York Town News
Police propose safe zones in fight against drugs
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - For years, local schools have been designated as "Drug-Free Zones," but now police are proposing to take that effort one step farther to make athletic fields, parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities "Safe Zones."Police Chief Douglas Bracy recently presented the plan to the Board of Selectmen, and a public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for this coming Monday, March 26.
Bracy said his department will welcome feedback from the community at the meeting - including interest from organizations or individuals wishing to see their properties designated as Safe Zones where the presence of drug dealings can bring stiffer penalties.
Bracy explained that "drugs and drug dealing in our community continues to be a high priority for this Police Department … We are currently working two detectives full time in an effort to reduce the threat these individuals pose to our citizens and youth."
The proposed Safe Zones include the town and school fields, the York Public Library, local parks, the Robert Mackey Skate Park, local beaches, the Cliff Path, the Grant House and the Mount Agamenticus trails and summit area, just to name a few.
Bracy explained that any area frequented by minors may be designated as a safe zone, with enhanced penalties for drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of the property.
For example, the class of a crime can be enhanced to a higher level, such as from a Class C felony to a Class B felony, or from a misdemeanor offense to a felony, if it occurs within a designated Safe Zone.
Bracy explained that the state has granted municipalities the ability to designate areas frequented by children and teenagers in an effort to protect them from exposure to illegal drugs.
"The Maine Legislature is also in the process of passing a new bill called 'An Act to Allow Municipalities to Designate Safe Zones to Protect Children from Sex Offenders' that will further broaden this safe zone designation to include any sexual offense committed in these areas," Bracy noted in his report on the plan to the Board of Selectmen. "These offenses will be defined and will also carry an enhanced penalty provision."
The plan has the support for Parks and Recreation Director Michael Sullivan, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henry Scipione, Ellis Park Board of Trustees Chairman Bill Burnham, York Public Library Director Robert Waldman and Old York Historical Society Executive Director Scott Stevens.
"I believe it is our duty to protect our citizens and our youth utilizing every statute to its fullest extent," Bracy said, "and this one makes good sense."
The Board of Selectmen has voiced support for the plan, but postponed in-depth discussion to allow time for a public hearing on March 26.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will also include the second public hearing on proposed changes to the ordinance governing surfing at Long Sands Beach.
For more information, the selectmen's agendas are customarily posted on Fridays prior to a meeting at www.yorkmaine.org.
