News : Sheriff's Office plans traffic enforcement program

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office will participate in the July 1st – July 7th sTEP traffic enforcement wave. This project is part of a grant from the Governors Traffic Safety Bureau. Sheriff Randy Forsyth received a 2012-2013 grant that provides $3,900.00 for radars and Alco-Sensors; $500.00 educational materials; and $18,400.00 for overtime patrol for a total of $22,800.00 to provide deputies the equipment and extra time to focus on traffic safety in Benton County. This grant runs through September 30, 2013.

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 under the influence.

Deputies will focus their attention on problem roadways in Benton County watching for speeding, impaired driving and other traffic violations.