GREENFIELD — A multi-agency traffic safety operation conducted Thursday in South Monterey County resulted in 190 traffic stops, 142 citations and several arrests, according to the Greenfield Police Department.
The Strategic Traffic Observation and Prevention Program, known as STOPP, brought together officers from the Greenfield and Soledad police departments, along with the Pacific Grove, Salinas, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Seaside police departments, the California State University Monterey Bay Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.
Officers conducted high-visibility traffic enforcement and public education efforts throughout Greenfield and Soledad, including along the Highway 101 corridor. The operation focused on violations that contribute to collisions and injuries, including speeding, distracted driving, seat belt violations, registration violations and other Vehicle Code infractions.
According to Greenfield police, the operation resulted in 190 traffic stops and 142 citations. Officers also issued one State Referee citation and made one misdemeanor warrant arrest, two felony warrant arrests and one arrest for felony evading after a driver failed to yield to law enforcement.
“The mission of STOPP is to target specific traffic violations within Monterey County by focusing on intersections and roadways with a high number of traffic collisions and Vehicle Code violations,” the Greenfield Police Department stated in a news release Friday.
The department said participating agencies work together through enforcement and education efforts to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and other roadway users while reducing collisions throughout the county.
“While enforcement is an important component of these operations, education remains equally important,” the department stated.
Officers also spent time throughout the day speaking with drivers about safe driving habits, traffic laws and ways to help prevent collisions before they occur.
“The Greenfield Police Department remains committed to working with our regional partners to promote safe and responsible driving throughout our community,” the department stated.
All I saw yesterday was a bunch of overzealous cops sitting around stopping people left and right for the smallest of things while costing taxpayers who knows how much.
Safety indeed