I have numerous cousins, nephews and friends that are police officers & my son a fire/rescue guy. I have a deep appreciation for the folks out there on the line. Buttttttt what isn't being told here is that
The DEP "is" spotting numerous violations, just ones they can't enforce (No Registration, No Life Jackets, No proper lighting, throwing a wake at Cedar Marina, etc.) however they are FAILING to contact a law enforcement agency that can write them up for these violations, and then stand by for their arrival.
Based on what's happening here & correct me if I am wrong, If I were a DEP Officer, I would call in a local police, CG or whatever law enforcement agency to nail these guys on those "other" violations. I cant believe they wouldn't dispatch quickly to the scene to assist another officer.
If I were the DEP Officer (seriously) I would write them up a ticket anyway and impound their boats for taking more than for personal use (as per my personal judgement as an officer) and let the judge determine that the fine or arrest was illegal....some times you just gotta take a stand...maybe I'm offbase i dont know
oh well ...this inside info I'm hearing is coming from a lot of folks that are steamed up & rightfully so...there are more than a few ways to skin a cat and we need to try them all. Including changing the law, but not excluding other means
We don't need to call the local police to enforce registrations, life jackets, wake violations, etc. If we see the violation we enforce it. Any boating violations are just that, violations. That means infractions summonses are issued. The person is not handcuffed and taken into custody. We can not legally seize their boat for an infraction violation. And yes, you are off base, our officers will take action for violations when they find them.
We have been in contact with Marine Fisheries and made recommendations regarding changing the regulation. You are more than welcome to add your voice to it also. Contact the Marine Fisheries Division in Old Lyme and let them know how you feel about it.
Thanks Captain......This is kinda like a "divorce"...somewhere between what he said & she said.....is the truth.
The Black Rock fishermen are seeing things I am sure your men are not and vice versa.....oh well...such is life.
Will pursue the legal method...hopefully i can get these guys to follow your lead here (Contacting the marine Fisheries in Lyme)...but there's a lot of emotion out there right now.
And my comment about friends and family in uniform was a show of respect, not that I can do better...was trying to get to the truth as I am hearing alll kinds of crap from that harbor and am trying to filter to get to the truth and pursue the best course of action..thx
Edited by SoundsFishy (07/19/1002:25 PM)
In Bombings, we blame the Bomber. In Drunk Driving deaths we blame the Driver. In Shootings we Blame the Gun ??