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Township Strengthens Rules On Underage Drinking

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees took steps in December to toughen its rules concerning underage alcohol consumption and at the same time strengthened its local control on the issue by amending the Township’s Alcoholic Beverages Ordinance.

The amended ordinance now allows Township police to consider the blood alcohol level of a minor as evidence of a minor in possession of alcohol infraction.

"Prior to this, a minor had to physically have possession of alcohol before we could charge them. That really only tackles half the problem," said Bloomfield Township Police Capt. Scott McCanham. "Also, by updating our ordinance, the Township is now in line with state law concerning minors in possession of alcohol."

The amended ordinance allows police to request a preliminary chemical breath analysis if they suspect a minor has consumed alcohol. Refusal to submit to the test is considered an automatic civil infraction carrying a fine of $100.

Also included in the amended ordinance is a provision requiring police to notify the guardian or parents of minors found to be in possession of alcohol.

A first-time violation of the ordinance can net an offending minor both the $100 fine and an order to participate in substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs and perform community service.

A judge may impose probation on an offending minor. Provided the conditions of the probation are met, the judge can dismiss the case.

Bloomfield Township K-9 Officer Gary Godlewski, a 24-year veteran, recently achieved the title of "Master Trainer" by The International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA). This coveted title is held by only three K-9 Officers in Michigan and only 24 K-9 Officers through out the entire United States. To be awarded the Master Trainer title, a candidate must go through a series of rigorous testing procedures including written tests, practical tests and oral interviews in addition to their years of accredited service as a K-9 handler. The level of Master Trainer is the highest level offered by IPWDA.

Officer Godlewski’s current partner, Brisco, is a Dutch Shepherd trained by Officer Godlewski in the area of Utility (tracking) and Narcotics. Officer Brisco has found numerous criminal suspects, missing persons as well as "sniffing-out" illegal narcotics. Officer Godlewski and his partner Brisco recently tracked a felonious assault suspect for four miles eventually locating and arresting the suspect. Brisco is Officer Godlewski’s fourth K-9 partner since he started his K-9 career nearly 20 years ago. Previous police dogs that partnered with Officer Godlewski include Condor, Storm and Jazz, each having their own area of expertise as well as protecting their master from harm.

When Officer Godlewski and Brisco aren’t tracking suspects or searching for narcotics, they keep busy with endless requests for K-9 demonstrations for our area schools, clubs and various civic organizations. The K-9 demonstrations at the annual Police and Fire Open House in Bloomfield Township are always the main attraction for visitors to the police department

In addition to his duties as a Bloomfield Township Police Officer, Gary also serves as the Canine Coordinator for the Oakland Police Academy overseeing all the Academy’s K-9 training. The academy has graduated 59 K-9 teams as well as training an additional 24 handlers since Gary developed the academy’s K-9 program in 1998.

The 2006 National Workshop of the IPWDA will be held in Michigan this year and the Bloomfield Township Police Department is assisting in hosting this workshop. Officer Godlewski was instrumental in organizing this year’s workshop, which is expected to be the largest K-9 training event ever held in the state.