BPD Advice for Teens
Have you ever wondered how to handle those sticky situations as the sirens beckon your car to the shoulder of the road? Interested in becoming a passenger in a patrolling Bluffton police car? Are you up to date on the recent laws affecting Indiana's youth? Well, it looks like you've found the right place! Police Chief Tammy Schaffer and the rest of the Bluffton Police Department would like to keep local teens safe, smart and informed on the road, so be sure to check out the answers to these questions and so much more below.
Ticketed...
You hear the sirens approaching by the second, and your heart instantly sinks into your stomach. You instinctively glance at the speedometer - only to realize that you had indeed been speeding - so you begin to make your way to the shoulder. So what happens now? What exactly should you expect?
First things first - before even pulling over, you should always make sure that either the officer or the car is clearly marked as belonging to the Police Department. If BOTH the officer is in street clothes and the car is unmarked (no lights and side emblem), the law does not even require you to stop.
After the car or officer has been identified as the police, drive to the nearest accessible right shoulder. If, however, you are on a busy street, find a clear area or a parking lot (preferably one that is well-lit). If this, too, is not possible, simply pull over to the furthest right lane possible. On a bridge, continue driving until you have crossed it, and then pull over.
Once the car is in park, roll down your driver's window. While you are not required to turn off the engine, this is often preferred as it makes communication significantly easier. Both hands should remain on the steering wheel until the officer arrives at your window and asks specifically for your license, registration and occasionally proof of insurance.
Before you know it, the whole ordeal is over, and you're back on the road again - only this time with significantly more caution than before.
Ride-Alongs...
If you have ever been interested in the career on the other side of the speeding ticket, you might benefit from becoming a passenger in a patrolling police car. The only requirements are that you be at least 18 years of age or 16 with parental consent, sign a waver at the police station and have a legitimate interest in pursuing law enforcement as in the future.
It's What is on the Inside that Counts...
All Bluffton Police cars are fully equipped with in-car digital cameras, radar units, laptop computers, rechargeable flashlights, stopsticks and various other technological devices that help local officers perform their tasks efficiently.
Teen Laws
Our legislators have been hard at work recently, creating and passing several new laws regarding teenagers to ensure the safety of all. Be sure to stay informed with the assistance of the links below.
Curfew Ordinance
Minors Under 15
Children under 15 years of age are not permitted to be in a public place after 11:00 p.m. or before 5:00 a.m. on any day.
Minors Age 15 - 17
Teenagers who are 15, 16 or 17 years of age are not to be in a public place: between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, after 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings, or
before 5:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday mornings.
Penalty
Any violator is subject to a fine provided by the Law of Indiana.
Exceptions
This ordinance does not apply, however, to a minor who is accompanied by a parent, with an adult specified by the parent, attending an exercise of his rights under the First Amendment or participation in, going to or returning from: a lawful job, school activity, religious event, governmental activity, civic organization that takes responsibility for the child, or specific business requested by the child’s parent.
Teen Driving/Texting Law
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