SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced today winners of the 2000 Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge, a statewide traffic safety campaign for law enforcement agencies. The program challenges local police and sheriffs’ departments to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities through a combination of special traffic enforcement, public education, and departmental goal-setting. Twenty-eight law enforcement agencies conducted special campaigns in 2000 and submitted entries to the competition.
Five first place winners included: Lake Zurich Police Department, Livingston County Sheriff’s Police, Naperville Police Department, Peru Department of Police, and Streamwood Police Department.
Additionally, five departments tied for second place honors: Gurnee Police Department, Mt. Zion Police Department, Mundelein Police Department, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department, and Will County Sheriff’s Department.
All first and second place winners will be honored at a breakfast on August 23, 2001, where they will receive equipment for their agencies. This will include in-car video cameras and portable breath testing devices used by officers when they suspect drivers are under the influence of alcohol.
Entries were judged on how well departments deployed officers to address three priority areas: safety belt and child safety seat use, impaired driving, and excessive speed. The Campaign also encouraged special traffic emphasis based on concerns of the local community. For example, agencies may conduct special programs for teenagers, proper installation of child passenger safety seats, or school zones.
The Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge, a nationally recognized program, is spearheaded by the Illinois State Police and co-sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. |
