WCSO NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office joined the Nevada Highway Patrol, Reno Police Department and Sparks Police Department in a two-week “Joining Forces” DUI Enforcement campaign earlier this month.
From June 28 through July 12, the Sheriff’s Office and other participating agencies conducted around the clock saturation patrols and a DUI checkpoint on the 4th of July aimed at helping to save more lives by enforcing DUI laws.
“Joining Forces” events such as this also help to increase awareness about DUI laws, enforce the community’s “no tolerance” stance toward impaired driving, and remind people that it is never safe to drive impaired.
Sheriff’s Office patrol staff assigned to this DUI Campaign initiated approximately 170 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 citations and warnings issued during this event was 234.
Of those stopped by the Sheriff’s Office, four drivers were arrested for DUI, one was arrested on felony drug charges and five were arrested on fugitive charges.
Other citations issued by the Sheriff’s Office included:
90 speeding citations
3 cell phone citations
6 citations for driver’s license related violations
11 motor vehicle registration citations
25 vehicle equipment citations
1 seat belt citation
1 child seat citation
35 citations for failure to show proof of insurance
1 citation for failing to yield the right of way
7 citations for running a red light
Additional citations and written warnings totaled 44.
The additional units and overtime needed for this campaign was paid through a grant received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety “Joining Forces” program.
“Joining Forces” is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, seat belt, distracted driving, speed and pedestrian safety. The goal of these enforcement campaigns is to increase public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.
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.
