SPD leadership debunk popular myths concerning policing in Sheridan

As long as there has been law enforcement, myths and assumptions have been linked to the practice. Some myths are unbelievable enough to be easily dismissed, other myths linger for decades.

Leadership and officers within the Sheridan Police Department are no strangers to the myths and assumptions that can and have been made regarding law enforcement and the policies they follow. 

In the interest of transparency, while appearing on Sheridan Meida’s Public Pulse Program, SPD Chief Travis Koltiska and Captain Tom Ringley took the time to discuss and either debunk or confirm myths that surround the department. 

One such myth shared with listeners states that police officers use soap to “mark” the tail lights of vehicles in bar parking lots. According to the myth, the soap creates a dark spot on the tail light so officers on patrol can identify the cars of those who may have had too much to drink, resulting in a Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol infraction. 

According to Koltiska, this myth has been around since he was a young boy here in Sheridan but affirms, this myth is not true. Ringley told listeners that police will park their patrol vehicles in the downtown area to be seen, but as a preventative measure. 

Koltiska assured the public that should an officer witness an individual who appears too intoxicated to drive exit a bar establishment, it’s the officer’s duty to prevent that individual from driving in the first place.  

Sheridan Media will have more from this program in future stories.