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First responders

AJPD receives more than $97K in grants for traffic, DUI enforcement

Posted 10/22/20

The Apache Junction Police Department recently received more than $97,000 in grants from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

“The AJPD’s mission to keep our …

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First responders

AJPD receives more than $97K in grants for traffic, DUI enforcement

Posted

The Apache Junction Police Department recently received more than $97,000 in grants from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

“The AJPD’s mission to keep our community and those within our city safe through enhanced public safety efforts has been given additional support from GOHS through three generous grants totaling $97,727. These grants will be used in the AJPD’s Traffic Division,” according to a release.

The grants are:

  • $22,112 for the Saturation Traffic Enforcement Program. The grant will be used for enhanced enforcement efforts and overtime dedicated to reducing the total number of speed-related crashes and to purchase additional radar equipment in the STEP Task Force Operations.
  • $31,785.00 for driving under the influence enforcement. The grant will be used for the enhanced enforcement efforts and overtime dedicated to decrease impaired-driving related crashes, injuries and fatalities. A portion of the funds will be used to purchase portable breath testers, necessary equipment in support of DUI enforcement in DUI saturation patrols and in multi-agency DUI Task Force operations, the release states.
  • $43,830.00 for Saturation Traffic Enforcement Program equipment. The grant will be used to purchase one police-package motorcycle. The new motorcycle will be used to enhance traffic enforcement with the intention of reducing speed-related collisions and fatalities.

“An active and well-equipped traffic enforcement division is essential in making Apache Junction a safer place live and raise a family,” AJPD Chief Thomas E. Kelly said in the release.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Gov. Doug Ducey and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety under the leadership of Director Alberto Gutier. This office has provided consistent support for local motor vehicle safety programs both here in Apache Junction and the State of Arizona for decades," he said.

A reminder for all Apache Junction drivers to prevent drunk driving:

  • If you will be drinking, plan on not driving. Plan your safe ride home before you start the party. Designate a sober driver ahead of time.
  • If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call an Uber, Lyft, taxi, phone a friend or family member, etc.
  • If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
  • If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

“Remember, it is never OK to drive after drinking – ‘Drive Hammered – Get Nailed,’" the release states.

“The holiday season is just around the corner. As we prepare for festivities with family and friends, the Apache Junction Police Department in partnership with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety would like to remind everyone that it’s not only illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol it can be absolutely deadly,” according to the release.

“With that in mind, Apache Junction Police Department will be out in full force this holiday season with the intention of stopping and arresting impaired drivers,” it states.