For Immdediate Release                                                                                                                      

May 27 , 2008

Contact:    Pamela D. Hayes (860) 586-7506

The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association [CPCA] represents every municipal police department in Connecticut. The over 7,000 police officers in CPCA agencies all contributed to traffic enforcement efforts over the 2008 Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 – May 26, intending to keep motorists safe and roadways clear.

Although being stopped by the police can be a somewhat traumatic experience, every officer is trying to reduce accidents, decrease speed and deter driving while drinking.

CPCA President Chief Kevin J. Hale, Ansonia Police Department, stated, “Across Connecticut municipal police and state troopers were hard at work over this Memorial Day weekend to help travelers reach their destinations safely. This is just some of the work they did. Traffic safety is an issue of great importance to the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and its member police agencies. The goal is not to give tickets, but to gain motorist cooperation in obeying traffic laws and creating a climate of voluntary compliance.  We all have a role to play in traffic safety.”

To this end the CPCA reports the following total activity by member police departments:

Motor Vehicle Stops                 5,963

DUI Arrests                                 125

Accidents                                    785

Fatalities                                        1