WCSO NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has successfully completed its share of the “Joining Forces” DUI saturation and speed enforcement campaign. The Sheriff’s Office joined the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and the Nevada Highway Patrol during this enforcement campaign.
Sheriff’s Office patrol staff assigned to this enforcement campaign initiated 181 traffic stops and arrested five drivers for DUI. Additionally, of the 181 traffic stops, there was one drug-related arrest.
Ninety-four drivers were cited for speeding and 15 others for drivers’ license related violations. Other violations observed were registration, equipment, seat belt, child seat, no insurance and cell phone use while driving. These violations totaled 85 citations. All other miscellaneous citations and written warnings totaled 58.
Although a driver may be stopped for one violation, during the deputy’s investigation, several other violations may be observed. It’s possible that one driver could be issued a citation for numerous violations.
The “Joining Forces” DUI saturation and speed enforcement campaign is 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, seat belt, and speed and pedestrian safety. The purpose of this event is to educate the driving public in regard to DUI and speeding laws, to enforce the community’s no tolerance stance toward impaired driving and to remind people that it’s never safe to drive impaired.
“‘Joining Forces’ has been identified as a highly successful model for significantly increasing traffic safety state-wide,” said Undersheriff Todd Vinger. “Grant-funded programs such as ‘Joining Forces’ have become essential in our efforts to maintain public safety levels in the face of increasing budget reductions. We are grateful to the Office of Traffic Safety for their commitment to public safety.”
The Sheriff’s Office uses a nationally recognized data driven approach to reducing crime and increasing public safety in our community. Sheriff’s Office data has shown a high incidence of traffic violations, traffic accidents, traffic problems and DUI arrests in this particular area. The Sheriff’s Office continues to be a data-driven law enforcement agency, where we proactively fight crime in the region and provide the best possible services to the citizens of our community.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 25th person elected to serve as the sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process, traditional street patrols and Regional Animal Services.
