N E W S    R E L E A S E

Saturation Patrol

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties between January 20, 2012 and January 21, 2012 as Sheriff's Deputies will participate in a DUI Saturation Patrol in an effort to decrease the amount of intoxicated drivers on the street.

Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving.  If Deputies stop a person for committing these or other traffic infractions, they may take other actions if the driver has the smell of alcohol beverage on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech is slurred.

The purpose of this program is to saturate Salina, Saline County with extra deputies.  Deputies will continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving.  Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt use and all alcohol-related violations.

Saturation Patrol

Saline County Sheriff's Office to check for DUI Drivers

Deputies of the Saline County Sheriff's Office will participate in a DUI Task Force between August 5th and August 6th 2011 in an effort to decrease the amount of intoxicated drivers on the street.  These checkpoints are designed to identify intoxicated drivers.  Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site sobriety tests.

Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving.  If deputies stop a suspect for committing these or other traffic infractions, may take other actions if the driver has the smell of alcohol beverages on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech is slurred.

The purpose of this program is to saturate Salina, Saline County with extra deputies. Deputies will continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt use and all alcohol-related violations.

Saturation Patrol

Saline County Sheriff's Office to check for DUI Drivers

Deputies of the Saline County Sheriff's Office will participate in a DUI Task Force between June 9th and June 10th 2011 in an effort to decrease the amount of intoxicated drivers on the street.  These checkpoints are designed to identify intoxicated drivers.  Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site sobriety tests.

Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving.  If deputies stop a suspect for committing these or other traffic infractions, may take other actions if the driver has the smell of alcohol beverages on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech is slurred.

The purpose of this program is to saturate Salina, Saline County with extra deputies. Deputies will continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt use and all alcohol-related violations.

Sobriety Check Point

Saline County Sheriff's Office to check for DUI Drivers

Deputies of the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint the weekend of May 27 - 29, 2011.  These checkpoints are designed to identify intoxicated drivers.  Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site sobriety tests.

The goal of this program is to increase overall motorist safety in Saline County.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as part of this program.

We thank you for your cooperation.

Teen seatbelt enforcement for SAFE Program

Local law enforcement will be on the lookout for teens driving without their seat belts!

February 27th thru March 12^th, law enforcement agencies across Kansas will participate in an aggressive enforcement in and around the schools to both educate and enforce the restraint laws. This is part of a program called SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone).  SAFE is a program that promotes and rewards seatbelt use among Kansas teens, while encouraging law enforcement to enforce the restraint laws.

SAFE is currently in over 100 high schools in 27 counties in Kansas. Two years ago the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, along with local law enforcement implemented the first SAFE program.  The results are outstanding.  Crawford County now enjoys one of the highest seatbelt usage rates among teens, but the real telling stat is the county has worked 10 rollover crashes last year involving teens and 9 out of 10 resulted in little or no injuries due to the occupants being properly restrained.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is asking for you to buckle up every time, no matter how long the trip and make sure all occupants in your vehicle are belted.   Please don’t be a stat.

Contact:  Captain Brian E. Shea 785-826-6500

National Institute of Corrections
Technical Assistance

Sheriff Kochanowski is looking ahead to a jail and juvenile detention center expansion due to overpopulation and anticipated continual increase in population. We have requested the assistance of the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) for facility and systems evaluation and needs assessment.

Our current adult detention facility capacity is 192 and our average daily population over the last twelve months has been 204.23. This is 108% of our capacity. Our highest daily population in that timeframe was 243, which is 126% of our capacity.  

In 2000, our 12-month average daily adult detention population was 171.86 (89.5% of capacity). We anticipate our average daily population will continue to increase.

Our juvenile detention population has been at 84.5% over the past 12 months and at over 90% on most days in the past 3 months due to the closing of another juvenile detention facility in western Kansas. We have had to turn down requests for detention due to lack of space.

Our current adult detention facility opened in 1995. The project came to fruition with the technical assistance of NIC at that time. We look forward to working with NIC again for the expansion project.

The Sheriff welcomes your input as we begin this process.  He can be reached at  Glen.Kochanowski@Saline.Org .

Sheriff's Office Adds SIDNE

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce that SIDNE has been added to the resources of our agency.  What is SIDNE?  SIDNE stands for Simulated Impaired Driving Experience.  While wearing goggles that are designed to distort vision, slow reaction time and cause behaviors exhibited by someone under the influence, program participants will attempt to drive a go-kart through an obstacle course of traffic cones.

With a $12,500 grant from the Central Kansas Foundation and more than $18,700 from Salina Regional Health Center's Community Health Investment Program, the Sheriff's Office bought the equipment needed to safely provide the experience of driving while impaired to prevent young drivers from taking the risk in real life.  Eight pairs of "Fatal Vision" goggles have been acquired that simulate the vision of someone with a blood alcohol concentration of between .08 - the lowest amount of impairment for which a noncommercial driver old enough to drink could receive a DUI - and 0,3, a level that would make an inexperienced drinker lose consciousness.  A trailer to haul the go-kart to different locations was also purchased.

The program will be offered in conjunction with school driving programs and for other groups that request the experience, provides sober people a chance to look at the world through the eyes of someone whose vision is impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Sheriff's Office personnel are currently being trained in the use of SIDNE and the first demonstration of the cart is planned for August 5th at a Kansas Department of Transportation awards banquet.  SIDNE will also be on display at the Tri-Rivers Fair.

SIDNE was purchased from Fatal Vision.  http://www.fatalvision.com/fv/home.php

Saturation Patrol

Saline County Sheriff's Office to check for DUI Drivers

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties between March 19th and 20th, 2010 as Sheriff's deputies participate in a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the amount of intoxicated drives on the street.  Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving.  If deputies stop a suspect for committing these or other traffic infractions, may take other actions if the driver has the smell of alcohol beverages on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech is slurred.  The purpose of this program is to saturate Salina and Saline County with extra deputies.  Deputies wil continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving.  Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt use and all alcohol-related violations.

