WCSO NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has completed its share of the February 2013 “Joining Forces” impaired driving awareness and enforcement event. The Sheriff’s Office joined the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and the Nevada Highway Patrol during this event, which ran from Feb. 1 through Feb. 19.
Sheriff’s Office patrol staff assigned to this impaired driving awareness and enforcement event initiated 307 traffic stops and arrested three drivers for violation of the Nevada DUI laws. Â Additionally, of the 307 traffic stops, there were three fugitives from justice persons arrested and one felony arrest made.
The Sheriff’s Office issued 196 speeding citations, 14 cell phone/other distracted driving citations and 24 citations for drivers’ license related violations. Other notable violations included 24 motor vehicle registration citations, 22 vehicle equipment citations, eight seat belt citations, 42 citations for failure to show proof of insurance, one citation for driver failing to yield the right of way and seven driving through red light citations. Â Other various citations and written warnings totaled 59.
Although a driver may be stopped for one violation, during a patrolman’s investigation, several other violations may be observed. It’s possible that one driver may be issued a citation for numerous violations.
The “Joining Forces” impaired driving awareness and 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, distracted driving, and speed and pedestrian safety. The purpose of this event is to educate the driving public in regards to DUI laws, to enforce the community’s no tolerance stance towards impaired driving and to remind people that it’s never safe to drive impaired.
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 our region. The Sheriff’s Office continues to be a data-driven agency in order to proactively provide the best possible services to the citizens of our community.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to drink responsibly, designate a sober driver, utilize a taxi service or public transportation, or make arrangements to stay where you are. It is best practice to have a safety plan established prior to beginning festivities that may involve alcohol consumption. Motorist should be aware that law enforcement personnel are enforcing DUI laws year-round.
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.
