From the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office:
The Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office held its annual DUI Enforcement Recognition Awards for the law enforcement officers who have made outstanding DUI (Driving Under the Influence) arrests in the year 2010. On 18 May 2011, State’s Attorney Joseph Cassilly presented the awards in the Ceremonial Courtroom in the Circuit Court.
During 2010 law enforcement officers made 1,321 arrests for DUI for alcohol or drugs in Harford County. The theme this year is “Outstanding Community Safety… Maintaining Excellence”. “Our officers are highly effective in their efforts to bring safety to the roads of our county. Their actions are responsible for saving many lives and sparing families the devastation caused by drunk drivers,” stated Cassilly.”
Cassilly was joined by County Director of Administration Mary Chance, County Councilman Jim Mc Mahan, Lt. Charles Moore of the Maryland State Police, Chief Teresa Walter of Havre de Grace, Chief Leo Matrangola of Bel Air, Col. Greg Carlevaro and Major Chris Presberry of the Sheriff’s Office.
The law enforcement officers receiving the awards are: Maryland State Police – Bel Air Barracks TFC Jonathan R. Novack 48 arrests* TFC Michael J. Bonczewski 43 arrests TFC Steven T.Muehl 40 arrests TFC John J. Langenfelder 37 dui arrests and 25 DRE arrests Tpr. Michael B. Cornbrooks 22 arrests TFC Jared Monk 20 arrests * Maryland State Police – JFK Highway TFC Gerald Askins 48 arrests* TFC Justin Updegraff 31 arrests TFC Kenny Brown 34 arrests* TFC Brian Zeller 38 arrests* TFC Saul Martinez 26 arrests
Maryland Transportation Authority Corporal Emory Williams 21 arrests* Officer Gregory Sampson 26 arrests Officer Andre Fontz 7 dui arrests & 21 DRE arrests* Off. Timothy Howell 5 arrests
Havre de Grace Police Department PFC Aaron Sandruck 16 arrests* PFC Jonathan Sova 14 arrests* PFC Brian Daniels 09 arrests* Ofc. Marcus Rodriquez 8 arrests* PFC Anthony Molesky 06 arrests
Aberdeen Police Department Ofc. Michael Cobb 61 arrests* Ofc. Charles Armetta 19 arrests* Ofc Jeanette Giganti 16 arrests* Ofc Michael Yeagy 08 arrests w/ Aberdeen and 2 arrests w/ Sheriff’s Ofc. Sgt. Dan Gosnell 05 arrests
Bel Air Police Department Cpl. Robert Pfarr 37 arrests* Off. William E. Salvas 10 arrests Ofc. Sergio D’Alto 7 arrests * Ofc. J. W. Kauffman 7 arrests * Off. Timothy Roberts 6 arrests
Harford County Sheriff’s Office DFC Michael Stambaugh 32 arrests* DFC Shane Fraser 30 arrests* DFC Mark Pilachowski 19 arrests* DFC Bryan Walker 12 arrests Dfc. Ron Dawson 11 arrests* DFC Grant Krulock 11 arrests
“We make the awards at this time of the year with so many celebrations taking place,” said Cassilly, “to remind folks that dealing with drunk drivers is a major priority.” The Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office has been active in the annual DUI Enforcement Recognition Awards for the past 20 years and has supported the outstanding work of each and every officer. Any questions regarding this event should be directed to Joseph Cassilly at 410-638-3500
A Healthy Dose says
Giving law enforcement officers awards and recognition for dishing out DUI/DWI arrests is a recipe for abuse! I personally know of Harford County residents who were so accused even when it was chemically IMPOSSIBLE for them to be at or over the .08 legal limit. When they can’t come up with the $30,000 or so it would cost to fight the bogus charges in court they opt for PBJ. The police “doctor” the ploice reports and are often abusive toward anyone who admits to so much as driving past an open liquor store. That we actually celebrate such atrocious law enforcement behavior is a sad commentary on today’s society.
Even sadder is that this practice has become a “cottage industry” for State Police Barrack D, DUI lawyers, the Courts and Probation Officers. The Dagger and the Aegis need to launch an investigation and compare Harford County DUI arrests, PBJ’s, probation records, etc. to other Counties in MD. Let the results of any such investigation speak the truth.
