The areas of concentration include efforts to enforce laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving, and speeding. Departments submit an application which documents their agency’s efforts and effectiveness in these areas. The winning safety programs are those that combine officer training, public information and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries within its jurisdiction. This program is financed through a grant awarded to the International Association of Chief’s of Police by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
California’s competition is through the California Office of Traffic Safety and the California Highway Patrol. All agencies believe an increase in traffic enforcement in a community results in a decrease in motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities. The City of Ione entered the competition at the urging of the local CHP office. “I am just thrilled”, says Bob Olson, the Interim Chief of Police of Ione. A retired California Highway Patrol Officer, Chief Olson is a firm believer in traffic enforcement. Since becoming Chief in January 2007, the police department has beefed up their traffic enforcement efforts.
Additionally, Chief Olson hired another retired CHP officer whose main focus is traffic. Olson states “Let’s face it; traffic is a problem anywhere you go anymore. Traffic issues such as speeding, running stop signs, and parking violations, have always been the number one complaint by citizens here in the city”. Since focusing their efforts on traffic issues, complaints are down. “This award is a reflection of the hard work of all of our officers” stated the proud Chief. Representatives of the Police Department will be traveling to San Diego in September to receive their award. Additionally, the City of Ione will now be eligible for future grants through the California Office of Traffic Safety. Chief Olson added jokingly, “Now I can tell folks that the City of Ione Police Department has something in common with the San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco Police Departments who were also winners in their categories.” For more information, contact Chief Bob Olson at 274, 2456, ext 106.
