For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1600004 |
| Date Issued: | Jan 12, 2016 - 1:06pm |
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Sheriff's Office encouraged by results of holiday season DUI enforcement campaign |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Washoe County Sheriff's Office statistics from a Joining Forces DUI Enforcement campaign during the Christmas and New Year's holiday continue to show a low amount of DUI arrests. Sheriff's Office deputies participating is this latest campaign made only 3 DUI arrests out of 119 traffic stops.
These statistics are consistent with similar campaigns during the past year and lower than DUI campaigns prior to 2015. Sheriff's Office staff are encouraged to see this trend continuing and hopeful that the decrease reflects a trend by motorists to choose safe and legal alternatives to drinking and driving.
From December 11, 2015 through January 4, 2016, the Sheriff's Office joined the Nevada Highway Patrol, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and the University of Nevada, Reno Police Department in conducting special traffic safety patrols funded by Nevada's Joining Forces program. The following results are only from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office portion of the campaign:
Sheriff's Office patrol staff assigned to this campaign initiated a total of 119 traffic stops. Although a driver may be stopped for one violation, several other violations may be observed during the subsequent investigation making it possible that a driver may be issued citations for numerous violations.
The total number of violations cited and warnings issued during this event was 160. Violations cited by the Sheriff's Office include:
3 DUI arrests
29 for speeding
14 for failure to show proof of insurance
11 driver's license related violations
18 motor vehicle registration violations
8 vehicle equipment violations
4 for running a red light
2 fugitive warrant arrest
1 drug arrest
1 recovery of a stolen vehicle
12 all other citations
57 warnings
Sheriff's Office participation in this Joining Forces DUI enforcement campaign was made possible by grant funding received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety.
Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, distracted driving, seat belt, and speed and pedestrian safety. The goal of these enforcement campaigns is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.