Decatur Police Chief Explains STEP Program
DECATUR — Friday, Feb. 10, was an eventful day for the Decatur Police Department. On it, the department issued 21 tickets for speeding. Of those 21 cited for speeding, seven people had warrants for arrest. The success in catching these criminals was thanks to the efforts of the police department and its implementation of the STEP program.
Police Chief Stephen Grizzle, on Monday, Feb. 13, informed the city how the program works and its benefits.
STEP or the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program is designed to reduce injuries and fatalities that are caused by traffic accidents. In a sense, law enforcement is “stepping up” on traffic safety laws.
Also, by incorporating HVE or Highly Visible Enforcement, the visible presence of law enforcement deters individuals from driving impaired, speeding, or driving distracted by things such as phones.
These are the keys to the success of the program.
The program is sponsored by the State of Arkansas and it “pays officers overtime to watch for specific details that seem to be problematic nowadays. And the program includes DWI, speed enforcement, seatbelt, and distracted drivers. These issues are usually issues that lead to other problems such as fatality accidents,” said Grizzle.
This program helps people slow down and remain alert while driving. It also spreads the word that law enforcement is present in the area.
It’s illegal to be on your phone while driving through a school zone or construction zone. Drivers cannot be on their phones even if they’re just using GPS.
Grizzle went on to relate a story about the success of the program.
One individual was tagged and driving with a suspended license.
“She had multiple warrants, including one out of the Rogers PD for $8,000.”
As an act of goodwill, the department decided to transport the offender to Rogers. This is not uncommon for departments to work together in this fashion. While the officers were transporting her to Rogers, Grizzle remained behind and then, a call came in.
“I’m the only one in town at that very second and a call comes in where a guy that’s got multiple felony warrants is on his way to slaughter his family and he’s intoxicated,” said Grizzle.
He calls for backup and other officers from Gravette and Gentry urgently made their way to the scene. Sergeant Dixon, who was coming in to work STEP, joined in to help with the arrest. According to Grizzle, the individual was “very large” and it took three officers to arrest him.
Thanks to STEP, the additional funds from the program allowed more officers to be on duty to assist with the arrest.
Ultimately, STEP adds another layer of protection than stopping traffic violators. The visible presence of officers deters criminals. If word spreads that law enforcement is in the neighborhood, criminals will most likely not take a chance and commit crimes in the area.
When residents see law enforcement in their neighborhoods, they take comfort that there’s always someone ready to serve and protect when the unexpected happens.