This past weekend, KHP teamed up with local authorities in the Topeka and Manhattan areas to work special traffic enforcements targeting impaired drivers. The two RAVE (Roving Aggressive Violation Enforcement) deployments were funded by a grant provided by KDOT. During a RAVE deployment, many troopers and sometimes other officers saturate an area, looking for any driver violating Kansas’ law. We would like to share the results of these special enforcement efforts, which are geared toward making Kansas safer.
In Manhattan…
12 Troopers made 97 public contacts
3 DUI arrests were made
6 Preliminary Breath Tests/Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were conducted
1 Minor in Consumption
25 Vehicles were inspected
10 Speeding citations
22 Speeding warnings
1 Moving Hazardous Violation citation
21 Moving Hazardous Violations warnings
1 Seat Belt citation
2 Seat Belt warnings
5 Traffic Misdemeanor citations
2 Traffic Misdemeanor warnings
2 Other Misdemeanor warnings
35 Other Violation warnings
16 Motorists were assisted
In Topeka…
12 Troopers made 106 public contacts
8 DUI arrests were made
14 Preliminary Breath Tests/Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were conducted
1 Open Container
1 Minor in Consumption/Possession
22 Vehicles were inspected
11 Speeding citations
17 Speeding warnings
8 Moving Hazardous Violations citations
33 Moving Hazardous Violations warnings
11 Seat Belt Violation citations
4 Seat Belt Violation warnings
1 Child Restraint Violation citation
20 Traffic Misdemeanor citations
5 Traffic Misdemeanor warnings
5 Other Misdemeanor citations
1 Other Misdemeanor warning
2 Other Violations citations
30 Other Violations warnings
7 Motorists were assisted
These cooperative enforcement efforts are just an example of how law enforcement agencies work together to effectively utilize limited resources to improve highway and public safety in Kansas.
Note: These are just KHP results; the local agencies’ results aren’t included.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Annual Report Highlights Activities
Last week we unveiled our 2009 Annual Report. Although 2009 presented many challenges as a result of the budget crisis, the Kansas Highway Patrol continued to provide the highest quality protection and service for the citizens and travelers in Kansas.
Some highlights for last year were the expansion of our Youth Day events; applying for and receiving grant funding, which allowed for the creation of a Domestic Highway Enforcement Team; and working together with many other law enforcement and public-safety minded partners to ensure Kansans received the service and protection that they deserve.
In the report, there are KHP statistics that highlight major accomplishments for the safety of Kansans. A few of those include:
• 881 felony drug arrests;
• 110,292 motorists assisted;
• 3,122 impaired drivers arrested;
• 3,314 child restraint citations issued;
• 790 check lanes conducted;
• and 462,812 hours were spent patrolling 12,501,691 miles.
Other features include specific incidents the Patrol assisted with or worked. There are events and services that the Patrol participates in or provides that are not regularly publicized, such as blood and organ relays; providing a PEER Support team to help the Patrol personnel and other agencies manage job-related stress, especially surrounding critical incidents; and providing explosive breaches for the Patrol and local authorities to enter fortified areas.
To see more about what the Patrol does on a daily basis, and the activities we participate in, check out our 2009 Annual Report. It is available on our website at: www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/press/brochures/ar09.html.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Use Severe Weather Awareness Week to Prepare Your Family for Emergencies
This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas. Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 8-12 gives Kansas residents a great time to discuss preparedness for Kansas storms as we enter the spring season. Last year in Kansas there were 103 tornadoes. Fortunately, no one was killed in these, however six persons were injured. In one month (June) there were 46 tornadoes. All 103 tornadoes took place in 24 different days, making several days of tumultuous weather throughout the state.
One of the main things you should focus on with your family this week is making sure you have an emergency plan and evacuation plan established for any number of situations that could occur—tornadoes, fires, other significant occurrences. If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to establish one, and practice it with every member of your family. Make sure your children have enough practice that they know just what to do in a particular instance. Also make sure you have an emergency contact established. Everyone in the family should know the name and phone number of your contact, that way if you get separated, you can call notify your contact that you’re okay, and what your location is, so your family can regroup.
There are a few important traveling safety tips to remember during severe weather.
