SJPD launches enforcement blitz to get impaired drivers off the road
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The St. Joseph Police Department is putting a special focus on keeping impaired drivers off the road through something called the Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program, or SATOP.
The program is part of a saturation effort, where officers from different agencies come together to target one issue on a particular night. In this case, it’s drivers under the influence.
“Officers are out focusing on one topic in that particular night from different agencies and get in one area to patrol cars that violate regulations,” said SJPD Sgt. Patrick Zeamer.
Zeamer said the program has been around since the 1980s. Before officers hit the streets, they receive a briefing and presentation on the night’s enforcement plan.
The main goal, he said, is education and prevention — helping keep the roads safer by reducing impaired driving.
“We put them out a couple of times a year. We as a department have money from the state of Missouri through MoDOT that allows us to do enforcement programs throughout the year,” Zeamer said.
He added, most of these violations tend to happen during bar hours — when alcohol is being served — which is why enforcement ramps up at night.
Nationally, programs like this have helped lower crash numbers over time, but Zeamer said St. Joseph hasn’t seen a clear trend one way or the other.
Resident Dawn Pickett said she’s noticed safety improvements in her neighborhood, especially with new stop signs being added.
Pickett said it would make a big difference if drivers just slowed down a bit, and hopes SJPD continues to put more time and effort into programs like this.
“We have invested a lot of our tax dollars into the police department for these safety features so they definitely need to have their eyes open and pull drivers out if they aren’t following the rules,” Pickett said.
Pickett also said she hopes the department continues investing in safety programs like this and reminds drivers to stay alert, especially in areas known for crashes or hazards.
