News : Sheriff's Department s.T.E.P.'s out to enforce traffic safety

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office participated in the July 1st – 4th s.T.E.P. enforcement wave. This project is part of a grant from the Governors Traffic Safety Bureau. Sheriff Randy Forsyth received a 2010-2011 grant that provides $3,900.00 for radars and Alco-Sensors; $500.00 for training and educational materials; and $12,900.00 for overtime patrol for a total of $17,300.00 to provide deputies the equipment and extra time to focus on traffic safety in Benton County. This grant runs through September 30, 2011.

One of the program goals is to remind the public of the importance of traffic safety. We seek to reduce accidents through proactive enforcement, public education and awareness. We also hope to reduce injuries and deaths by encouraging all vehicle occupants to wear their seatbelts.

Deputies made (1) – OWI; (2) – driving under revocation; (2) possession of alcohol under age; (1) – providing alcohol to minors arrest; and served one arrest warrant. Deputies issued (11) traffic citations and (15) traffic warnings. Deputies investigated (5) accidents and assisted (6) motorists with various problems.