Sobriety Checkpoint

Saline County Sheriff's Office to check for DUI Drivers

Deputies of the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint the weekend of October 30th - November 1st, 2009.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drives.  Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given and on-site sobriety tests.  The goal of this program is to increase overall motorist safety in Saline County. Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, buy many drivers will be stopped as part of this program.  We thank you for your cooperation.

Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest Campaign Completed

During the Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest enforcement campaign just completed, the Saline County Sheriff's Office conducted overtime saturation patrols to aggressively enforce Kansas impaired driving and other traffic laws.  During the campaign, officers made 78 stops during which they made 2 DUI arrests and wrote 13 speeding citations, 2 seatbelt citations, and 38 other citations, along with 17 warnings.

The important thing is not the number of arrests, tickets or stops, but whether our efforts serve to discourage drivers from mixing drinking and driving, and to encourage all drivers to buckle up, since buckling up is their very best protection against drunk drivers.  The Saline County Sheriff's Office will continue to enforce a zero tolerance policy regarding drunk driving. We will continue to o all in our power to ensure that all those on our roads in Saline County are as safe as we can make them.

Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaign efforts were supported by a grant to the Saline County Sheriff's Office from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

During the period, August 20 through Labor Day, September 7, look for aggressive enforcement of Kansas drunk driving and other traffic laws.  This national crackdown – known as Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest – is underwritten by a grant to the Saline County Sheriff’s Office from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).

On any given day in Kansas six persons are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes.  From each crash, emotional, social, and economic effects ripple out.  The financial ripples, by themselves, are formidable.  Alcohol-related crashes last year, in Kansas alone, cost almost $628 million in medical charges, property damage, lost earnings, lost household production, emergency services, travel delay, vocational rehabilitation, and workplace disruption, among others.  Added to this must be the many millions of tax dollars spent yearly on prevention activities, court-ordered education programs, victim impact panels, enforcement, processing, prosecution, incarceration, monitoring, and drivers’ license suspension hearings in an effort to make the roadways safer.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is among more than 100 law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, who will participate in Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.  Their aim is to dramatically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when alcohol is mixed with driving – a particularly dangerous combination.  According to KDOT crash data for the period 1999-2008, if you are involved in an alcohol-related crash – as a passenger or driver, impaired or unimpaired – you are two and one-half (2½) times more likely to be injured and four-and-one-half (4½) times more likely to be seriously injured or killed than if you are involved in a crash in which alcohol is not determined to be a factor.  The ratio of death to injury in alcohol-related crashes is almost four (4) times higher than the death to injury ratio for non-alcohol related crashes.   In 2008, alcohol was a contributing factor in a record 34 percent of all fatal crashes in Kansas.
 

There are five things we want people to take away from this impaired driving campaign.  First, if you’re away from home and drinking, don’t even consider driving home.  Be sure to ride with a sober driver.  By ‘sober’ we don’t mean someone you believe is less drunk; this is a judgment mistake which costs lives every year.  Second, there are any number of traffic infractions and mechanical deficiencies we can pull you over for.  If we detect a hint of alcohol you will be tested.  Don’t take the chance.  Third, you can expect impaired driving enforcement year-round, not just during this campaign.  Fourth, if you see suspicious driving behavior, take note of the location and call 911.  Finally, always remember that everyone’s best protection against a drunk driver (as well as their own mistakes) is to always wear their seat belt and properly restrain their children – every trip, every time.  It saves lives and it’s the law.  

Public Assistance Requested

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is investigating 3 business burglaries where business account checks had been stolen.  The locations are Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co. Inc. (1383 West North Street) where 82 checks were stolen, Stevens Contractors LLC (422 East Avenue A) where 100 checks were stolen, and Lee Haworth Construction Co. Inc (348 East Avenue A) where 24 checks were stolen.  The burglaries were reported on June 23, 2009 and it is believed the burglaries occurred sometime between June 15^th-June 22^nd, 2009. 

So far 47 forged checks have been passed through various banks and businesses.  The local businesses include the Sunflower Banks branches, the local Bennington State branches, and Speedy Cash.  So far it has been reported that 2 checks have been passed in Ellsworth, 2 checks in Abilene, and 2 checks in McPherson.  Total loss reported from the forged checks is $40,464.79.  Stevens Contractors loss is approximately $16,336.37, Lee Haworth Construction Co. is $23,227.62, and Bamford Fire Sprinkler System is $900.80.  

The sheriff’s office is requesting assistance from the public in identifying the 8 Hispanic male suspects that passed the stolen forged checks.  It is believed the suspects in the photos visited local businesses; either looking for employment or acting like they were there on business.  If anyone has any information as to the real identity of these suspects or has had contact with them recently, you are asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 826-6500 or Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. 

Saturation Patrol

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties from June 19th through June 20th, 2009, as Sheriff's Deputies work a DUI Saturation Patrol in an effort to decrease the number of intoxicated drivers on Saline County Roadways.

Deputies will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing center lines and running red lights in addition to other signs that may indicate intoxicated driving.  If deputies stop a suspect for driving under the influence of alcohol they may take other actions if the driver has the odor of alcohol on their breath, if eyes are bloodshot or if speech is slurred.

The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving law enforcement officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving.  Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, seat belt and alcohol related violations.  The are to be worked will be within a two mile radius of the Old 40 and State Street intersection.

CANCEL ATTEMPT TO LOCATE SUBJECT IN CUSTODY

Charles Lloyd Barrand is wanted by the Saline County Sheriff's Office for Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault.  Barrand was one of four suspects involved in the kidnapping and attack of a Saline County resident whose leg was nearly amputated and the victim dumped out on a deserted county road after the attach. If you have any information concerning the whereabouts of Charles Barrand you are urged to call 911, your local law enforcement agency, or your local Crime Stoppers. Thank you for your assistance in keeping Saline County a safe place to live.

CANCEL ATTEMPT TO LOCATE SUBJECT IN CUSTODY

Sobriety Checkpoint News Release

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers.  Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site sobriety tests.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as part of this program.

