June 19, 2024
KITTITAS and GRANT County, Wash. – Washington State Patrol (WSP) District 6 is partnering with District 2, District 4, and multiple other law enforcement agencies to conduct a High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) patrol, with the shared goal of reducing serious injury and fatality collisions.
According to Spokane Hoopfest, it is the largest 3 on 3 outdoor basketball tournament in the world! Over 6,000 teams, 3,000 volunteers and nearly a quarter million fans are expected to attend on June 29 and June 30. The tournament will cover 45 city blocks and will host 450 courts! Hoopfest also includes an outdoor festival with shopping, food and interactive entertainment.
Beginning in 1990, Spokane’s Hoopfest has been a staple in eastern Washington for players and fans alike. Spokane Hoopfest Association has built over 30 outdoor basketball courts in the region and has given over $2.5 million dollars to local charitable organizations, including Special Olympics.
During the weekend tournament, WSP will be conducting our fourth HiVE patrol out of a series of eight for the year. Contacting speeder and aggressive drivers is our main goal, but we also plan to target the use of electronic devices and drivers failing to wear seatbelts. Some of our resources will include: the Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team (ADAT) vehicles, Aviation, and several marked patrol cars equipped with state-of-the-art speed measuring devices strategically placed along I-90.
“We will place resources where they are needed,” stated WSP Basin Sergeant LaFave. He went on to say, “This is an exciting community event that many people look forward to. We want people to be safe as they are travelling to and from Spokane.”
Updates on the progress throughout the HiVE patrol will be provided on WSP District 6 social media platforms, including Instagram (wastatepatrol_d6) and/or X (@wspd6pio).
For questions or interviews, please contact Public Information Officer Trooper Jeremiah Matthews.
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Press release sent on behalf of Trooper Jeremiah Matthews, D6 PIO