials would like to remind you of a few safety precautions to keep in mind before you head out for that New Year’s bash.

Things to Keep in Mind

Toasting the New Year is a tradition, but it’s important to drink responsibly. Here are a few important rules to follow:

• Don't drink and drive
• Don't let friends drink and drive
• Don't get in a car if the driver's been drinking
• Designate a driver who will not drink if you are planning to attend a party or event with friends or family
• Wear your seat belt, and instruct others to wear theirs
• Be sure to seat small children in approved car seats
• Drive defensively, and watch for drunk drivers
• Obey traffic lights and stop signs by coming to a complete stop
• Be sure all traffic has stopped at intersections before entering
• If you are alone, be prepared with the number of a friend or cab company to call if you plan on drinking. Many cab companies offer free rides on New Year's Eve.

Gun Fire Is Illegal

Just because we live in the West doesn’t mean we have to celebrate like Old West. Law enforcement officials would like to remind residents that any person who, with criminal negligence, discharges a firearm within or into the limits of any municipality is guilty of a class 6 felony and could face at least one year in prison.

To help curb random gunfire this New Year’s, safety officials will be employing the ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System. This tool uses the principle of acoustic triangulation to locate gunfire across wide areas. Because of its patented spatial filter technology, ShotSpotter systems are not fooled by noises that sound like gunfire such as car backfires and firecrackers. ShotSpotter sensors detect gunfire at a range of one to two miles away from sensors, and the systems have been shown to be accurate to less than 10 meters over one- to two-mile ranges.

Underage Drinking Details Are Working

Glendale police officials want to remind you that serving alcohol to minors; under the age of 21 is illegal. Violators could face both civil and criminal charges. The Glendale Police Department has been working hard to limit underage drinking, especially during the holiday season. In fact, a recent special investigation found encouraging results with 10 investigated Glendale establishments using proper procedures for checking identification. For information about Arizona drinking laws, visit www.azleg.state.az.us.