Anonymous says
A PBJ is a Probation before Judgement. Nothing on the official record as long as you don’t do it again. It’s intended as the harshest of wake-up calls. The only time that having a PBJ bites you in the ass is if you are stopped a second time for a DUI. Your friend should be thinking about his PBJ it every time he pops the top off a bottle — that’s it purpose. Most rational grownups do already consider if they have to drive anywhere before pouring a drink and thus don’t need a PBJ hanging over their head to do the right thing.
There are 5 different DUI and/or substance abuse arrests and not all of them require absolute proof of .08 legal limit especially if there was a refusal to submit to one or more tests.
No, 1321 arrests (less than 4 a day) in a spread-out county where the number of good alternatives to getting home from the bar exactly equals your own two feet does not seem like it’s a high number.
The PBJ probably took away what you consider the good old days of police officers being reluctant to consider giving out a DUI ticket because they knew that the stigma can ruin someone’s life or career and would feel sorry for them and think twice rather than get their names recorded in the system. But still, I don’t see it as a bad thing.
A Healthy Dose says
I actually agree with most of what you have to say about PBJ, but your discussion totally misses my point about giving out awards to individual officers based on the number of DUI tickets they write. Law enforcement should NOT be a “game” where officers get “points” for doing something, especially if the points may be bogus. If ANY officer is writing DUI’s for the sole purpose of receiving some sort of recognition, that officer needs to find a different line of work. Even worse is if officers are incentivized to issue DUI’s just so judges, lawyers, probation officers, etc. have something to to do keep themselves busy.
Do the study.
Dina says
Wow!! “A Healthy Dose” you are so ill informed. Did you know that the police officers undergo EXTENSIVE training regarding DUI arrests? Did you know that they are given NUMEROUS tests to determine whether or not they are under the influence? Did you know that even 1 drink slows your reaction time considerably to the point you COULD take a life?
Police officers ARE NOT out to “get points” for giving DUI’s. This awards ceremony is not one that all of the “bells and whistles” are thrown their way. They are DOING THEIR JOB!!!! They are SAVING LIVES!!! I have lost NUMEROUS friends and family members because of people that feel “they are under the legal limit”.
Yea…you lose someone you love because of a police officer NOT catching the drinker and driver, then you’ll be crying for unfair justice and them NOT doing their job.
Did you know there is actually a DUI college to teach them how to be sure they are arresting someone for “just cause”? Police officers aren’t out to “get anyone”…they are out there to protect us that actually give a crap about safety. An actual arrest for DUI takes ON AVERAGE 4+ hours of paperwork and processing. Yea…that’s worth a piece of paper and a pin!
Get a clue my dear “A Healthy Life”. Funny how that is your post name…seems to me you don’t favor a healthy life at all!!!
Hats off to all of you police officers out there! I am grateful for your service and think you deserve a hell of alot more then what you get!
Hey…”A Healthy Life”…next time you’re “in trouble”…call a drunk driver. I’m sure they will come to your rescue!!
A Healthy Dose says
Please re-read the original post. It says NOTHING about DUI’s being good or PBJ’s being bad. My post was about competition for, and public recognition of, the highest number of DUI arrests has the POTENTIAL for abuse. My experience is that may be EXACTLY what is going on here in Harford County. You say officers are not out to get points – I say “prove it.” You say police officers aren’t out to get anyone – I say “prove it.”
You have no idea the level to which I may or may not be informed on this subject and please note I did not make fun of your post name, give advice on what you should or should not do or what I think you you favor. You may find making derogatory comments about another person an effective tactic – I do not.
Bryan says
As one of the deputies who received an award and has been active in DUI enforcement since joining the HCSO, I can assure you that we are not making DUI arrests “just for points.” I don’t get any extra pay for getting an award and I don’t get a toaster oven at the end of the year if I make a certain number of arrests. That’s just absurd. The award is simply a recognition for officers who are helping make our county’s roads safer.
