Spokane Police Department Awarded Two Grants for DUI Officers
Washingtoner/10271899

~ The Spokane Police Department has taken a proactive approach in addressing the issue of impaired driving by securing two new grants from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). These grants will fund two full-time officers who will focus on enforcement and education surrounding impaired driving.

One of the officers will serve as a dedicated DUI enforcement officer, while the other will take on the role of Impaired Driving Training Coordinator. This newly created position will be responsible for providing education to community stakeholders on current drug trends and working towards reducing impaired driving in Spokane.

According to Sgt. Teresa Fuller, Traffic Unit - PIO for the Spokane Police Department, these grants come at a crucial time as traffic fatalities have been on the rise both nationally and in Spokane. Fatal crashes involving speed and impairment have also been trending upward in the community.

The first grant, funded by WTSC, will support a full-time DUI enforcement officer. This is not a new concept for SPD, as they have had full-time DUI enforcement officers since 2016. These officers work evening shifts opposite each other, providing nearly year-round coverage for DUI enforcement. In addition to this, WTSC also funds overtime patrols during significant dates such as holidays and sporting events.

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The second grant will fund the newly created position of Impaired Driving Training Coordinator. This officer will be responsible for conducting impaired driving detection certifications for SPD and educating community stakeholders on current drug trends with a focus on reducing impaired driving. They will also serve as a resource for local medical professionals, first responders, schools, and other community groups.

In addition to their duties as Impaired Driving Training Coordinator, this officer will also continue to be assigned to Spokane Municipal DUI Therapeutic Court and be available to respond to fatal and serious injury collision investigations.

Shelly Baldwin, Director of Washington Traffic Safety Commission expressed her pleasure in partnering with SPD to reduce impaired driving on Spokane roadways and increase public safety for everyone.

Community members who are interested in having an impairment training for their group or organization can contact Sgt. Teresa Fuller at tfuller@spokanepolice.org.

With these new grants and dedicated officers, the Spokane Police Department is taking a proactive stance in addressing the issue of impaired driving and ensuring the safety of its community members.

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