Lynn police now offering system to report reckless drivers

LYNN – When the state Registry of Motor Vehicles discontinued a program that allowed citizens to report reckless drivers, the city’s Police Department stepped up with its own system.”Recently, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles discontinued a program that allowed members of the public to report and instigate investigations of improper or reckless operation by other motorists,” said Lt. William Sharpe, noting that the Police Department, in an effort to ensure traffic safety in the city, has posted an online form that the public can download, complete and mail back to the department’s Traffic Unit.The form, titled “Complaint of Improper Operation,” can be found on the Traffic Department page of the Police Department’s Web site, www.lynnpolice.org.”It can be used by the public to report both isolated instances of reckless or improper operation and ongoing neighborhood problems with a particular operator,” said Sharpe, citing as an example a vehicle consistently speeding in the neighborhood. “The program is not meant to be anonymous. Reporting persons must attest to their identity and their willingness to provide further information if needed.”For general traffic concerns, Sgt. Edward “Ned” Shinnick, the officer-in-charge of the Traffic Unit, can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at 781-477-4376.”It should be noted that the department has recently received equipment that allows for the monitoring of speed and traffic patterns of city streets,” said Sharpe. “Anyone with traffic concerns such as speeding, restricted way violations, or any other traffic pattern concerns, is encouraged to contact Sgt. Shinnick, who will arrange to have the monitoring equipment deployed.”The complaint form is part of the department’s Who’s Operating Program? Those who fill it out must provide their name, address, phone number and date of birth, along with information about the suspect vehicle. The latter information should include the vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, color, date and time of incident, location of incident and whether it was reported to police.Before signing the form, the complainant should also include a description of the reckless or improper driving witnessed.If a hearing is scheduled on the matter, the complainant will be notified and required to attend. Complaint forms should not be returned to police headquarters unless the complainant is prepared to attend the hearing and testify as to what occurred.Completed complaint forms should be returned to the Lynn Police Department, Traffic Division, care of Sgt. Edward Shinnick, 300 Washington St., Lynn, MA 01902.The state Registry of Motor Vehicles recognizes the following as reckless driving: speeding in excess of 80 mph; speeding 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit; racing; passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle; passing a school bus; passing on the crest of a hill; passing at a railroad crossing; passing two vehicles abreast; driving two vehicles abreast; driving too fast for conditions; failing to give a proper signal; and having faulty brakes or improper control. Reckless driving on parking lots or driving with an obstructed view are also violations that fall into the same category.Reckless driving cases in Massachusetts were highlighted by state Rep. Thomas Stanley, D-Waltham, who introduced a bill that would make reckless driving resulting in serious injury a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Stanley’s actions stem-med from the case of a 17-year-old boy who was driving with headlights off when he slammed into 44-year-old Jayne Lombardo in September 2008. The woman spent three weeks on a respirator and another 90 days in a hospital.Since the boy driver was not intoxicated and the case did not result in death, police charged him with a misdemeanor rather than a felony.Stanley, along with the woman’s husband, John, testified for the bill before the Joint Committee on Transportation earlier this month.Under Stanley’s bill, a