THP Earns Top Honors in National Law Enforcement Challenge
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 | 04:41am
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has once again earned a place among America’s top law enforcement agencies with its second place award in the 2008 National Law Enforcement Challenge. Sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the competition recognizes and rewards the best overall traffic safety programs in the United States.
In addition to its second place award, the THP received a special category award for Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety. THP is the only agency recognized in this area for its significant contributions in improving highway safety involving commercial vehicles and commercial vehicle drivers. In 2008, the number of traffic fatalities in large truck related crashes in Tennessee fell 35 percent. The number of large truck occupants killed in crashes also plummeted 46 percent in 2008.
“For the Tennessee Highway Patrol to again be recognized as among the nation’s highest performing law enforcement agencies would not have happened without the individual commitment and hard work of each and every State Trooper,” said THP Colonel Mike Walker.
“Additionally, without the support and involvement of our many local, state and federal highway safety partners, we would not have executed such successful enforcement initiatives and education programs. Through our collective efforts, we have achieved a higher level of highway safety for the citizens of Tennessee.”
The Law Enforcement Challenge is a competition between similar sizes and types of law enforcement agencies. THP competed in the category of State Police/Highway Patrol agencies with 501 to 1,000 officers. In judging the agencies on their traffic safety programs, the Challenge’s areas of concentration include an agency’s efforts to enforce laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving, and speeding. As part of the challenge, the Tennessee Highway Patrol submitted an application documenting its efforts and effectiveness in traffic safety enforcement, including officer training, public information and crash reduction.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.TN.Gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.