The checkpoint will be held May30th and 31st, 2009.

North Central Area Law Enforcement Hit the Streets! 

Salina, Kan. — Over 650 officers from over 60 agencies will carry the “Flame of Hope” throughout 28 counties in Kansas as they travel to the annual Special Olympics Summer Games held in Wichita.   The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a series of statewide runs which will kick off on May 30^th and will travel throughout the state over the week long journey.  The “Flame of Hope” will arrive in Wichita on Friday, June 5^th.  Law Enforcement Officers along with LP Esquibel, the 2008 Most Inspirational Athlete will light the cauldron to officially open the 2009 Summer Games in front of over 2,400 athletes, coaches and fans of Special Olympics. 

Locally, Area Law Enforcement officers have been raising money and awareness throughout the year through their work with the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to support Special Olympics Kansas. The North Central area Torch Run will kick off at Ellsworth Correctional Facility at 8:00am on June 2^nd.  Officers will begin their run in Ellsworth and then run through the communities of both Kanopolis and Brookville before arriving in Salina around 10:30 a.m. at the Saline County Law Enforcement Center.

On June 3^rd, officers will begin the next leg of their journey starting at 3:15 p.m. at the Dairy Queen on 321 N 9^th in Salina, Kan. Traveling throughout Salina they will make a left on Park St, a right on to 9^th Street, a left on to Ash Street, a right on to Ohio and then arrive at the McDonald’s at the corner of Ohio and Crawford about 4:00 p.m.

At approximately 4:15 p.m. officers will depart at Dauer Implement at 144 W Farrelly Rd, and travel south on old US Highway 81.  Officers are expected to arrive at the Subway in Lindsborg around 7:30 p.m. Are we passing by your business or home? Volunteer to Cheer and enjoy the excitement as the “Flame of Hope” travels through your community.

Law Enforcement Officers will also be presenting the medals and ribbons to Special Olympics athletes at Summer Games.  Athletes will compete in cycling, power lifting, athletics, aquatics, gymnastics and tennis during the three day event. The public is invited to attend the events at no charge anytime throughout the three days.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in Wichita, Kansas in 1981 with six runners and has grown to an international program that involves thousands of Law Enforcement personnel raising millions of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics programs in the United States and abroad.  The Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics.  Officers volunteer hundreds of hours each year and in 2008 raised more than $300,000 in support of Special Olympics Kansas programs.  This remarkable feat was accomplished through the statewide torch run, special event fundraisers, sponsorships and donations.  

For more information or to make a secure donation online visit www.kansastorchrun.org or contact Jana Fornelli at 913.236.9290.

Click It or Ticket Is Just Ahead

Beginning May 18 and running through May 31, look for heightened traffic enforcement in Saline County as additional officers will be on the Saline County Roadways aggressively
enforcing Kansas occupant restraint and other traffic laws as the Saline County Sheriff’s Office participates in the 2009 Kansas Click It or Ticket traffic enforcement campaign. 
This activity is supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).   

Look for strict enforcement of the Safety Belt Use and Child Passenger Safety Acts.  Simply put, these acts require that all persons in the front seat must be buckled in and that all
persons under the age of 18 must be buckled in regardless of their position in the vehicle.  In the event that a passenger under the age of 14 is unrestrained the driver will be cited. 
Where a driver or passenger, aged 14 through 17, is seen to be unrestrained, that person will be cited.   Children under the age of four must be secured in an approved child safety
seat; children, ages four through seven, must be securely belted into an approved booster seat; and children, ages eight through 13, must be safety-belted.   In addition, the act prohibits
persons under the age of 14 from riding in any part of a vehicle not intended for carrying passengers, such as a pickup bed. 

Across Kansas, about 135 law enforcement agencies, will be participating in Click It or Ticket.  The aim is to drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries
that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic crashes.  According to KDOT’s Traffic Safety section, traffic crashes last year claimed the lives of 384 people. 
Tragically, of those who died, about 61 percent were not belted in.  By contrast, almost 90 percent of those not injured were belted in.

Across the state, only 77 percent of front seat passengers buckle up, ranking Kansas 39th in the nation for seat belt compliance, at well under the national average of 83 percent. 
Seat belt compliance rates, by county, range from 56 to 86 percent, with higher rates generally associated with urban populations and lower rates associated with rural counties. 
As would be expected, the lower compliance rate in rural areas is matched with a higher crash fatality rate.  This is largely due to vehicles in those areas leaving the roadway and
colliding with heavy objects or rolling over during which time unbelted occupants become torpedoes and often are ejected.  Excess speed and alcohol are often contributing factors. 
In Kansas, more than three times the number of crashes occur on city streets as on county roads; yet county roads see 63% more fatalities than do city streets.  Urban motorists, in particular,
are more likely to be belted and less likely to leave the road.

More disheartening to the law enforcement community, however, is the low compliance rate for child restraint.  According to the latest child safety restraint survey by KDOT, on average
only about 75 percent of Kansas children, of all ages, are buckled in.  Only 66 percent of children, aged 5-13, are buckled in.  This stands in stark contrast to the average adult rate of 77 percent
which suggests that some parents are buckling themselves in while leaving their children unrestrained.   

Everyone should know there is both a seat belt law and a law directing that children should be properly restrained, and should know that it is a smart thing to do.  But too many drivers play
the odds, knowing that a crash is unlikely.  The fact is, though, crashes do happen – too often – and that 2 seconds to buckle up looks like a good investment when they do.  You may be a good
driver, but not everyone you share the road with will be.  When you don’t buckle up or require that your passengers buckle up, you’re making the decision for everyone in your vehicle that none
of the drivers you meet are going to be dangerously distracted by sleepiness, cell phone, texting, changing radio stations, etc.  And you’re assuming that no roadway or mechanical problems will
cause you to suddenly veer off the road.  We want it known that the Saline County Sheriff’s Office is committed to aggressively ticketing violators of Kansas passenger restraint laws, and all traffic infractions that make our roadways unsafe.”

