The California Office of Traffic Safety bestowed the Menlo Park Park Police Department with a grant for $30,000 this week, which will be used for “selective traffic enforcement programs” and new gear.
Commander Dave Bertini said some of the money will be used to create educational programs that teach officers how to resolve public safety problems within city borders and improve residents’ quality of life.
Some of the training programs will prepare officers for encounters with drugged drivers, while others will impart specialized knowledge about pedestrian and bicyclists safety issues.
In addition to enhancing their understanding of traffic reduction strategies, the deparment will also upgrade the technology officers use in the field. The department will be purchasing three new speed measuring devices and three Preliminary Alcohol Screen Devices that are used in field sobriety tests.
"The PAS can be loosely described as a 'mobile breathalyzer,' as it has a similar function," Bertini said. The money will supplement the department for the fiscal year that started on October 1, 2012 and runs through September 30, 2013.
Bertini expects to deploy the new gear and programs in December 2012.
Also on Menlo Park-Atherton Patch:
Native American Remains Found in Menlo Park
Gunfire Leads to Drug Bust
Cyclist in Critical Condition After Accident in Menlo Park
Wheelchair-dependent Woman Robbed in Menlo Park
Man Robbed at Knifepoint in Jack Lyle Park
