Press release from Indiana Criminal Justice Institute 

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - More than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies were honored at the 18th Annual Operation Pull Over Awards Banquet at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, Indiana on November 9. Hosted by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) and the Governor’s Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving, the banquet paid tribute to state and local law enforcement agencies in appreciation for their year round efforts to improve traffic safety and save lives.

“The success of Indiana’s Operation Pull Over initiative would not be possible without the unwavering commitment of the law enforcement agencies that lead these efforts,” said ICJI Executive Director, Mary Allen. “As a result of the increased enforcement and participation of these agencies, Indiana is making significant strides in traffic safety – including a current seatbelt usage record of 93.6 percent – a record high.”

Efforts conducted through Operation Pull Over rely on a dual strategy involving high visibility enforcement and heightened public awareness to deter impaired driving and increase seat belt usage. Operation Pull Over is structured in four quarterly campaigns and is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each campaign consists of an influx of public awareness using television, radio, Internet and outdoor advertising coupled with two weeks of increased enforcement.

More than 50 awards were handed out at this year’s banquet in recognition of outstanding performance in a variety of categories. These award winning law enforcement agencies in conjunction with other partnering Operation Pull Over agencies will soon conduct a Safe Family Travel blitz November 16-December 2.

The blitz will focus on occupant protection and impaired driving in an effort to ensure safety on Indiana roadways during the heavily traveled Thanksgiving holiday. Following is a list of award winners honored at Friday’s banquet.

Dearborn County Traffic Safety Partnership (Small Agency)

- Lawrenceburg Police Department

- Greendale Police Department

- Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department

- Aurora Police Department