April 8, 2009 Grant Award

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has received a $1,000.00 grant from the YW Legacy Fund through the Greater Salina Community Foundation.  These funds will be used to support the annual G.R.E.A.T. camp at Rock Springs 4-H Camp.  The camp is designed to build teamwork, self-esteem and leadership skills in youth. Approximately 60 youth will attend G.R.E.A.T. camp this year.  We requested grant funds to ensure that all youth who wish to attend are able, regardless of ability to pay.  Through our youth programs, we hope to see all youth attain their greatest potential and learn to serve their community.  We would like to thank the YW Legacy Fund and the Greater Salina Community Foundation for their support of Saline County Sheriff's Office summer youth programs.

January 16, 2009 Saturation Patrol

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties between January 17th and January 19th, 2009 as Sheriff's Deputies participate in a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the amount of intoxicated drivers on the street.

Deputies from the Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving.  If Deputies stop a suspect for committing these or other traffic infractions, they may take other actions if the driver has the smell of alcohol beverage on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech in slurred.

The purpose of this program is to saturate Salina, Saline County with extra deputies.  Deputies will continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving.  Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt use and all alcohol-related violations.

December 30, 2008  SECURE THE CALL

Sheriff Glen Kochanowski announced a new program to distribute free 911 access only cell phones to individuals at risk within the community.  The program will be administered
by the Saline County Sheriff's Office.  Phones are furnished through a partnership with Secure the Call, a national non-profit that collects and distributes the phones through a
network of Community Partners in 40 States.

Secure the Call collects donated cell phones, purges them of all personal data, cleans and charged them, then packages them with a charger and instructions.  "They're all ready to
give out when we get them," said Kochanowski.  "While they no longer have a carrier and can't be used to place normal calls, they are able to access our emergency 911
service."  Area resident in need of a free phone should call the Sheriff's Office at (785) 826-6500.

According to T. Michael Morgan, president of Secure the Call about two-thirds of their phones go to seniors that have no cell phone at all.  Most of the rest go to domestic
violence victims who may not have a cell phone or be temporarily without one."  "We advise our partners to phones to anyone with a legitimate need for one," said Morgan.

Kochanowski said the Sheriff's Office will also be collecting donated phones for Secure the Call.  If you have a phone that you would like to donate please bring it to the Saline
County Sheriff's Office at 251 N. 10th St., Salina.  Donors can download a donation receipt from Secure the Call's web site, www.securethecall.org. Secure the call is a 501(3)
non-profit corporation, so donations are tax deductable.

November 17, 2008 Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Mobilization

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office, along with other area police agencies, is going to be participating in the Kansas Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Campaign, held November
24-30.  A grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation will enable this department to have more officer presence on streets and highways to aggressively enforce Kansas
traffic laws.  They will be especially vigilant for impaired drivers and children, teens, and adults who are not buckled up.

Impaired drivers endanger everyone around them.  In Kansas, nearly six persons every day – most of them innocent – are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes.  Furthermore, not only do impaired drivers endanger others, but in the crashes that follow drivers and passengers are over 2 ½ times more likely to be killed or injured than in a non alcohol-related crash.  Almost 18,000 DUI (driving under the influence) arrests were made last year in Kansas and great efforts are being made at all levels of government to increase both the number of arrests and the number of convictions.

Failure to buckle up is also responsible for needless death and maiming.  Those who do not buckle up are about 12 times more likely to be killed and almost twice as likely to suffer injury as those who do buckle up.  Hidden by these statistics is the fact that injuries suffered by those who are unbuckled are likely to be much more severe and disabling than those suffered when an occupant is restrained. 

October 31, 2008 Sobriety Checkpoint

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers.  Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site field sobriety tests.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as part of this program. 

This checkpoint will be held October 31 through November 1, 2008

October 30, 2008 Saturation Patrol

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties between November 15th and November 16th, 2008 as Sheriff's Deputies participate in a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the amount of Intoxicated Drivers on the street.  Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing the centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving.  If Deputies stop a suspect for committing these or other traffic infractions, they may take other actions if the driver has the smell of alcohol beverage on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech is slurred.

October 13, 2008 Third annual Law Enforcement vs. Fire Football game

GUNS - N - HOSES
football game to benefit
Salina Area Red Cross

Salina area Firefighters and Law enforcement officers will complete in a flag football game on Sunday October 26th at 11:30 AM at Salina Stadium.  All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Salina Area Red Cross. 

"Despite last year's lighting and rain, the event proved successful on many levels" said Scott McCready, Salina Firefighter. "We have added some halftime entertainment to go with the usual full contact "flag" football game. A halftime program will be provided by members of Dance Academy.  There will be 50 - 80 girls age 3 - 7 years of age doing a Halloween Fun Dance.  Salina area Boy Scouts are providing concessions at the game.

Last year's game despite the inclement weather, raised over $5,000.00 for the Salina Area Red Cross.  Door prizes include a 42" flat screen plasma TV, and various other items donated by area business's.  Tickets are a suggested $3.00 donation and children under 16 are admitted free.  Tickets can be purchased at the Red Cross building 145 South Broadway.  Tickets can also be purchased from the Salina Fire Department station 1or by calling the Fraternal Order of Police members Janelle Zimmerman, 785-531-0896, or James Blackwell at 785-643-0799.  Tickets can also be purchased at the Saline County Sheriff's Office, 251 North 10th Street.

May 9, 2008

Get Ready for Click It or Ticket

Drivers in Saline County are warned to be alert to heightened traffic enforcement, beginning May 19, as additional officers of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office will be placed
on the roadways to aggressively enforce Kansas occupant restraint and other traffic laws.  Supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the
officers will be participating in the Kansas Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign through June 1. 

Look for strict enforcement of the Safety Belt Use and Child Passenger Safety Acts.  The Safety Belt Use Act specifies that all front seat passengers must be buckled in.  The
Child Passenger Safety Act authorizes officers to pull over any vehicle suspected of holding child passengers under the age of 14 who are not properly restrained.  It stipulates
that children under the age of four must be secured in a federally-approved child safety seat; children, ages four through seven, must be securely belted in to an approved booster
seat; and children, ages eight through 13, must be safety belted.   In addition, the act prohibits persons under the age of 14 from riding in any part of a vehicle not intended for
carrying passengers, such as a pickup bed. 

