National Police Week is May 12-18

National Police Week 2013 is recognized May 12th through May 18^th.  There are over 900,000 sworn law enforcement officers in the United States.  Our State, County, and City law enforcement officers serve with valor, distinction, and great success. Violent and property crime rates in Rice County are at historic lows, thanks in large measure to the dedicated service of the men and women of law enforcement. 

Many of these officers spend a large part of their time patrolling our roadways.  On average across the nation, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty every 57 hours.  The number one cause of officer fatalities in 2012 was traffic-related incidents.  We owe our State, County, and City peace officers our full support. 

While law enforcement officers patrol our roads and keep us safe, we can help maintain their safety.  Keeping our officers safe, keeps us all safe.  As a reminder this National Police Week, please consider the following: 

1.    Focus.  When driving, focus on driving. Do not talk on your cell phone, text, check emails, etc. You are required to be in control of your vehicle at all times.

2.    Make room when you see or hear an emergency vehicle with its lights and siren activated.  Slow down, move to the right, and stop if possible.

3.    Move over. When you see an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road, slow down and, if possible, safely move one additional lane away from the stop.  When traveling on a road with two or more lanes, drivers must keep over one full lane from the stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights activated — ambulance, fire, law enforcement, maintenance
and construction vehicles.  Minnesota has a “Move Over" law in honor of fallen Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Ted Foss.  Violators can be ticketed.

4.    Drive sober.

5.    Do not speed.

If you are stopped by law enforcement, do not place yourself or the officer in danger.  Please consider the following:

1.    Follow the officer's directions.

2.    Pull over as soon as possible – to the right and well onto the shoulder (unless the officer directs you otherwise.)

3.    Leave enough room for the officer to walk up to your car on the shoulder.

4.    Put your car in "Park" and turn off the engine to show that you are not
intending on fleeing.

5.    Turn on the flashers – they provide additional light and alert other traffic of your presence. 

6.    Turn off your radio.  Clear communication will avoid misunderstandings.

7.    Roll down your window – it hinders communication, and the officer will need to see your driver’s license and proof of insurance.

8.    Turn on the interior light to show the officer that you are not armed or looking for a weapon.

9.    ALWAYS stay in the vehicle unless and until directed otherwise by the officer.

10.  Keep hands in plain sight – preferably on the steering wheel.

Please do your part to keep our peace officers safe!