News : 'Eastern Heat:' Grant funds new traffic enforcement effort

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office participated in the August 10th – 11th “Eastern Heat” enforcement wave. This project is part of a grant from the Governors Traffic Safety Bureau. Sheriff Randy Forsyth received a 2011-2012 grant that provides $4,900.00 for radars and Alco-Sensors; $500.00 for training and educational materials; and $16,400.00 for overtime patrol for a total of $21,800.00 to provide deputies the equipment and extra time to focus on traffic safety in Benton County. This grant runs through September 30, 2012.

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 and not to drink and drive.\

Deputies made (2) OWI; and (2) driving while revoked arrests. Deputies also issued (15) traffic citations and (13) traffic warnings. Deputies assisted (1) motorist with various problems.