Saline County is among 130 law enforcement agencies, statewide, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, participating in Click It or Ticket.  The aim is to drastically reduce the
number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic crashes.  According to KDOT’s Bureau of Traffic Safety, traffic crashes last year claimed the lives of over four-hundred, sixty (460) people.  Tragically, of those who died, 70 percent were not belted in.  By contrast, almost 90 percent of those
not injured were belted in.

Across the state, only 73 percent of front seat passengers buckle up, ranking Kansas 43^rd in the nation for seat belt compliance, at well under the national average of 82 percent. 
Seat belt compliance rates, by county, range from 46 to 85 percent, with the highest rates generally found in the more populous counties, and the lowest rates in the less populous counties.  As would be expected, the lower compliance rate in rural areas is matched with a higher crash fatality rate.  Crashes are more likely in urban areas, but they are less
likely to be fatal. 

More disheartening to the law enforcement community, however, is the low compliance rate for child restraint.  Across the state, only 61 percent of children, ages 0-13, are
properly restrained.  County rates vary from 39 percent to 75 percent, with rural counties, again, generally lagging well behind their urban counterparts.  Most at-risk are 5
through 14 year-olds who, in almost all counties, are restrained at significantly lower rates than are adults. 

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is making a clear statement that it is committed to aggressively ticketing violators of Kansas passenger restraint laws, and all traffic infractions
that make our roadways unsafe.  For more information on occupant protection issues, contact the Kansas Safety Belt Education Office at 1-800-416-2522 or KTSRO@alltel.net.  

May 8, 2008

Saline County Sheriff's Office to conduct Sobriety Checkpoint

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drives.  Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site field sobriety tests.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drives will be stopped as part of this program.  The checkpoint will be held Friday May 9th and Saturday May 10th, 2008.

We thank you for your cooperation.

March 31, 2008 

Saline County Sheriff's Office to check for DUI Drivers

Deputies of the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint the weekend of April 4^th – 5th. This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site sobriety tests. This DUI Checkpoint will be conducted in the central part of Saline County near I-135 and the State Street Exit. Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as part of this program.

We thank you for your cooperation.

March 6, 2008

Saturation Patrol News Release

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrol duties between March 21st and March 22, 2008 as Sheriff’s Deputies participate in a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the amount of intoxicated drivers on the street.

Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office will be looking for People driving too slowly, crossing centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving.  If Deputies stop a suspect for committing these or other traffic infractions, they may take other actions if the driver has the smell of an alcoholic beverage on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech is slurred.

The purpose of this program is to saturate Salina, Saline County with extra deputies. Deputies will continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt use and all alcohol-related violations.

January 22, 2008

Special Traffic Enforcement Program  News Release

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will strive for a safe travel week on Saline County roadways during the upcoming child passenger safety week.  The Sheriff's Office will participate in the Kansas Department of Transportation's (KDOT) Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) February 11-17 to help keep traffic-related fatalities and injuries low.

The Sheriff's Office will focus on enforcing child passenger safety and seat belt laws and removing impaired drivers from our roads.  Because of KDOT's  STEP, there will be more deputies on the streets and highways during the upcoming period.  STEP will fund overtime for deputies and other participating law enforcement officers who would normally be off duty.

Thanks to KDOT's  STEP, additional officers will be on the roads to help enforce Kansas' DUI, child passenger safety and occupant protection laws.  Ever motorist can also help by driving sober and defensively and by fastening their seat belt.

State law requires every child under the age of four to be secured in an approved child safety seat.  Every child under the age of 14 is required to wear a seat belt at all times, regardless of where they sit in a vehicle.  Law enforcement officer may stop and cite drivers when they observe violations of this law.

Click it or Ticket Information

November 2, 2007

Intoxicated and Unrestrained Drivers and Occupants 

The  Saline County Sheriff's  Office is committed to reducing the number of traffic incidents in Saline County. Impaired driving crashes are one of Saline County's leading traffic safety problems.  Through a grant, provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation, Bureau of Traffic Safety, we have been able to do Sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and education as tools to detect and prevent impaired driving.  From November 19, 2007, through November 25, 2007 the Sheriff's Office will conduct extra patrol in Saline County at various hours of the day and night.  Saturation patrols have proven effective in reducing impaired driving, speeding and commercial vehicle violations.  They have also increased the use of  occupant protection. 

October 29, 2007

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT

Deputies of the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint the weekend of November 16th, 2007. This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site sobriety tests. This DUI Checkpoint will be conducted in Saline County near State Street / K-140 and I-135. Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as part of this program.

We thank you for your cooperation.

August 7 2007

COMPUTERCOP

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office has teamed with COMPUTERCOP and several local businesses including Blue Beacon, Green Lantern, Sunflower Bank, Wal Mart, Sam’s Club, and Crestwood to make internet monitoring software available to local citizens.

COMPUTERCOP software will begin working when the CD is placed into the CD drive of the computer.  This software allows parents and caretakers to view all pictures and images that are stored on the hard drive of the respective computer.  Additionally chat and email logs can be checked against a dictionary of 5000 words commonly used by on-line predators, cyber bullies and phrases commonly used for drug and party terminology.  The program will prompt users to take all actions and is very easy to use.

The COMPUTERCOP software is available at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office 251 No. 10^th Street, Salina, Ks for a cost of $5 each.

For further information please contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office  785-826-6500

August 2, 2007

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site field sobriety tests.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as a part of this program.  The checkpoint will be held August 4^th & 5^th, 2007.

Sobriety Checkpoint

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site field sobriety tests. Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt
traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as a part of this program.  The checkpoint will be held July 14^th & 15^th , 2007.

June 22, 2007

Sobriety Checkpoint 

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site field sobriety tests.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as a part of this program. The checkpoint will be held June 22^nd & 23^rd, 2007.

