Fort McCoy police employ new parking-enforcement system

Courtesy Photo | Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Hui Chae Kim and Officer George McNeal with the Directorate of Emergency Services Police Department demonstrate the use of the Barnacle parking-enforcement device Oct. 16 at Fort McCoy.  

FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, UNITED STATES

10.24.2018

Story by Aimee Malone 

Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office           

The Fort McCoy Directorate of Emergency Services Police Department has acquired a new tool called a Barnacle to help police officers enforce parking rules.

The Barnacle parking-enforcement device is a yellow rectangle that is attached to the windshield of a vehicle through the use of suction cups. The device prevents a vehicle from being moved by restricting the view through the front windshield. Each Barnacle unit is clearly marked with a warning to not move the vehicle because of the hazardous conditions caused by limited visibility.

The device attaches and removes easily without the risk of damage to a vehicle. The device is also highly visible, which acts as a deterrent to other motorists.

The ease of deployment reduces the time required for an officer to place the device, creating a safer environment for the officer as opposed to the previous method of placing a boot on the vehicle.

Each device also has a large decal providing instructions on how to have the device removed. The driver must call police at 608-388-2266 and request an officer. An officer will respond with a key and begin the removal process.

Prior to the implementation of the Barnacle, officers had to wait at the vehicle for the operator, place a violation notice under the windshield, or attempt to attach a wheel-locking device.

The goal of using the Barnacles is to improve compliance with parking laws and increase the safety of the installation.

Fort McCoy is the first Installation Management Command installation to use these devices.

Any questions about the Barnacle can be directed to the Police Department at 608-388-2266.

(Article prepared by the Directorate of Emergency Services Police Department.)

• Date Taken: 10.24.2018
• Date Posted: 10.24.2018 15:42
• Story ID: 297569
• Location: FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US