It seems that there are millage requests every time there is an election or a primary and many are stealth elections that are held in May or August when there is very low voter turnout. I am sure there are costs associated with each of these campaigns i.e.: printing literature, campaign signs, etc. Why can't you plan your millage requests to be voted on in November when a more representative voter turnout is expected? Why do you always try to sneak these millages through? The money you save could be used for actual police and fire work rather than campaign propaganda!If I voted for every …

As Police Chief Edward Harris works hard to answer the next batch of question, we need you're help – submit your questions and keep Harris busy. Harris has agreed to answer your inquiries, now is the time to ask questions about the things you've always wondered about. How much money does the department actually receive from traffic tickets? How many tickets do they write in a year, etc.? To submit a question email AsktheChiefWhiteLake@gmail.com, then check back on Monday and see if your question is one of the ones selected. Chief Harris reserves the right to not answer submitted questions …

Is duck hunting on White Lake allowed. I am concerned that hunters are near the islands on the lake, shooting towards my house. -Charlene Graham Chief Ed Harris: Ms. Graham, hunting is prohibited in the White Lake Township portion of White Lake. This does not apply to the portion of White Lake that is in Highland Township. For those hunters on the Highland Township portion of White Lake, state law prohibits the discharge of firearms within 150 yards of a home or building. If there is a concern that hunters are on the White Lake Township portion of the lake, or too close to a home in White …

What is being done to shut down the sales of these crazy drugs, like bath salts and spice, being sold at stores and gas stations throughout White Lake? - Dori M Chief Edward Harris: Thank you for the question. I am pleased to report that last week the township board approved an emergency ordinance banning these substances. The police department immediately began canvassing our area retailers advising them of the new ordinance. They were advised that the sale of such substances is no longer allowed and if they are found to be non-compliant they would face prosecution pursuant to the ordinance…

My husband was wondering this and I thought you may just the person to ask. What are the rules police/law enforcement have to follow as it pertains to their vehicle lights when doing radar at night? The reason I ask is because my husband was recently was going to work and it was still dark out, a Michigan State Trooper was parked on the side of M-59, albeit not much off of M-59. The officer's vehicle was completely dark, no lights, quite frankly it startled him and could be considered a road hazard. Are there any set rules for setting up radar at night? And what rules and/or guidelines are …

I would like the Chief to explain why a year and a half after the citizens of White Lake approved a millage increase to maintain police and fire services we are so broke we cannot even afford to paint our patrol cars. Soon we will be asked to pass another millage increase and before we rubber stamp that I would like to know what happened to the money we gave you in the last election. Another question I would like to ask is who was responsible for signing off on the school speed limit sign on Bogie Lake Road? Not only did it cost us money, but the story was picked up by a few outlets and we …

Hello,   I am considering getting a Concealed Carry Permit. Is this application made locally or through a state office? I am currently in Afghanistan but will be in the area in August. If possible I would like to start the application process. Can you direct me to the right office that handles this subject? Thanks for any help you can provide. Regards, David R. Chief Ed Harris: Application for a concealed weapons permit is made through the Oakland County Clerk’s office and must be submitted in person. I would recommend that you check the Oakland County Clerk’s web site for additional …

On Farnsworth Road the speed limit was changed from 25 to 35 not too long ago. This had created some problems at Dublin School during drop off and pick up times. There are now vehicles driving through a school zone at 35-40 mph when there are children walking/running down the road and crossing at the two crosswalks, only one of which is manned by a crossing guard. I have also witnessed, on numerous occasions, children running across the road, sometimes in front of traffic. My wife has twice now had to slam on her breaks and stop when school children have darted across the road in front of her…

Hello Chief Harris,I am wondering if a person that is drinking a beer while mowing their lawn with a riding mower or lawn tractor can be charged with any infractions, i.e. DUI or similar? If so, has anyone ever received these infractions in White Lake? Thank you for your input. -Nick Porada Chief Edward Harris: Good question. If you are on private property you could not be charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. If you are on a roadway or other area open to the general public you could be arrested for operating while intoxicated. Yes, we have had at least one occasion that I…

As Police Chief Edward Harris works hard to answer the next batch of question, we need you're help – submit your questions and keep Harris busy. Harris has agreed to answer your inquiries, now is the time to ask questions about the things you've always wondered about. How much money does the department actually receive from traffic tickets? How many tickets do they write in a year, etc.? To submit a question email AsktheChiefWhiteLake@gmail.com, then check back on Monday and see if your question is one of the ones selected. Chief Harris reserves the right to not answer submitted questions …

