Thursday, July 1, 2010, marked the Washington State Patrol’s kick off of “Target Zero“, a two year DUI emphasis patrol campaign. The campaign involves three dozen law enforcement officers from King, Pierce and Snohomish Counites and a team of “traffic safety resource” prosecutors to help officers draft arrest reports and assist local prosecutors in presenting their cases in court. The two year program was made possible by a $5 million grant from the federal government.
There will undoubtedly be a great deal of pressure placed on Target Zero administrators for this program to succeed. Success in this area will be measured by stops, arrests, and convictions. While no “quotas” have been tossed out like their law enforcement counter parts at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, the state clearly will be expecting to see some numerical results. If you are a driver, drink only in moderation and utilize designated drivers but also know how to act if you get stopped for DUI. If you are a Seattle DUI lawyer, it will pay to learn more about this program and the “special prosecutors’ that are being used to help craft arrest reports.
To everyone, have a safe Fourth of July weekend.