Friday, March 06, 2009

Gov. Heineman Announces 42 Law Enforcement Camera System Grants

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced more than $330,000 in grants from federal highway safety funds to Nebraska law enforcement agencies. The grants through the Highway Safety Alcohol Incentive Funding permit the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety to provide support to local law enforcement agencies with training and equipment that is used to prevent alcohol-related crashes.

Seventeen police departments and twenty-five Sheriff’s Offices across Nebraska received the grants to install a total of ninety-nine new in-car camera systems. In-car camera systems are used to aide in the apprehension and prosecution of drinking drivers as well as providing a measure of safety for the officers.

“With the holidays approaching, it is a good time to remind everyone to make sure that every driver is a safe and sober one,” said Governor Heineman. “These grants will help our law enforcement officers keep our roads safe.”

According to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, in 2007 Nebraska law enforcement officers arrested 13,437 drivers for driving under-the-influence. Early reports suggest that more arrests could be recorded this year.

“Everyone can help law enforcement too. Report every suspected drunk driver immediately to law enforcement by dialing *55 or 911. Remember that you are not only saving others on the road, but the drunk drivers themselves,” said Beverly Neth, Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles.