Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Authorities made 32 criminal arrests and issued numerous citations over the course of two recent high-profile traffic enforcement operations in Shawano.
The Wisconsin State Patrol was the lead agency in the effort that included Shawano police and K-9 units from the police department and Shawano County. The operations ran from 4-8 p.m. Friday and previously on Feb. 27.
The federally funded Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative “promotes collaborative, intelligence-led, unbiased policing in coordinated and mutually supportive multi-jurisdictional law enforcement efforts on the nation’s highways,” Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl said.
“This effort allows us to concentrate on specific traffic violations and criminal drug activity,” he said. “It’s our goal to reduce traffic related crashes, reduce drug activity and pursue criminal charges against those that traffic in illegal drugs.”
As many as 12 state troopers participated, working the city, state Highway 29 and surrounding townships.
“During traffic stops, officers use their training and experience to identify possible indicators of criminal activity, such as drug smuggling,” Kohl said.
Kohl said 32 people were arrested during the operations for criminal violations that included a concealed handgun in the vehicle, bail jumping, obstructing, and possession of drug paraphernalia, Vicodin, marijuana and other illegal drugs.
Nine people were also taken into custody on outstanding warrants.
Authorities also issued 16 seat-belt citations and 18 other citations for things such as speeding, driving without a license or without insurance, and operating after suspension.
Authorities also issued 123 written warnings.
Kohl said the operation also opened up new leads in ongoing drug investigations in the city.
“K-9 Officer Heidi Thaves was instrumental in setting up this spring enforcement effort as we begin our traffic grant work for the spring and summer months,” Kohl said.
The department was recently awarded a $20,000 traffic safety grant from the state Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Officers will be working during peak traffic movement periods enforcing laws such as mandatory seat belt law, occupant seat belt and child safety laws, and impaired driving. The grant period runs through September.
“Our goal is to make this a very safe community for all that live, work, visit and play here,” Kohl said.