Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 20, 1941.
DRUNKENNESS NO. 1 CAUSE FOR ARRESTS
Eleven Caught Driving While Intoxicated by Local Police In 1940.
Drunkenness caused Valparaiso police the greatest trouble during 1940, according to the annual report of Charles H. Gilliland, chief of the city police department.
A total of 232 arrests were made during the year of which 95, or 40 percent, were the result of imbibing too much liquor. Eighty-four arrests were for drunkenness, and eleven for drunk driving.
Recklessness Second
Reckless drivers occupied second place in the list with 54 arrests, while miscellaneous numbered 46. Nineteen persons were picked up for breaking and entering and on warrants; five for grand larceny, seven for stealing automobiles: three for contributing to the delinquency of minors and three for rape.
Tickets and warnings for violations of the two-hour parking and improper parking provisions of the new parking provisions of the new parking ordinance were given to 1,675 persons.
Find Lost Children
The report also shows the police answered 3,635 calls; reported 521 street lights out; gave lodging at city jail to 1,616 persons; found 203 doors of business houses open; answered 51 fire calls; acted as escorts at 61 funerals; provided escorts for money guards on 457 occasions; exterminated 118 dogs and cats; found 40 lost children; investigated or received reports on 469 motor accidents; recovered lost and stolen property in the amount of $6,419.50.
At the beginning of the school year in September a policeman was assigned to the Central school to see that automobiles observed stop signs at this point. Arrangements have been made for the holding of a police school beginning Jan. 24 to be held for 10 weeks with a representative of the Indiana State Safety committee in charge. Chief Gilliland has recommended the installation of a 100-watt transmitter to insure better service.
