VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Syracuse Police Department ramps up enforcement on illegal ATV riding
Mya Alysia: Illegal ATV usage on roads has caused Syracuse police to take notice.
Patrick Scandlon: Our Autumn Ryan is live at the Syracuse Police Department to tell us what measures are underway to resolve this issue. Autumn?
Autumn Ryan: Here at the Syracuse Police Department, a special unit is routinely investigating illegal use of ATVs on the road.
Ryan: Police are revving up to get ATVs like this off the streets. Illegal ATV riding has become a serious issue in the city. This year, eight ATVs have been confiscated and almost two dozen traffic citations have been issued.
Sgt. Thomas Blake: Based on an increase in the number of complaints that came in and visual observation of ATVs being out there. Year over year, we’ve kind of honed in these enforcement efforts to try to make sure that we’re being safe and most effective combating the problem.
Ryan: Various methods are being used, like helicopters and drones, to track down illegal ATV use. But officers say residents play an important role too.
Blake: So, it all starts with the community. Reaching out to us and letting us know there’s illegal ATV operation on these streets or in this particular part. And so, based upon the information that comes to us via City Hall, the 911 center and direct calls here to the building, we put together these intel sheets.
Ryan: When illegal ATV riders are identified, they receive a letter from the city. This letter is a warning and explains the consequences of continuing to drive illegally on the road. The first offense is a $500 fine. The second offense is $750. The third is $1,000. And when they go to pick up the confiscated vehicle, they face another fee called a redemption fee — an additional $2,000. So far, it seems to be working.
Blake: So once we encounter a dirt bike, four-wheeler, or ATV of any kind and we tow it, we typically don’t see it again — and that’s all because of the redemption fee.
Ryan:
But there is a legal way to ride your ATV. Find out at 4:30. I’m Autumn Ryan, NCC News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Syracuse Police Department is routinely investigating the illegal use of ATVs throughout the city. This special detail started in 2017 to reduce the number of ATVs being driven on the roads after an influx of complaints.
Sgt. Thomas Blake has been part of the detail team since its inception. Blake says they’re constantly working to improve their operation.
“Based on an increase in the number of complaints that came in and visual observation of ATVs being out there. Year over year, we’ve kind of honed in these enforcement efforts to try to make sure that we’re being safe and most effective in combating the problem,” said Blake.
This year, three details have resulted in eight ATVs being taken, six local law arrests and more than 15 traffic citations issued.
Officers use various methods to track down illegal ATV riders, including cameras, drones, and helicopters. They also rely heavily on the community. Residents report ATVs by calling city hall, 911, the tip line, and sending emails. Blake says the residents play a vital role.
“So, it all starts with the community reaching out to us and letting us know there’s illegal ATV operation on these streets or in this particular part and so based upon the information that comes to us via city hall, the 911 center, and direct calls here to the building,” said Blake.
These reports from residents help create intelligence sheets that alert officers to the areas with the most activity. Officers then shift focus to those locations.
“So, once we find a spot where we know that there’s an increased number of ATVs being operated and we can pin it down to one place, we’ll go out to that particular residence or business and try to encounter someone there and handle it,” said Blake.
Anyone identified as an illegal ATV rider will receive a warning letter from SPD. Blake says the letter is an opportunity for those riders to comply and educate themselves before enforcement, but that is not always effective. Being caught again will result in fines. The first offense is a $500 fine, the second offense is $750, and the third offense is $1,000. In addition to these fines, riders must pay tow and storage fees, and a redemption fee of $2,000 when they come to pick up their ATV.
Since the creation of the redemption fee about three years ago, Blake says it has reduced repeat offenders.
“So, once we encounter a dirt bike, four-wheeler, or ATV of any kind and we tow it. We typically don’t see it again,” said Blake.
One of the bigger issues with riding these ATVs in the street is safety. The tires on an ATV cannot handle asphalt or concrete. They do not have any mirrors, brake lights, turn signals, or traffic horns, making them even more dangerous for nighttime use.
The Syracuse Police Department doesn’t want to see anyone hurt. Blake says there’s no reason to put yourself at risk for a joyride. He shared some advice on how to safely and legally ride ATVs
“Bring them where you’re supposed to bring them to ride. You know, you can bring them on if you have permission to on somebody’s property to ride it somewhere and that place is conducive to riding around. Take it up to some trails. New York state has some trails that you can legally ride them on,” said Blake.
To report illegal ATV use, call the non-emergency line at (315) 442-5200, file a report online using the City of Syracuse’s website, or send tips—including photos and locations—to atvtips@syracusepolice.org.