June 6, 2007

Saturation Patrol For DUI Drivers

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties from June 8th through 9th, 2007 as Sheriff's Deputies work a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the number of intoxicated drivers on Saline County Roadways.  Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing center lines and running red lights in addition to other signs that indicate intoxicated driving. If deputies stop a suspect for driving under the influence of alcohol, they may take other actions in the driver has the odor of alcohol on his or her breath, if eyes are bloodshot or if speech is slurred.  The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt and alcohol-related violations. The area to be worked will be within a two mile radius of the Old 40 & State Street Intersection.

April 30, 2007

Saline County Sheriff's Office to check for DUI Drivers

Deputies of the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint starting May 5^th, 2007 at 11:00 PM and ending May 6^th at 2:00 A.M. This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site sobriety tests. This DUI Checkpoint will be conducted in Saline County near the Crawford Street and Fairchilds Road intersection. Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as part of this program.

We thank you for your cooperation.

November 15, 2006

Thanksgiving Week Campaign

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is going to be participating in the Kansas Thanksgiving Week Enforcement Campaign, November 20-26.  Underwritten by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, more officers will be out on streets and highways to aggressively enforce Kansas traffic laws.  They will be especially alert for impaired drivers and vehicle occupants who are not buckled up – children and adults.

Through September of next year, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office will be teaming with many other Kansas law enforcement agencies to dramatically reduce the number of deaths and injuries that annually occur due to impaired driving and failure to buckle up.  Impaired driving endangers everyone.  In Kansas, nearly six persons every day are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes.  Furthermore, not only do impaired drivers endanger others, but in the crashes that follow drivers and passengers are 2 ½ times more likely to be killed or injured than in a non alcohol-related crash.  Almost 18,000 DUI arrests were made last year in Kansas and great efforts are being made at federal, state and local levels to increase both the number of arrests and the number of convictions.

Failure to buckle up is also needlessly killing and maiming Kansans.  Those who do not buckle up are about 12 times more likely to be killed and almost twice as likely to be injured as those who do buckle up.  Hidden by these statistics is the fact that injuries suffered by those who are unbuckled are likely to be much more severe and disabling than those suffered when buckled up.  Always wear your seatbelt – it can save your life and save your cash.   Remember, ‘Click It or Ticket.’  And plan ahead.  If you are going to be drinking, don’t consider driving home; arrange for a ride with a non-drinking friend.

Captain Brian E. Shea

Phone:  785-826-6500

September 22, 2006

 Sobriety Checkpoint

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site field sobriety tests.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as a part of this program.  The checkpoint will be held September  29^th & 30^th, 2006.

September 22, 2006

 Saturation Patrol 

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties from September 24^th through 25^th, 2006 as Sheriff's Deputies work a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the number of intoxicated drivers on Saline County Roadways.  Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing center lines and running red lights in addition to other signs that indicate intoxicated driving.

If deputies stop a suspect for driving under the influence of alcohol, they may take other actions in the driver has the odor of alcohol on his or her breath, if eyes are bloodshot or if speech is slurred. The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt and alcohol-related violations. The area to be worked will be within a two mile radius of the Old 40 & State Street Intersection.

August 17, 2006

You Drink, You Drive, You Lose

Coming our way soon is the annual You Drink, You Drive, You Lose enforcement campaign, supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to the
Saline County Sheriff’s Office.  During the period, August 17 through Labor Day, September 4, additional officers will be placed on area roadways to aggressively enforce all
Kansas traffic laws, with special emphasis on impaired driving.  Last year, almost 18,000 arrests were made across Kansas for DUI (Driving Under the Influence). 

According to the Kansas Drunk Driving Prevention Office, “On an average day in Kansas, six persons are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes, and 50 are arrested for
DUI.  Pain and loss ripples out from each incident, indiscriminately striking spouse, child, sibling, friend, employer, and co-worker.  The rest of us are affected as well: 
alcohol-related crashes in Kansas cost its citizens nearly $1.44 billion annually in lost productivity, medical costs, property damage, and other direct expenditures.”  This
does not include the many millions of tax dollars spent yearly on DUI enforcement, prosecution, intake, incarceration, monitoring, and drivers’ license hearings/suspensions and administrative costs.  

he Saline County Sheriff’s Office is among 130 law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, which will participate in You Drink, You
Drive, You Lose.  Their aim is to drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when alcohol is mixed with driving.  This combination is
particularly dangerous.  According to KDOT’s Bureau of Traffic Safety, if you are involved in an alcohol-related crash, you are eight (8) times more likely to be killed,
and two-and-a-half (2 ½) times more likely to be injured, than if you are involved in a non-alcohol related crash.  The ratio of death to injury in alcohol-related crashes is
three (3) times higher than that for non-alcohol related crashes.  Last year, traffic crashes claimed the lives of four-hundred, twenty-eight (428) people. Tragically, more than
one-in-five were due to alcohol.   

It has been said that driving on the street is like carrying a loaded pistol with your finger on the trigger while dancing.  Mix in alcohol and you’ve switched the gun’s safety
switch to the ‘off’ position.  Now there is less room for mistakes – either yours or others’.  We’re not saying, ‘Don’t drink before traveling,’ just use a sober driver when you
do – get in the habit.  And always remember:  everyone’s best protection against a drunk driver is wearing his or her seatbelt – all the time.  Drunks can be found driving at
any hour.  We will continue to aggressively enforce impaired driving laws.”

For Immediate Release:  Contact:  Captain Brian E. Shea, Phone:  785-826-6500

June 27, 2006

News Release

Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Salina Police Department

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office and the Salina Police Department are sponsoring a Citizen’s Academy starting August 15th. The academy will offer an opportunity for individuals from all segments of the community to experience first hand decisions and duties law enforcement officers face every day.

Participants will meet for thirteen weeks on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00 PM at the Law Enforcement Center. Information packed courses will include such topics as criminal investigations, K-9, firearms, drug recognition, and includes tours of the Jail, Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office. Academy participants will also be able to ride with Patrol Officers.

