Redding, CA, Police get grant for traffic safety

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.redding.com/news/2010/oct/21/no-headline---north_state_in_brief/ Police get grant for traffic safety

The Redding Police Department is expanding regular traffic enforcement with special operations thanks to a recent $274,728 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program will help officers in dealing with traffic safety concerns and help reduce the number of people killed or injured during accidents, police said.

Police will focus efforts on motorcycle safety, DUI offenders, drivers with suspended or revoked licenses, illegal street racing, red light running and seat-belt violations. Officers will increase checkpoints, special enforcement operations and sting operations at courthouses where DUI drivers or those with suspended or revoked licenses get behind the wheel after leaving court.

The grant also will buy additional equipment, including automated citation devices, a video microphone, a traffic speed trailer and will pay overtime for officers to conduct special enforcement activity.

The Shasta County district attorney’s office also received a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety this month and will use the money to crack down on felony DUI cases.