I’m also a certified breath test operator and between the DUI arrests I’ve made and breath tests I’ve administered, I’m pretty confident in saying that most people arrested for DUI are blowing over a 0.10 (the legal limit is 0.08) and frequently are well over a 0.10 (0.15 or higher.) I’ve even arrested drivers who were well over a 0.30. I wouldn’t call that just arresting people “for points.” In fact, there are so many people blowing over a 0.40 in MD that the new instruments now give readings up to 0.50 (the old ones only went up to 0.40.) I’ve heard of a few people being over a 0.60 (measured through a blood test at a hospital) which just blows my mind that anyone could be that high and not die let alone driving a car.
Officers go through extensive training, written exams, and practical exams (done on actual intoxicated subjects in a controlled environment) prior to being able to administer the SFST’s. Breath test operators are required to pass an additional 40 hr training course plus yearly re-certification classes to be certified.
We don’t just walk up to a car, take a sniff, and say “You’re under arrest for DUI.” There is a lot of work involved in determining if someone is over the limit or not and the paperwork takes significantly longer than virtually any other action most officers take. The report itself is significantly longer and more detailed than most other reports (usually at least 5 pages vs 2-2.5 pages for most other reports.) The 4+ hr estimate someone mentioned for the average DUI arrest is fairly accurate and if it involved a motor vehicle crash then it very well can take an entire 8.5 hr shift or longer before everything is finished.
Intoxicated people are dangerous and have no business operating a motor vehicle. That doesn’t make them bad people, but they don’t belong behind the wheel of a car under those circumstances. They’re pleading guilty and accepting PBJ’s because they’re guilty and a PBJ is better than serving jail time. There are also a lot of people out there who have a serious alcohol problem and have multiple DUI’s. It’s a problem that spans all income levels, neighborhoods, and races.
There are plenty of alternatives to get home after a night out at the bar or club. Have a designated driver, call a cab, stop drinking well before last call so that you’re able to drive when the bar closes, know your limits and drink in moderation, etc. There are several cab companies in Harford County that will take you home and the bartender will call one for you if you don’t have a number.
As far as “proving” officers aren’t out to “get points,” you can’t prove a negative. The burden of proof is on you (or whoever is doing this study you’re proposing) to prove that officers are making arrests “to get points” (whatever that actually means.)
Dina says
Just a little FYI: You told me to reread your initial post because you said “…the highest number of DUI arrests has the POTENTIAL for abuse…”. Not once in your comment was that said. You basically just accused all police officers of being corrupt and this being a “game” for them. I TOTALLY agree with you that IF a police officer is out for a piece of paper, they shouldn’t be a police officer at all. The whole point of the “award” they receive is to thank them for making the road a safer place. That’s what it says on the award. Kind of glad you aren’t out there “trying to protect”!!! If your point was made clearly without accusations, you wouldn’t have pissed anyone off. As far as safety on the roads…I hope they continue to do what they do. Makes me feel better knowing my children and I are a little safer because of them getting the drunkin idots off the streets. P.S. DUI is ONLY given to those with a .08 or above BAC. DWI is >.08 and at the discression of the police officers. This is ONLY for those PROVEN to be over the legal limit. And sorry for commenting on your screen name; but if you really cared about the health of society, you’d be glad those in uniform are doing all they can to protect YOUR family and friends. I hope you never ever lose a loved one like I have from someone “out on the town”…not exactly a fun thing putting those you love 6 feet under because someone couldn’t call a cab. There are issues everywhere in this world…many are corrupt…supporting drinking and driving where the MAJORITY of the arrests ARE legit…sad. Done with this post. Last comment. Its beaten dead.
A Healthy JA says
What study are you talking about? Your argument doesn’t make any sense. Don’t you think the number of DUI arrests would be much higher if there was some sort of incentive or kick back for doing so. According the numbers above it surly doesn’t look like police are making bogus DUI arrest. To prove that all you have to do is look at the percentage of traffic stops that result in a DUI arrest. You’re just making yourself look stupid!
A Healthy Dose says
If you actually read my original post I said a study was needed and suggested it be done by an authoritative investigative body such as The Aegis or The Dagger.
Your answer was “it doesn’t look like the police are making bogus DUI arrests” and “all you have to do is look at the percentage of traffic stops that result in a DUI arrest.” You call that PROOF and accuse ME of looking stupid????????? Hmmmmmmmmm.