Interested citizens must be:

Applications may be obtained from either the Police Department or the Sheriff’s Office, or you can print an application form from the Sheriff’s Office website at www.salinesheriff.org. If you have any questions or need further information you may call Undersheriff Dunstan at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, 785 826-6500 or
Lieutenant Sean Morton of the Salina Police Department at 785 826-7210. Application deadline is July 21^st.

We believe this is great opportunity to build a better understanding between citizens and law enforcement through education and positive interaction.

May 16, 2006 

Get Ready for Click It or Ticket

Drivers in Saline County are warned to be alert to heightened traffic enforcement in May as additional officers of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office will be placed on the
roadways to aggressively enforce all Kansas traffic laws.  Supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the officers will be participating in the Kansas
Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign, May 22 through June 4.  As such, there will be strict enforcement of the Safety Belt Use and Child Passenger Safety Acts during that
time. 

The Safety Belt Use Act specifies that all front seat passengers must be buckled in.  The Child Passenger Safety Act authorizes officers to pull over any vehicle suspected of
holding child passengers under the age of 14 who are not properly restrained.  It stipulates that children under the age of four must be secured in a federally-approved child
safety seat, and children, aged four through 13, must be securely belted in.  In addition, this law prohibits persons under the age of 14 from riding in any part of a vehicle not
intended for carrying passengers, such as a pickup bed. 

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is among 130 law enforcement agencies, statewide, including the Salina Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol, that will participate
in Click It or Ticket.  Our aim is to drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic
crashes.  Last year, traffic crashes claimed the lives of four-hundred, twenty-eight (428) people. Tragically, of those who died, it is estimated that over 70 percent were not
wearing seat belts. 

Across the state, only 69% of front seat passengers belt in, ranking Kansas 42^nd in the nation for seat belt compliance.  Compliance rates, by county, range from 82% to 49%,
with the highest rates generally found in the more populous counties, and the lowest rates in the least populous counties.  This urban-rural belt rate split is most perilous for
those living in the rural counties since most fatalities occur in those areas.  More crashes occur in urban areas, but they are less likely to be fatal. 

More disheartening to the law enforcement community, however, is the low compliance rate for child passenger restraint.  Across the state, only 59% of children, ages 0-13, are restrained; county rates vary from 41% to 73%, with rural counties, again, generally lagging well behind their metropolitan counterparts. 

According to Sheriff Glen Kochanowski, “Everyone knows there is both a seat belt law and a law directing that children should be properly restrained, and I believe that everyone knows it is a smart thing to do – that lives are precious.  But too many drivers are convinced that, ‘It won’t happen to me….at least not this time.’  However, as a law enforcement officer, I can tell you it does happen – too often.  Are other drivers perfect?  If your vehicle is not a Buckle up Zone, you’re acting as if you think they are.  You’re acting as if they
can drive responsibly while drunk or sleepy, or while dialing a cell phone, changing stations, drinking a soda, checking makeup, disciplining kids in the back, or even while
reacting to hot coffee in their lap.  Adult and child restraints are your best protection against all forms of driver inattention, even your own.” 

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is making a clear statement that it is committed to aggressively ticketing violators of Kansas passenger restraint laws, and all traffic infractions
that make our roadways unsafe. 

Contact:  Captain Brian E. Shea
Phone:    785-826-6500

May 15, 2006

Saline County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reports Now Available On-Line

In order to better serve the public, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a new online process for obtaining copies of accident reports.  By employing the services of PoliceReports.US, LLC, citizens and insurance companies can now access reports via the internet, eliminating the need to travel to the sheriff’s office or request a report by mail.

While reports will still be available from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office Records Division, beginning May 15, 2006, accidents dated January 1, 2006 or after, can be accessed at www.salinesheriff.org by clicking on “Policereports.us”. 

To search for a report, users can enter either the report number (the last four digits of the report number is all that is needed), date of the accident, location, or driver’s name.  The report can then be printed immediately at your location.  Should a person require a report dated prior to January 1, 2006, they can still retrieve it electronically by calling our office.

Electronic distribution of accident reports via the web will allow the sheriff’s office to be more efficient while providing a higher level of customer service.  The charge at the sheriff’s office for an accident report is $.25 a page; most accidents are at least 4 pages long.  The charge for accidents on line is $3.00.  Payments on-line can be made by major credit or debit card.  The accident reports will be available for public dissemination at the sheriff’s office or on-line with in 3 business days from the time of the accident on average.  Please contact the sheriff’s office if the accident is not on-line after 3 business days. 

Contacts: 

Nicole Lindsay, Records Clerk, Saline County Sheriff’s Office 

Jessica Hall, Records Supervisor, Saline County Sheriff’s Office

785-826-6500

May 11, 2006

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site field sobriety tests.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as a part of this program.   

The checkpoint will be held May 12^th & 13^th, 2006.

January 5, 2006

SATURATION PATROL
 

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties between January 6th and January 8th, 2006 as sheriff's deputies participate in a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the amount of intoxicated drivers on the street.

Deputies for the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving.  If deputies stop a suspect for committing these or other traffic infractions, they my take action if the driver has the smell of alcohol beverage on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech is slurred.

The purpose of this program is to saturate an area near a pre-designated location (State Street and Old 40 Highway) with roving deputies.  Deputies will continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving.  Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt use and all alcohol-related violations.

December 13, 2005

Special Alcohol Fund Allocations for 2006

At the December 13, 2005 public meeting, the Saline County commissioners announced the allocations for the Special Alcohol fund for 206.  Based on the information submitted for D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T., the program was  awarded $7,500 from the Special Alcohol fund for 2006.

December 22, 2005

Target Corporation Award

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that Target Corporation has awarded our Agency $610 in support of our Law Enforcement Explorer Scout program.  Since 1990 Target has funded a Law Enforcement Grant program through their Assets Protection Team. They have awarded over $3,000,000 nation-wide to local law enforcement agencies that apply for the funding, and meet one of several program initiatives. 

