Police department announces STEP grant participation

The Siloam Springs Police Department will be participating in the Arkansas Highway Safety Office’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant for another year. The program began on Oct. 1 and is federally funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is administered by the state and provides funding for law enforcement agencies to hold public information and education programs. The grant also allows for directed enforcement, such as state and nationwide DWI and DUI, seat belt and speed enforcement mobilizations as well as funding for child safety-seat clinics and loan programs.

Participation in the STEP program is part of the police department’s overall traffic safety strategy and commitment to reduce injury, alcohol and speed related crashes, and promote safety for the driving, bicycling and walking public. Between Oct. 1, 2018, and Sept. 30, 2019, the department will conduct ongoing monthly STEP activities for seat belt, speed and DWI and DUI enforcement and will participate in the following mobilization periods:

• State Thanksgiving seat belt mobilization: Nov. 19-25, 2018.

• National winter DWI mobilization: Dec. 14, 2018-Jan. 1, 2019.

• National Memorial Day seat belt mobilization: May 20-June 2, 2019

• State July 4 DWI mobilization: June 28-July 7, 2019.

• National Labor Day DWI mobilization: Aug. 16- Sept. 2, 2019.

• State speed mobilization: To be determined.

During the 2017 STEP grant period, the department saw a 47 percent decrease in alcohol and drug related accidents and a 66 percent decrease in speed related crashes when compared to the 2014 baseline year. In addition, officers working STEP assignments effected multiple fugitive, warrant, felony and narcotics arrests, conducted child safety-seat clinics and public information and educational programs at community events.

As part of the STEP program, the department provides a child safety-seat loaner program for those in need and has four officers certified as child safety-seat technicians who inspect and install child safety seats. To make an appointment for a child safety-seat inspection, or for more information on the STEP grant, contact Officer DeAndra Strickland at 479524-4118.