July 20, 2022
BREMERTON – The Washington State Patrol (WSP), Bremerton Police Department (BPD), Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), and Port Orchard Police Department (POPD) are conducting the second of four “High Visibility Enforcement” (HiVE) patrol in the five-mile radius of Gorst this Thursday, July 21, 2022. The focus area includes West Bremerton and areas of Port Orchard.
HiVE patrols focus on reducing serious injury and fatality collisions, as well as reducing and interdicting crime in data-proven hotspots. The first of the four HiVE patrols conducted on July 14 resulted in 54 traffic stops, 67 violations, 33 speed contacts, and five criminal offenses within a four-hour period. While the emphasis lasts throughout the day, the focus area is saturated with patrols during peak times when serious injury and fatality collisions have historically occurred.
The HiVE patrol locations and times are dictated by data collected by each agency. Participating law enforcement utilize an all crimes approach with a focus on collision causing violations including speed, following distance, impaired driving, distracted driving and aggressive driving behaviors, as well as deter criminal activity by having a large law enforcement presence in high crime areas.
The motoring public can also do their part to help keep the roadways safe: by choosing to buckle up, slow down, and maintain safe following distances from other vehicles. If a motorist observes aggressive or possible impaired driving behaviors, please call 9-1-1. Those reporting should be prepared to provide their location and a description of the vehicle, including color, make, model, and license plate.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) reports Washington state witnessed a 20-year high number of fatality crashes in 2021: 596 collisions resulting 633 tragic deaths. Fifteen of those collisions occurred in Kitsap County claiming 17 lives.
Follow the WSP District 8 (@wspd8pio), BPD (@BremertonPD), KCSO (@KitsapCoSheriff) on Twitter and POPD’s (@portorchardpolicedept) on Instagram to learn of the progress of the HiVE efforts.
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