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office provided Target with a grant proposal that asked for support in providing our Explorer Scouts with uniforms.  This request fell into Target’s categories of helping to meet a community need, and increasing or improving community outreach.   The uniforms will add a professional look to our program, and provide our participating youth recognition for their accomplishments and activities within the program.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office Explorer program is open to youth 14-21 years of age, who meet the requirements and follow the guidelines of our program.  Explorers are given the opportunity to observe and assist Sheriff’s Office Employees in the Corrections, Operations, and Administrative Divisions.  Explorers also assist with public information booths and security at local events.

If you are interested in learning more about the Saline County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program, contact Lt. Mark Malick or Deputy James Fletcher at 826-6500.

December 12, 2005

Saturation Patrols

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office will have increased patrols on December, 16, 2005, as Deputies work a DUI Task Force in
an effort to decrease the number of intoxicated drivers on the roadways.

Officers on patrol for the DUI Task Force will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing center lines, disobeying traffic
laws, in addition to other signs that indicate intoxicated driving.  If officers stop a driver and observe the driver has the smell
of alcohol on his or her breath, if eyes are bloodshot or if speech is impaired, they may take further action to determine if the
driver may be intoxicated.

The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving officers who continually monitor vehicular traffic
for signs of impaired driving.  Patrols also will place emphasis on speeding, safety belt usage in addition to other alcohol
related violations.

November 21, 2005 

Thanksgiving Week Travel Campaign

Supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office is going to be participating
in the Kansas Thanksgiving Week Enforcement Campaign, November 21-27.  The campaign will place additional officers on
streets and highways to aggressively enforce all Kansas traffic laws.  Officers will be especially alert for vehicle occupants who
are not buckled up, and for drivers who are impaired.

Over this next year, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office is working in concert with many other Kansas law enforcement agencies to
reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted vehicle occupants and impaired drivers are involved
in traffic crashes. Four-hundred fifty-nine (459) people were killed in traffic crashes in our state last year. Tragically, of those who
died, fully 66 percent – or two-thirds – were not wearing safety belts.  Just as tragic is the fact that 116 of these deaths were alcohol-related.  When alcohol is mixed with
driving the chances of injury or death in a crash increase dramatically.   In general, in Kansas,
your chances of being injured or killed when involved in a crash are 23%, or about one-in-five.  However, when a crash is alcohol-
related, your chances of being injured or killed double, to 46%.  If you have been drinking, don’t drive.  Wear your seatbelt – it’s
your best protection against drinking drivers and in any crash.   

October 21, 2005

Sobriety Checkpoint

As part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Impaired Driving Deterrence Program, the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be conducting a checkpoint.  This checkpoint is designed to identify intoxicated drivers. Those motorists suspected of intoxication will be given on-site field sobriety tests.  Efforts will be made not to severely interrupt traffic flow, but many drivers will be stopped as a part of this program.

The checkpoint will be held the 22^nd & 23^rd of October, 2005.

September 15, 2005 

Saline County Sheriff's Office Adopts L.E.A.D. Program

Sheriff Glen Kochanowski is pleased to announce that the Saline County Sheriff’s Office is now participating in the Law Enforcement Against Drugs or L.E.A.D. program. This program, is designed to help parents address the issue of drug use, will provide in-home drug testing kits at a minimal cost.

Individual kits can be obtained to test for alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, and methamphetamine or a multi-test kit that will test for the presence of (4) four substances. Each kit will be accompanied with literature to provide test administering and result evaluation information and additional local resources for substance abuse concerns.

Local information is being provided by Central Kansas Foundation (CKF), Salina Area Prevention Partnership, and St. Francis Academy. Kits can be purchased anonymously at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office Record Section, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Kits will be made available to citizens of Saline County and the surrounding area. (kits will only be sold to persons 21 and older)

L.E.A.D. Web Page

June 10, 2005 

DUI Saturation Patrol

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties between June 10^th and June 11^th, 2005 as Sheriff's Deputies participate in a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the amount of intoxicated drivers on the street.

Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing centerlines and running red lights in addition to other traffic violations that indicate intoxicated driving. If Deputies stop a suspect for committing these or other traffic infractions, they may take other action if the driver has the smell of alcohol beverage on his or her breath, if their eyes are bloodshot or if their speech is slurred.

The purpose of this program is to saturate an area near a pre-designated location (State Street and Old 40 Highway) with roving Deputies. Deputies will continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt use and all alcohol-related violations.

March 18, 2005 

Selective Enforcement

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will be stepping up an effort to get drunk drivers off the road this weekend.  Deputies will be out in the area of State Street and Old 40 looking for signs of impaired drivers. Those signs include driving too slowly, crossing center lines and running red lights. If someone is stopped for such a violation and have alcohol on their breath, bloodshot eyes, or slurred speech, other action will be taken.   Extra deputies will be out Friday and Saturday monitoring traffic with an emphasis on speeding, seat belt use, and alcohol related violations.
 

On January 27, 2005

Promotion

Sheriff Glen Kochanowski announced the promotion of Deputy Deb Redmond to Surveillance Officer for the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.   Deputy Deb Redmond is a 26 year veteran with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office and is certified through Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. Redmond started her career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1978. 

Surveillance Officer is a new position that was established January 1, 2005.  Major job duties of this position include: supervision of the work release inmates, verifying attendants of the work release at work, monitoring the visitation and inmate telephone system and conducting follow up on incidents / intelligence information pertaining to the Correction division.

January 13, 2004 

Saturation Patrol

The Saline County Sheriff's Office will increase patrol duties from January 14th through January 16th, 2005, as Sheriff's Deputies work a DUI Task Force in an effort to decrease the number of intoxicated drivers on Saline County roadways.

Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office will be looking for people driving too slowly, crossing center lines and running red lights in addition to other signs that indicate intoxicated driving. 

The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving.  Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt and alcohol-related violations.

The area to be worked will be within a two mile radius of the Old 40 and State street Intersection.