If you’re travelling in your vehicle and a tornado warning is issued, DO NOT stop under an overpass. It is a common misconception that these will provide you safety, but in fact, you could be injured worse by debris if you stop under the overpass. If you are in a vehicle or mobile home, seek shelter immediately. NEVER try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. If you are outside, lie flat in a low location, and cover your head with your hands. Flash flooding causes dangerous conditions for travelers. If you are seeking shelter in a ditch or ravine, be aware of your surroundings so you don’t get caught in a flood.
Flash floods kill more people each year than any other weather problem. As little as six inches of fast moving water can sweep you off your feet, and as little as 18 inches of water can sweep your vehicle off the road. Often the water doesn’t look nearly as deep as it really is. You should NEVER drive through flooded roads. If you see a barricade around flood waters, do not go through it. Turn around. If your vehicle is caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Remember, “Turn Around. Don’t Drown!”
You should make sure to have an emergency kit in your home, and other kits for each vehicle. These kits include important life-saving items such as water, non-perishable foods, blankets, first aid kits, medications, and other supplies. If you don’t have one, this week is a great time to establish these kits for your family. We do live in Kansas after all, and you never know what weather might strike.
For more preparedness info, go to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management’s site at: www.kansas.gov/kdem/planning/preparedness.shtml.
One of the main things you should focus on with your family this week is making sure you have an emergency plan and evacuation plan established for any number of situations that could occur—tornadoes, fires, other significant occurrences. If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to establish one, and practice it with every member of your family. Make sure your children have enough practice that they know just what to do in a particular instance. Also make sure you have an emergency contact established. Everyone in the family should know the name and phone number of your contact, that way if you get separated, you can call notify your contact that you’re okay, and what your location is, so your family can regroup.
There are a few important traveling safety tips to remember during severe weather.
If you’re travelling in your vehicle and a tornado warning is issued, DO NOT stop under an overpass. It is a common misconception that these will provide you safety, but in fact, you could be injured worse by debris if you stop under the overpass. If you are in a vehicle or mobile home, seek shelter immediately. NEVER try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. If you are outside, lie flat in a low location, and cover your head with your hands. Flash flooding causes dangerous conditions for travelers. If you are seeking shelter in a ditch or ravine, be aware of your surroundings so you don’t get caught in a flood.
Flash floods kill more people each year than any other weather problem. As little as six inches of fast moving water can sweep you off your feet, and as little as 18 inches of water can sweep your vehicle off the road. Often the water doesn’t look nearly as deep as it really is. You should NEVER drive through flooded roads. If you see a barricade around flood waters, do not go through it. Turn around. If your vehicle is caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Remember, “Turn Around. Don’t Drown!”
You should make sure to have an emergency kit in your home, and other kits for each vehicle. These kits include important life-saving items such as water, non-perishable foods, blankets, first aid kits, medications, and other supplies. If you don’t have one, this week is a great time to establish these kits for your family. We do live in Kansas after all, and you never know what weather might strike.
For more preparedness info, go to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management’s site at: www.kansas.gov/kdem/planning/preparedness.shtml.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Cadet Law offers teens a unique experience
A unique opportunity for high school students happens every June at the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy. The Cadet Law Enforcement Academy is held by the Kansas Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Cadet Law is for high school students between their junior and senior years of high school. Currently applications are being accepted for students to attend the program. Cadet Law will run June 13-18 this summer.
The goal of the program is to give young men and women an opportunity to learn more about what a career in law enforcement entails. The duties, training, and discipline that go with these careers are covered. The program teaches high school students a great deal about leadership, and about working as a team.
Throughout the week the cadets follow a rigorous schedule. They will arrive and check in on Sunday afternoon, June 13. During the week students experience a variety of classroom instruction, and some of the real-world activities of a trooper. Cadets go to the firing range, pursuit driving range, fly with KHP pilots, and observe presentations by KHP canine handlers and their four-legged partners. Car stops are practiced, and physical training is a daily ritual. Attention to detail is emphasized throughout the program, ranging from noticing details on car stops to the way cadets make their bed. At the completion of their experience, on Friday, June 18, students have a graduation ceremony their families can attend.
Students are put to the test, and end the week with great enthusiasm and excitement. Patrol troopers act as coaches for the students. American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary representatives are on-hand to witness the week’s events, and to be there should a cadet need assistance.
