Policing the parks - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Policing the parks

Downtown Rutland's Depot Park seems pleasant enough this Saturday. 

Farmers packing up after a morning market, but most of the time, police say the park is anything but a welcoming public place.

Sgt. James Tarbell, of the Rutland City Police said, "A lot of vandalism, spray painting, we get a lot of that, and taunting. Taunting seems to be a big thing."

Sgt. Tarbell of Rutland City Police says teens are flocking to Depot Park, and to another area known as 'the Flats' just a few hundred yards away behind the Amtrak station, often congregating after close. Ignoring posted signs, drinking underage, and disturbing the peace.

"For being centrally located, it seems like we're spending an inordinate amount of time down there." said Tarbell.

Just a few days ago, police arrested 18 year old Angelique Bethke after she refused to leave the park when asked and the situation got out of control.

According to police, they asked her to leave. Police say she instead assaulted both officers, resisted arrest, and once in custody kicked out the back window of the police car.

Though she plead not guilty at her arraignment, Bethke was handed a lifetime ban from all city parks by the Mayor. The first he's handed out in his term.

Rutland City Mayor Christopher Louras said, "In this instance it's absolutely appropriate in addition to sending a very very clear message that illegal behavior wont be tolerated in the parks."

Sgt. Tarbell said this isn't an isolated incident. Kids congregating after the parks are closed is a growing problem. They've tried ID-ing trespassers as young as 13, and in some instances, calling their parents to pick them up.

"Because if they're getting woken up at midnight 1,2, or 3 o'clock hopefully they will be more involved in where their children are and what activities they're in so we're asking them to be parents." said Sgt. Tarbell.

But he says, it's not working. The parents often don't see the problem -- but the mayor says the disorderly teens are tarnishing the park -- and the public who want to enjoy it, can't. So the public safety push, including the life time ban, the mayor says, is justifiable.

"We're going to make some dramatic changes that have an impact so people understand that we're going to impact the quality of life in a very positive way." said Louras.

Louras also says he'll continue issuing bans on a case by case basis until the public feels safe and welcome again in the park.