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September is National Preparedness Month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Preparedness Coalition urges all Americans to take some simple steps to make their families prepared for emergencies: 

  • Make a Disaster Kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive three days.

  • Make a Plan of the steps you and your family will take during an emergency.

Go to www.ready.gov for more information on how to become better prepared for the future.

 

       Teaching Educating And Mentoring     

                              T.E.A.M. is a School Liaison Project that was first introduced into Public Education by the Michigan State Police in 1998. The T.E.A.M. program is a proactive effort to make schools and communities safer and to promote an understanding of relevant laws, consequences of unlawful behavior, and their responsibilities as a citizen. T.E.A.M. has a complete curriculum from grades K-12. The older the student, the more mature the theme of the class is. T.E.A.M became part of the Dearborn Heights Police Department in 2004.

            

Watch and listen for upcoming information on our next Dearborn Heights Police Department "Citizen's Academy".

Sergeant Todd Learst, Training Sergeant (313) 277-7388

 

                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                    Message From The Chief

The first half of 2006 has been a period of success and challenge for the Dearborn Heights Police Department...  read more

 

                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Chief Michael A. Gust

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From The Office Of the Chief

With the recent popularity of go-peds and other motorized scooters, parents are buying them for their children without reviewing the laws pertaining to their registration and licensing. In order to properly educate the public, the City of Dearborn Heights Police Department provides the following information on the legality of all gas and electric scooters. 

A go-ped, also known as a motorized scooter or motorized skateboard, has a handle bar that rises up from the front of the scooter and has an engine attached to the back which propels the vehicle at a speed of up to 19 mph.

Go-peds also have both front and rear brakes. As a result, they fall within the definition of a Moped under the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code.  In order for these gas powered scooters to be ridden on the public roads, they need to fulfill all the requirements of a moped:

  • The scooter needs a vehicle identification number (VIN). Most do not.

  • It needs to be registered with the Secretary of State.

  • The driver must be at least 15 years old and have either a valid driver's license or a moped license issued by the Secretary of State.

  • Drivers up to 19 years old must wear a D.O.T. approved helmet.

  • No passengers are allowed.

To be registered as a moped, the scooter is required to be equipped with a seat, at least one but not more than two headlights, a rear view mirror, rear stop lights, horn, front and rear brakes, and a muffler. In addition, it must display a valid registration decal. 

These scooters cannot be ridden on the roadway unless registered. They also cannot be ridden on sidewalks or bike paths. Unless registered with the State, these scooters can only be ridden on private property. If the private property is on other than their own, they must have written permission from the property owner. 

I also wish to remind parents of the dangers of these vehicles and that they should not be considered as toys. These scooters can reach speeds of up to 20mph and should only be driven with proper training and education.