In an effort to reduce traffic fatalities, drunk driving, and increase seatbelt usage; the Greenwood Police Department has applied for grant assistance through the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The department has applied for the last three years and was finally approved in 2009.

 

The goal of the STEP program is to provide assistance to local agencies to reduce or eliminate traffic fatalities and drunk driving. The City of Greenwood had three fatality accidents in 2008 and a seat belt usage rate of 67%. The Greenwood Police Department hopes to reduce the number of fatality accidents to zero and increase the seat belt usage to 70%. To further this goal, the Greenwood Police Department has been awarded a total grant of 16,000.00 through the STEP Program to use towards overtime compensation for officers working in the STEP program.

 

“The program allows us to increase manpower and patrols without adding an extra burden on an already tight City Budget”, said Lt James Flynn. “With the grant, we are able to put additional officers on the street on an overtime basis and allow them to target specific traffic problems such as seat belts and excessive speed”, Lt Flynn went on to say, “Simply slowing down and wearing a safety belt decreases the chances of injury or death dramatically”.

 

Officers will also be targeting intoxicated drivers as part of the STEP enforcement, with the goal to catch more drunk drivers while at the same time reducing the number of alcohol related crashes.

 

“Most individuals who drink and drive do so a number of times prior to being stopped” said Lt James Flynn. Flynn went on to say, “With increased officer presence targeted towards DWI, we hope to not only stop more individuals who have been drinking, but also deter many from ever getting behind the wheel”.

 

The Grant is being administered at the State level by the Arkansas State Police, but there are no matching State funds being provided to the Greenwood Police Department, and all funding is being provided by the Federal Government.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Lt James Flynn at (479) 996-4119.