N E W S R E L E A S E

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.

If you are going to be drinking – any amount – don’t consider driving home; arrange to ride with a non-drinking acquaintance. Don’t let pride or convenience endanger your life and the lives of innocent others. Don’t take the chance. And always, always wear your seatbelt and make sure each person riding with you is restrained – it is your best defense, and it’s the law. By following these simple rules, you will save lives and save your cash. If you are caught breaking the law, it will cost you!

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.

The purpose of this program is to saturate an area near a pre-designated location (within a 3 mile area of State Street and Broadway Boulevard in 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.

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.

October 7, 2008 County Commission Proclamation

P R O C L A M A T I O N

TO PROCLAIM October 10, 2008 as

PUT THE BRAKES ON FATALITIES DAY IN SALINE COUNTY, KANSAS

WHEREAS,      Traffic crashes cause more than 43,000 fatalities each year and are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 to 33;
WHEREAS,      Traffic crashes in Kansas last year killed 416 people; and
WHEREAS,      More than 60 percent of all people killed in vehicle crashes in Kansas in 2007 were totally unrestrained; and
WHEREAS,      Alcohol-related crashes account for 28 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2007; and
WHEREAS,      Deaths and injuries on U.S. highways cost society over $150 billion annually; and
WHEREAS,      Safer driving behaviors such as the use of seat belts, not drinking and driving and obeying traffic laws would dramatically reduce the number of traffic-related injuries and deaths; and
WHEREAS,      The use of cost-effective roadway safety improvements such as all-weather signing and markings, traffic signals, skid resistant pavements and removal of roadside hazards,
                          could also greatly reduce the number of traffic crashes; and
WHEREAS,      The continued development of safer vehicles and protective traffic safety equipment, such as helmets, will enhance people’s ability to protect themselves and their
                          families from preventable and tragic permanent injuries and deaths;

Now, THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners, Saline County, Kansas, do hereby proclaim October 10, 2008, as Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day, and call upon everyone to help save lives by spreading these important messages throughout our communities

Adopted this 7th day of October, 2008 by:

COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

September 22, 2008 Saturation Patrol News Release

The Saline County Sheriff's will increase patrol duties between September 26th and September 27th, 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.

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.

August 14, 2008 Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

During the period, August 14 through Labor Day, look for additional officers on streets and highways aggressively enforcing Kansas drunk driving and other traffic laws. Supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, the slogan for the crackdown is Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

According to KDOT, on an average day in Kansas six persons are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes. The rest of us are also affected. Alcohol-related crashes in Kansas cost its citizens nearly $500 million annually in lost productivity, medical costs, property damage, and other expenditures. In addition, many millions of tax dollars are spent yearly on DUI enforcement, prosecution, intake, incarceration, monitoring, and drivers’ license hearings/suspensions 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 drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when alcohol is mixed with driving – a particularly dangerous combination. According to KDOT’s Bureau of Traffic Safety, if you are involved in an alcohol-related crash – as a passenger or driver – you are eight-and-one-half (8½) times more likely to be killed, and twenty-five (25) 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 five (5) times higher than that for non-alcohol related crashes. In 2006, alcohol was a contributing factor in 23% (nearly one-fourth) of all fatal crashes.

The Saline County Sheriff’s Office urges you to use a sober (not just less drunk), designated driver if you have been drinking. We want you to have the ‘designated’ habit. And always remember: everyone’s best protection against a drunk driver is to wear your seat belt and properly restrain your children – every trip, every time. It works and it’s the law!

August 6, 2008 Salina Journal by David Clouston "Jail inmate information now on line."

Starting today, the Internet will make it easier to find out who is incarcerated in the Saline County Jail, for how long and what charges they’re facing. Visitors to the Saline County Sheriff’s Office Web site at www.salinesheriff.org can view a list of everyone booked into jail during the last 24 hours. Sheriff Glen Kochanowski and Capt. Rick Hansmann on Tuesday reviewed the online site updates with reporters. "We’re doing this to try and alleviate some of the phone calls that come in and tie staff up," Kochanowski said. "People ... can check for active warrants, people who are housed inmates, or they can look for booking activity. Some people are booked and get out immediately on bond. These are things that are to help the community, and I hope, help our staff."

In the navigation column on the left of the sheriff’s office’s home screen, links have been added for online searches. The search tabs enable users to search the jail population for inmates, view their pending charges, and see the inmate’s personal information, such as their birth dates and last known addresses, and their photos. There also is a search tab naming people with outstanding warrants for their arrest. The site update also includes the jail’s visitation schedule so that friends and family will know when they’re allowed to visit an inmate.

Staff from the city, county and Saline County District Court worked together to make the information available online, the sheriff said. "This is a bunch of local organizations working together to make this happen," Kochanowski said. About $6,500 in programming and other costs were covered through registration fees, Kochanowski said. Such fees come from convicted sex offenders and other kinds of criminals ordered to register their whereabouts with the sheriff’s office. Other fee money comes from people who register with the sheriff’s office to get concealed gun permits. The information online is scheduled to be updated four times a day — "basically, about every six hours," Hansmann said.

Among a list of disclaimers included on the site is that anyone believing that information on the site isn’t accurate can submit a written complaint to the jail administrator or e-mail the administration at jail@salinesheriff.org. Hansmann clicked on an inmate at random. "It shows you the charges, the amount of the bond. You can take a look at the view image and it shows you their (booking mug shot)," he said. There are going to be times when court or law officials, for various reasons, want information on an inmate not immediately made public, Kochanowski said. "But 99 out of 100 people who are booked in are going to show up there immediately," he said. "Those (problems), we’re going to have to work through with all agencies. I think you’re going to see improvement in that area. But

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.

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

Sobriety Checkpoint

June 22, 2007

Sobriety Checkpoint

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

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:

        At least twenty-one years old
        Live or work in Saline County
        Have no prior or pending felony convictions
        Have no misdemeanor pending or arrests within one year of the application

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.”

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

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

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.