While we wait for more readers to submit questions to Police Chief Edward Harris, Harris and Fire Chief Tony Maltese have released to White Lake Patch statistics for February 2012 indicating the police department received fewer calls for service this year, compared to last, and the fire department responded to more. Harris said the statistics show just how busy both departments are, but notes that while they are busy, most of the calls are for non-serious crimes. "Many of our residents think nothing ever happens here in White Lake, our statistics show that's simply not true," Harris said. "…

As Police Chief Edward Harris works hard to answer the next batch of question, we need you're help – submit your questions and keep Harris busy. Harris has agreed to answer your inquiries, now is the time to ask questions about the things you've always wondered about. How much money does the department actually receive from traffic tickets? How many tickets do they write in a year, etc.? To submit a question email AsktheChiefWhiteLake@gmail.com, then check back on Monday and see if your question is one of the ones selected. Chief Harris reserves the right to not answer submitted questions …

What, if anything can be done about kids (I can only assume it is kids) ringing doorbells in the middle of the night? It is becoming an epidemic in our neighborhood. This is happening all the time now, to us, and many of the neighbors. It is very frequent in the summer, but as soon as the kids get a day off school, such as Presidents Day, they are out disturbing everyone's sleep again. Is this something we need to bother the police with? Do you have any suggestions? It is quite a nuisance. Thank you, Concerned Resident Chief Edward Harris: Thanks for the question. I would suggest that when …

While we wait for more readers to submit questions to Police Chief Edward Harris, Harris and Fire Chief Tony Maltese have released to White Lake Patch statistics for January 2012 indicating the police department received fewer calls for service this year, compared to last, and the fire department responded to more. Harris said the statistics show just how busy both departments are, but notes that while they are busy, most of the calls are for non-serious crimes. "Many of our residents think nothing ever happens here in White Lake, our statistics show that's simply not true," Harris said. "…

I'm wondering if White Lake has a scared straight program?  I've got a teenager that could use a program like this... Shawn White Lake Chief Edward Harris: Shawn, unfortunately White Lake does not have a scared straight program. Thanks,Edward HarrisChief of Police Editor's Note: While White Lake does not have a program, Oakland County's Jail was recently featured on A&E's television show Beyond Scared Straight. A scared straight program is one that is used to show at-risk teens the consequences of committing crimes. In Oakland County there is the U-Turn program which helps to educate youth …

I’m just writing to question the effectiveness and safety of the school speed limit signs along Bogie Lake Road as you approach Lakeland, White Lake Middle School and Lakewood from the north and south. As the signs read right now, there are at least six different time periods with obscure times listed on them, such as 6:49 a.m. – 7:17 a.m. I travel to the schools each morning as a passenger and I try to read them to see if we are in the specified times and I can’t, that is when I am a passenger – NOT a driver. I can’t imagine a driver being able to process what those signs say. I would …

I have noticed that my local gas station is selling a large variety of "spice." What are the effects of this product? -Kathy Vitullo Chief Edward Harris: The “spice” you are referring to is a form of synthetic marijuana that is sold as incense. Originally sold under the name K2, K2 was banned when legislation was passed in October of 2010. Manufacturers are finding ways around the legislation by manufacturing variations of the banned substance, eliminating the chemicals that caused the original K2 to be banned. This type of synthetic marijuana is extremely dangerous. There has been movement …

I've heard great things about the White Lake Citizens Academy, how can I sign up? - Curious Resident Chief Edward Harris: We are currently taking registrations for our next Citizens Academy. The next session starts the first week of March, and runs every Thursday for a total of 13 weeks. The instruction is comprehensive, covering a different area of the Police Department, Fire Department and Township each week. The academy is held twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall, and covers such diverse topics as training, communications, police procedures, criminal investigations, …

Is it legal for a party store to give free shots of alcohol to anyone coming in to do business there? -April Chief Edward Harris: A business with a liquor license for off-premise (carry-out) sales can provide samples to customers who are of age. The business must first receive authorization from the Liquor Control Commission for such a promotion. Thank you for the question. Edward Harris Chief of Police If you have a question you'd like White Lake Police Chief Edward Harris to answer here, emailAsktheChiefWhiteLake@gmail.com.

I have inherited a couple of hand guns. Could you tell me what the procedure is to properly register them.   -Lorine Beattie Chief Edward Harris: Typically, a purchase permit will be issued and then the weapons will be registered to you. Proof of death and prior ownership of the weapons will be needed and you must apply for a purchase permit. Please contact our records bureau at 248-698-3353 for additional information and the hours that such transactions are conducted. Thank You. Edward Harris Chief of Police If you have a question you'd like White Lake Police Chief Edward Harris to answer …