For Immediate Release

December 1, 2003
Contact: Pamela D. Hayes (860) 586-7506

The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association [CPCA] represents every municipal police department in Connecticut. The over 7000 police officers in CPCA agencies all contributed to traffic enforcement efforts over the 2003 Thanksgiving Holiday 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 James Strillacci, West Hartford Police Department, stated, “Traffic safety is an issue of great importance to the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and its member police agencies. During the Thanksgiving holiday, local police officers sacrifice time away from their families to insure the safety of the motoring public. 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 5,213
DUI Arrests 146
Accidents 667
Fatalities 3