In order for a student to be eligible to attend the Academy, they must be between their junior and senior years of high school. They also must maintain a C+ average and be determined medically fit to participate in all activities. Students fill out an application to attend, and have to write a brief essay on why they would like to attend. A transcript must be submitted along with their application. The final selection for attendees is done in April when KHP Training Academy personnel meet with American Legion representatives to determine which applicants meet the GPA and medical requirements to attend. Attendance is limited to 50 students. The deadline this year is March 31.
To find out more about the Cadet Law Enforcement Academy, go to the Programs section of the Kansas American Legion website at: www.ksamlegion.org/. If you have questions, contact The Kansas American Legion Department Headquarters, 1314 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612, or call the headquarters at 785-232-9315.
The goal of the program is to give young men and women an opportunity to learn more about what a career in law enforcement entails. The duties, training, and discipline that go with these careers are covered. The program teaches high school students a great deal about leadership, and about working as a team.
Throughout the week the cadets follow a rigorous schedule. They will arrive and check in on Sunday afternoon, June 13. During the week students experience a variety of classroom instruction, and some of the real-world activities of a trooper. Cadets go to the firing range, pursuit driving range, fly with KHP pilots, and observe presentations by KHP canine handlers and their four-legged partners. Car stops are practiced, and physical training is a daily ritual. Attention to detail is emphasized throughout the program, ranging from noticing details on car stops to the way cadets make their bed. At the completion of their experience, on Friday, June 18, students have a graduation ceremony their families can attend.
Students are put to the test, and end the week with great enthusiasm and excitement. Patrol troopers act as coaches for the students. American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary representatives are on-hand to witness the week’s events, and to be there should a cadet need assistance.
In order for a student to be eligible to attend the Academy, they must be between their junior and senior years of high school. They also must maintain a C+ average and be determined medically fit to participate in all activities. Students fill out an application to attend, and have to write a brief essay on why they would like to attend. A transcript must be submitted along with their application. The final selection for attendees is done in April when KHP Training Academy personnel meet with American Legion representatives to determine which applicants meet the GPA and medical requirements to attend. Attendance is limited to 50 students. The deadline this year is March 31.
To find out more about the Cadet Law Enforcement Academy, go to the Programs section of the Kansas American Legion website at: www.ksamlegion.org/. If you have questions, contact The Kansas American Legion Department Headquarters, 1314 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612, or call the headquarters at 785-232-9315.
Monday, March 1, 2010
KHP contributes to Project Topeka
Throughout the month of February, the Kansas Highway Patrol has been participating in the annual Project Topeka campaign. Funds from Project Topeka are used for food items which are distributed by The Salvation Army, Breakthrough House, Door Step, Fellowship and Faith Ministries, I-CARE, The Topeka Rescue Mission, Let's Help, Inc., and Topeka North Outreach to those in need.
Our personnel participated in a variety of activities to raise money for this important cause. Every day in February civilian personnel were authorized to wear jeans to work for a $1 donation per day. We also held a bake sale fund raiser. The end of our Project Topeka fundraisers was February 25, when we held a themed gift basket auction. Some of the gift baskets auctioned included KU Memorabilia, Luck of the Irish, Barbeque Fun, Basketball Junkie, Clean Shootin’, and Movie Night.
With all of our efforts this month, we collected $1,779.95 for Project Topeka. All of this money will go toward food for those in need around the Capitol City in the coming months. In a time when doing more with less has become the norm for Kansas workers and families, and when everyone is being forced to cut back, it is great to see people putting others first, and giving to such a worthwhile cause. I thank all who participated, donated, and helped organized the events. I am proud of your efforts.
More information on Project Topeka can be found at www.projecttopeka.org.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Our personnel participated in a variety of activities to raise money for this important cause. Every day in February civilian personnel were authorized to wear jeans to work for a $1 donation per day. We also held a bake sale fund raiser. The end of our Project Topeka fundraisers was February 25, when we held a themed gift basket auction. Some of the gift baskets auctioned included KU Memorabilia, Luck of the Irish, Barbeque Fun, Basketball Junkie, Clean Shootin’, and Movie Night.
With all of our efforts this month, we collected $1,779.95 for Project Topeka. All of this money will go toward food for those in need around the Capitol City in the coming months. In a time when doing more with less has become the norm for Kansas workers and families, and when everyone is being forced to cut back, it is great to see people putting others first, and giving to such a worthwhile cause. I thank all who participated, donated, and helped organized the events. I am proud of your efforts.