Common Sense says
Bryan,
Well said and Thank You very much for your dedication in the line of duty. Kudos to all the officers actively involved. I like to know that my family and I are safe when we are out on the roads.
SuperFlyofBelAir says
Thank you for keeping the roads of our county safer!
Dina says
Bryan…I am the one who posted the response to the person saying that you’re “out for points”. I am the significant other to a police officer that was also at the “award ceremony”. I have spent MANY nights alone, lost out on MANY holidays, and spend MANY nights worrying over the one I love. In my heart, I KNOW he is out there saving a life because of what he does, and I applaud his exta effort in his DUI and DRE arrests. I appreciate what all the men/women in uniform do. Please don’t ever take what people say regarding your profession to heart. Ignorance is EVERYWHERE!!! Some people (aka…”A Healthy dose”) aren’t happy unless they are bitching about something. Funny how those who complain are the ones that have the least amount of knowledge regarding the issue. LOL. And “A healthy dose”…if you think of The Aegis as a “reliable source” and an authoritative investigative body…you again are ill informed. Lets do an investigation on how many stories are written without actual statistics and how many retractions are written; however, whatever “floats your boat”!!! I encourage you to do your private I work!!!! PLEASE do!!! When you are doing it…can you also run the stats on how many lives have been saved and how much overtime police officers put in each year because of those “over the limit” too? I could go on for hours about this whole process but I choose not to appease the ignorant. Forest Gump said it best…”Stupid is as stupid does”.
A Healthy Dose says
Apparently nothing is so elusive as an obvious fact!
Observant... says
These comments are gold. People get so upset about the dumbest things. These cops are out busting their asses working while everyone else is out “having a good time” at the bars. The courts give them a little pat on the back and people come on here and complain about it. Amazing..Anyways, good job to Harco law enforcement.
whylie says
Once again, Harford County’s Finest gets on here to skew the actually point of this man’s post. Anytime any individual in Harford County wishes to give a view that doesn’t agree with the police or Joseph Cassilly’s illegally run State’s Attorney Office the police, their wives, (etc.) get on here and try to make the poster out to be crazy, ignorant or just plain stupid. This is the common tactic of police who don’t want your opinion heard. I say, “KUDOS to A HEALTHY DOSE for actually excersing your rights to free speech even if it doesn’t sit well with police, the courts or the ever corrupt Harford County State’s Attorney Office.” LAW ENFORCEMENT IN HARFORD COUNTY IS ACTUALLY ENGAGED IN A CONTEST TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE THEY CAN ARREST FOR SUSPECTED DUI’S WITH THE WINNER RECEIVING AN AWARD FOR ABUSISING THE SYSTEM THE MOST. JOSEPH CASSILLY then hands out the award to the most corrupt cop! Sounds like JUSTICE IN HARFORD COUNTY is nothing more than which cop can please CASSILLY the most. Wait a minute, do these cops work for BANE or CASSILLY? It doesn’t matter, they are both one and the same in the most illegally run county in the State of Maryland.
A Healthy Dose says
Whylie – Thank you for having the mental capacity to be able to understand my original intention. You made my point even more emphatically than I did. Your sentence that is in CAPS is brilliant(and probably should have been the real headline to this article)!!!
Retired says
A HEALTHY DOSE, you are right. There are rewards for the tops in DUI enforcement. Everything from extra days off to quicker advancement in the agency. I’ve seen it from the inside and you hit it right on the head! Any officer who tells you that “perks” don’t exisit is just flat out lying. I’ve been retired from LE in HarCo for about 10 years, but it hasn’t changed. It’s the same people in the leadership positions.
If anyone really wants to see the impact of these arrests, the LE in HarCo should show the conviction rates of these officers. I tell you that back in day, there a few officers who wouldn’t even bother going to court.
Louie DePalma says
Retired:
You make several valid points. Obvioulsy DUI is a signifigant problem in our county, and I do believe our deputies do fine work. But the politics in law enforcement cannot be ignored. Important points you raised.
Renee says
Thanks to all those officers who make our roads a safer place. Bottom line- If you don’t want a DUI _ DONT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s not rocket science!!!!!