For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115

Q2071
February 5, 2007
EMPHASIS: Patrol Provides Enforcement Statistics For 2006

Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to share with the public preliminary enforcement totals for 2006. These statistics show how the Patrol continues to serve and protect Missouri’s citizens and those traveling through our state.

2006 Enforcement

Reactive and self-initiated calls for service -- 148,389
Speed arrests and warnings issued -- 237,184
DWI arrests -- 8,719
Alcohol-related felony arrests -- 1,806
Traffic crashes investigated -- 36, 967
Arrests for transporting drugs -- 337

Troopers are trained to look beyond the initial traffic stop for other violations. This type of quality traffic stop enabled troopers to seize 40 gallons of PCP, 8,635 pounds of marijuana, 1,192 pounds of cocaine, 18 pounds of methamphetamine, and $1,599,884 during 2006. In some cases troopers worked with other state and federal law enforcement agencies to make additional arrests in other states. The additional arrests were made possible by good investigative techniques from information gathered during the initial traffic stop.

Missouri experienced a decrease in the number of traffic related deaths for 2006. There were 1,089 people killed in traffic crashes last year, a 14 percent decrease when compared to 1,257 fatalities for 2005. Colonel Keathley would like to emphasize that represents 168 lives saved through the education and enforcement efforts of law enforcement, and168 families who did not have to grieve the loss of a loved one due to a traffic crash last year.

“The hard work and dedication of the troopers patrolling Missouri’s highways have without a doubt contributed to the decrease in our traffic fatalities,” said Colonel Keathley.

Motorists are encouraged to use the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line to report careless drivers, traffic crashes, stranded motorists, and any other criminal activity. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s emergency numbers are 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

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