More officers on patrol for holidays

Published 10:01 pm Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Clanton Police Department has received a traffic safety grant that will allow the department to put extra officers out during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season.

The grant is from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and is monitored by the Jefferson State Community College Highway Traffic Safety Project.

“Our goal, in conjunction with ADECA and Jeff State, is to reduce traffic crashes, especially those that cause injury or death,” said Chief Stilwell. “These extra officers will be out monitoring traffic and looking for aggressive driving, seat belt use, and those drivers who might be under the influence.”

The Clanton Police Department has received this grant periodically throughout the year to add extra enforcement during heavy travel holidays.

The city has received on average more than $5,000 annually in these overtime reimbursement funds.

The police department encourages everyone to drive safely, leave with plenty of time to get to your destination because traffic will be heavy, and make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt or is in a child safety seat.