According to WCCO, twelve law enforcement agencies have received grants, financed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, designated for DWI enforcement. The amounts range between $160,000 and $200,000.
The agencies receiving the money under the DWI program are the: Anoka County Sheriff’s Department; Lino Lakes Police Department; Coon Rapids Police Department, Duluth Police Department, Edina Police Department, Hopkins Police Department, Lakeville Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, New Brighton Police Department, Olmsted Police Department, Richfield Police Department and the St. Cloud Police Department. So it looks like the bulk of the latest money is going to Hennepin and Anoka County law enforcement agencies.
It is interesting that law enforcement (as opposed to educational programs) keeps getting more and more money to apprehend offenders even though their DWI arrests have declined for the eighth straight year, with a 40 percent drop in 2014, compared to 2006. You would think that NHTSA would quit rewarding the police and spend the money on more effective means of getting people to refrain from drinking and driving.
According to WCCO, the grant is expected to last four years. The money funds salaries, vehicle and equipment expenses. The designated officer is expected to work during peak drinking and driving hours and major holidays.
If you or a loved one have been arrested for a Minnesota DWI offense, please call Minneapolis DWI Lawyer F. T. Sessoms at (612) 344-1505 today. I will be happy to answer all of your questions.