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Swansea Police Officers to Wear Special Patch to Help Raise Awareness of Autism

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Swansea Police Officers to Wear Special Patch to Help Raise Awareness of Autism

SWANSEA — Chief Mark Foley is pleased to announce that the Swansea Police Department will wear a commemorative patch throughout April to show support for those living on the autism spectrum. 

The Swansea Police Department is participating in the Police Patch Fundraising Initiative for Autism Acceptance in partnership with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. 

The patch, which will be worn by Swansea officers, will also be available to community members who donate at least $10 to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. 

Patches can be purchased through Swansea Police’s Autism Police Patch Initiative website.

All proceeds raised will be reinvested in the Flutie Foundation’s safety programs, which focus on keeping people and families affected by autism safe in their communities.

The Swansea Police Department is committed to full inclusion for all of the Town’s residents, including those affected by autism. The Police Patch Initiative strives to bring acceptance and awareness for all families within the community, and to be a source of support by funding, mentoring, educating, and collaborating with individuals, first responders, and community and school organizations.

The Flutie Foundation provides financial assistance for families caring for a loved one with autism and educates the public about autism spectrum disorder.

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Swansea Police Department Shares Road Safety Tips for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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Swansea Police Department Shares Road Safety Tips for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted Driving Awareness Month, observed every April, is an opportunity to remind drivers of the importance of focused and safe driving. The month aims to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving to everyone on the road, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that an estimated 3,308 people were killed and an additional 289,310 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.

When behind the wheel, drivers should focus only on the task at hand by keeping their eyes on the road, both hands on the wheel, and their attention on driving. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving, including using a phone, adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating, or drinking.

For more tips and information on distracted driving from the NHTSA, visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

Swansea Police Arrest and Charge Three People in Human Trafficking Operation

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Swansea Police Arrest and Charge Three People in Human Trafficking Operation

SWANSEA — Chief Mark Foley reports that the Swansea Police Department, in collaboration with local and State Police detectives, arrested three people as part of a joint human trafficking operation.

DAVID J. AFRIYIE, AGE 19, of PAWTUCKET, RI; JOSEPH WOOD, AGE 38, of HANSON; and MANUEL R. COSTA, AGE 39, of WESTPORT, were arrested and charged with the following:

Enticing a Child Under the Age of 16

Sexual Conduct for a Fee with a Child Under the Age of 18

Attempt to Commit a Crime (Rape of a Child Under the Age of 16)

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Swansea Police Department Detectives Division, in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit and Somerset Police Department Detectives Division, conducted a joint operation designed to target individuals seeking to engage in commercial sexual relations with minors.

During the operation, an undercover officer posed as someone under the age of 16. Individuals later determined to be AFRIYIE, WOOD, and COSTA went to a designated place in Swansea with the belief they would be meeting the minor and engaging in sexual relations.

Bail was set for all three individuals at $5,000, pending arraignment. COSTA posted bail and was released. AFRIYIE and WOOD were held overnight at the Bristol County House of Correction in New Bedford.

All three are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Fall River District Court.

Chief Foley would like to thank all the officers and agencies involved in this operation.

“This was a great example of state and local law enforcement working together to protect our most vulnerable population,” Chief Foley said. “As a team, we were able to tackle a very serious issue that, unfortunately, no community is immune from. We will do everything in our power to protect the children in our communities.”

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