Monticello police invite public to ride along

By TOM RUE

MONTICELLO - What makes the job of a police officer interesting is you never know what'll happen next, said Monticello sergeant William N. VanHage. "We could be riding and discussing things now, and a minute from now we could be doing something totally different. Or we could be bored, still discussing and patrolling," he said.

When it was announced that ride-alongs were offered, three people signed up, VanHage said. The River Reporter was the first news organization to do so in Monticello police, in more than 18 years, according to VanHage. Police chief Michael Brennan recently encouraged ride-alongs, to help shore up the department's public image.

VanHage said most citizen ride-alongs in Monticello are with the shift supervisor on duty. Rides with younger, less experienced officers can also be arranged, he said.

At 41, VanHage recalled that in nearly two decades on the force, he's fixed plumbing, delivered a baby, dropped off medicine in snowstorms, and even removed a skunk from a closet. Of course, the most notable tasks are preventing and fighting crime. "It's public service. People really do call the police department for anything and everything," he said.

This means patrolling the village's 2.4 square miles, community education, responding to alarms and other calls for help.

The moon was nearly full this crisp autumn night.

Two cars parked at Summerville Field, both with steamed-up windows, contained teenagers. "I swear to God! I was having an asthma attack," a girl declared. "Let's leave God out of it," VanHage suggested, reminding the couple that the park closed at 9:00 P.M. The other car had two couples in it. The driver claimed the car had overheated, but it started right up when VanHage suggested they move on.

"They looked like good kids, stealing a few extra minutes, just socializing really. Nothing I didn't do when I was 16," he commented.

Melvin Kimball of Monticello was stopped for a vehicular infraction. When seven suspensions for failure to answer summonses came up on the computer, he was arrested. The supervisor on duty is authorized to set bail.

"I don't have any money at all," Kimball intoned, adding, "I've only lived here 30 years. I never get a break for nothing."

"If you want to get out tonight, we're talking $700," VanHage began, letting Kimball make a couple of calls. As talk continued, VanHage came down to $200. When Kimball still couldn't raise the funds, he was escorted to a cell, where he spent the night until a judge was available.

Village lockup consists of ten 5 x 9' cells, each with a wooden bench and a toilet with no seat. The temperature in the lockup area was comfortable. A new video surveillance system monitored the station, documenting the conduct of all present.

Upstairs are two locker-rooms, where the 26 officers (including the chief) are permitted to change. A a converted closet is specially reserved for officer Kimberly Walker, the only female officer, VanHage said. Four civilian employees are also listed on the duty roster.

Another call involved Det. Gerard Dietz, who found an abandoned car near the Short Line depot, with its dashboard ripped out. Dietz returned to the station to pick up print-dusting gear. VanHage said Dietz had been en route to White Lake to investigate a cab robbery the night before when he found the car.

Police avoid traveling a predictable route, VanHage said. "I spend a lot of my time just looking side to side, looking for anything out of place." Always on guard, police view anyone as a potential threat. Any subject could be armed and dangerous.

Around 10:30 P.M., at a dumpster behind Apollo Plaza, a man said he was "just looking for cans." VanHage let him continue, but watched cautiously in the mirror as he drove away.

What does he like least about his job? "The predators," VanHage replied after a pause, noting that he led a sheltered upbringing. "I've seen enough of the bad now. I don't want to see any more. It never ceases to amaze me how viscous people can be to each other."

Continuing on patrol, an alarm was heard in the law office of Levine, Glass & Miller, on North St. Inspecting each window and door, VanHague and another officer concluded the building was secure. "It might have been a cat," VanHage guessed, getting back in the car.

VanHage commented on the downtown smells. "Sometimes when you're checking doors on midnight shift, you can tell what flavor of bagels they're cooking," he said.

Stopping on High St. to pick up a trash can lid rolling down the road, VanHage noticed a young woman with a tan jacket and commented that she fit the description of an escapee from Middletown Psychiatric Center.

Someone on the radio answered no, the jacket was different. Later, it turned out, VanHage was right. The young woman walked to the police station and asked for a ride.

This particular night, VanHage said, 14 calls seemed typical for the time of year, while twice this number might occur on a busy summer night.

To ride with Monticello police, call during the day at 914/794-4422. Riders must sign a waiver of liability in the event of injury.