Police Hoping to Stop Handicapped Tag Abuse

Police are cracking down on motorists who abuse handicap placards and other parking violations in a new effort called “Operation HIDE,” (Handicap ID Enforcement).

Targeting their efforts on strategic areas like the Severn Square Shopping Center and Arundel Mills Mall, officers hope to cut down on the abuse of handicap parking spaces and identify individuals who abuse other citizens’ placards and tags.

"You see people parked in a handicapped space who practically run to the door," said Pasadena resident Bernice Ellerman. "They aren't handicapped. I wish the police would check the handicapped tags."

"If I go out with my daughter I've got a paper saying I'm really handicapped," added Ellerman.

"They should put a picture of the person who's handicapped on the handicapped tag," said Pasadena resident Charles Knapp.

The desired outcome of the effort is twofold, said police department spokesman Justin Mulcahy.

“[The goal is] enforcing the law and deterring individuals from fraudulently using the placards and plates,” he said. “[The violators] take away from someone with a handicap, who needs the spot.”

Police started the operation last year because of the large number of handicap parking violations in the county, said Mulcahy. 

Illegally parking in a handicap spot carries a fine of up to $500.

In a recent press release, Mulcahy said uniformed officers will partake in a designated “enforcement week” in May, August and November.

“Many motorists use handicap spaces without using a proper tag by using another family member’s placard or using a deceased person’s tag, needlessly taking handicap parking away from people that need it,” said Mulcahy in the release.

Drivers with disabilities should keep a copy of their medical certification in their vehicles when using handicap placards and plates, according to the release.

The initiative is expected to continue through November 2011, according to Anne Arundel County Police.