More information on Project Topeka can be found at www.projecttopeka.org.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Caution, Preparation, & Patience required when driving in winter weather
More winter weather is predicted for this weekend. Last weekend a number of disastrous crashes involving multiple vehicles occurred in the eastern region of the state. It is important to point out a few things that are vital to your safety when traveling in adverse conditions.
Plan your trip! Check current weather conditions, the forecast, road conditions at www.kandrive.org. When driving in adverse conditions (rain, snow, fog), turn on your headlights, not only so you can see, but so others can see you. Kansas law states headlights must be on when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, and when windshield wipers are in continuous use.
When traveling, be mindful of the conditions. If it suddenly starts snowing or raining, the probability for a roadway to be slick or to have slick spots is greatly increased. You should slow down! If you know adverse weather is approaching, plan to leave early allowing yourself additional time to arrive at your destination.
Another vital lesson on winter roads is to increase your following distance between vehicles! If you lose control of your vehicle or the driver ahead loses control of their vehicle or makes an avoidance maneuver, increased following distance affords you time to regain control or make an avoidance maneuver yourself to possibly avoid a crash.
Multi-vehicle crashes present a huge challenge to everyone involved, not just those who were part of the crash. Law enforcement and emergency personnel must care for the injured, extricate trapped passengers, coordinate the crash investigation, record witness statements, keep a record of where injured persons were transported, summon wreckers, and keep a record of where the vehicles were transported. All of this while closing highways and rerouting traffic for the safety of emergency workers and crash victims.
Driving in winter conditions, especially in Kansas takes a lot—preparation, caution, and patience. Keeping these things in mind when you travel, whether it’s just to work or on a trip, will help keep you, your family, and emergency personnel safe. If you need some winter driving safety tips and ideas what to equip your car with, you can visit our website at: www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/press/brochures/winterdrive.pdf.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Plan your trip! Check current weather conditions, the forecast, road conditions at www.kandrive.org. When driving in adverse conditions (rain, snow, fog), turn on your headlights, not only so you can see, but so others can see you. Kansas law states headlights must be on when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, and when windshield wipers are in continuous use.
When traveling, be mindful of the conditions. If it suddenly starts snowing or raining, the probability for a roadway to be slick or to have slick spots is greatly increased. You should slow down! If you know adverse weather is approaching, plan to leave early allowing yourself additional time to arrive at your destination.
Another vital lesson on winter roads is to increase your following distance between vehicles! If you lose control of your vehicle or the driver ahead loses control of their vehicle or makes an avoidance maneuver, increased following distance affords you time to regain control or make an avoidance maneuver yourself to possibly avoid a crash.
Multi-vehicle crashes present a huge challenge to everyone involved, not just those who were part of the crash. Law enforcement and emergency personnel must care for the injured, extricate trapped passengers, coordinate the crash investigation, record witness statements, keep a record of where injured persons were transported, summon wreckers, and keep a record of where the vehicles were transported. All of this while closing highways and rerouting traffic for the safety of emergency workers and crash victims.
Driving in winter conditions, especially in Kansas takes a lot—preparation, caution, and patience. Keeping these things in mind when you travel, whether it’s just to work or on a trip, will help keep you, your family, and emergency personnel safe. If you need some winter driving safety tips and ideas what to equip your car with, you can visit our website at: www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/press/brochures/winterdrive.pdf.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day upon us, there is no greater gift you can give your loved ones than the simple act of wearing your safety belt, and requiring your passengers to buckle up before beginning your trip.
Far too often Troopers and other law enforcement officers are called to the scene of a tragic crash, only to discover vehicle occupants were severely or fatally injured when such tragedies could possibly have been avoided if the victims would have simply taken the time to wear their safety belts.
This Valentine’s weekend, before you begin your travels to visit loved ones or go out on the town for a special evening, take a few seconds to buckle up. It could make the difference between life, death or a serious injury if you become involved in a traffic crash!
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Far too often Troopers and other law enforcement officers are called to the scene of a tragic crash, only to discover vehicle occupants were severely or fatally injured when such tragedies could possibly have been avoided if the victims would have simply taken the time to wear their safety belts.
This Valentine’s weekend, before you begin your travels to visit loved ones or go out on the town for a special evening, take a few seconds to buckle up. It could make the difference between life, death or a serious injury if you become involved in a traffic crash!
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
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