spd “stop” team ready to go

Submitted Photo

published: March 21 2008 02:48 AM updated:: March 24 2008 09:52 AM

The Sevierville Police Department (SPD) is “driving” towards making our City roads safer for everyone. Beginning this weekend, the SPD “STOP” – Serious Traffic Offense Patrol – program will be utilizing a new specially designed police vehicle.

According to SPD Chief Don Myers, “the main goal of the program is to reduce the potential for aggressive driving in our City, ultimately improving the safety of our roads for everyone.”

The new vehicle is a 2008 Dodge Charger. The Charger, specially designed for law enforcement use, was partially funded through a Department of Justice grant. Chief Myers says the vehicle will be used at various times on a daily basis, for responding to aggressive driving and in directed patrol situations including DUI and drug enforcement.

Sgt. Matt Ayers, who was instrumental in obtaining the grant, notes that the occurrence of aggressive driving is on the increase throughout the country, including in our City. “There has been a rise in serious traffic accidents and driver confrontations due in large part to aggressive drivers,” Ayers states.

The new vehicle is a steel blue/gray color with subdued police identification. The vehicle is equipped with standard emergency equipment such as a siren and blue lights (located inside the front and rear windows, and front and rear grill areas). The vehicle does not look like a standard patrol car; this enables officers to respond to situations such as reports of an aggressive driver, without the alleged aggressive driver being aware of the officer’s initial appearance.

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User Comments

#1 seymour tax payer commented, on March 21, 2008 at 10:52 p.m.:

now that is a fine looking police car. i like to see this kind of new approach

#2 My Word commented, on March 22, 2008 at 10:06 a.m.:

It has been past policy to prohibit unmarked police vehicles. I always thought that was totally ridiculous.

Then I found out that officers are restricted from wearing gloves and wearing mirrored sunglasses as well. The thought was they looked too intimidating! Give me a break!

They should look as intimidating as possible, that's part of the visible deterrent factor and gloves are needed to avoid contact with viral diseases and improve grip when fighting with violent subjects.

The brave men and women that Protect and Serve us need every item availably to them and to protect themselves at the same time.

This softball approach to law enforcement for tourist satisfaction has become a major breeding ground for our current out of control drug and crime problems.

The solution is very simple, Don't break the Law and you will not have anything to worry about! They are called "Speed Limits" for a reason.

#3 questions commented, on March 22, 2008 at 12:33 p.m.:

When was the last high speed chase in Sevier County?? How can there be much "aggressive driving" in a traffic jam? Do we really need this?

#4 Hey #3 commented, on March 23, 2008 at 8:12 a.m.:

You make a good point about unable to speed in traffic. Gatlinburg Police have stopped several cars by using bicycles.

#5 SevierCitizen commented, on March 23, 2008 at 5:47 p.m.:

I think it's crazy, I'm all for giving tickets to speeders but i think the money could be more wisely spent on personell to curb, home invasions, drugs, DUIs and violent crimes. I think they fee grab enough. Next thing to come will be red light cameras, another big money maker, they are put into place to make a proffit not to prevent accidents.

#6 Jim Anchower commented, on March 24, 2008 at 12:59 a.m.:

It's probably the 6cyl model, no need to worry about a real hemi. They could have used unmarked Impalas for lack of any high speed pursuits on crowded streets.

#7 true commented, on March 24, 2008 at 9:56 a.m.:

why can't you, for once in your life try and support your local police dept. if some of you are that miserable and can't make a positive remark,you need to step out in front of a truck.

#8 SevierCitizen commented, on March 24, 2008 at 11:51 a.m.:

I support them everytime I pay my taxes. I'm a fan of law enforcement officers who work hard, not the ones who hie behind churches and sleep. It pisses me off to see a cruiser setting still, I understand they need to park to do paperwork or grab a quick bite to eat, but they need to patrol, I've seen several drunks wreck in our county and if they don't do damage to someones personell property they allow someone to come and pick them up. A DUI is a DUI no matter if they have a single vehicle accident and run in a ditch or if they hit a family of 4, they need to go to jail, not let someone pick them up because its too much paperwork. I am a fan of LAW ENFORCEMENT not lazy people who draw a city, county, or state check.

#9 true commented, on March 24, 2008 at 3:52 p.m.:

WHEN and WHERE did YOU see this happen?
I want to know.

#10 SevierCitizen commented, on March 24, 2008 at 4:54 p.m.:

I've seen it happen several times in this county. I'm a firefighter in Sevier County and it's not to uncommen. I've seen it happen myself 6 times in 2007 and twice this year so far.

#11 true commented, on March 24, 2008 at 5:29 p.m.:

if I give you my email addrress will you send me the info.

#12 SevierCitizen commented, on March 24, 2008 at 7:31 p.m.:

If you include your name and intentions

#13 true commented, on March 25, 2008 at 6:50 a.m.:

bjohnson118@yahoo.com

#14 LEO commented, on March 25, 2008 at 8:20 a.m.:

firemen talk a lot in their group. but will not stand up by themself.

#15 CityFF commented, on March 25, 2008 at 11:05 p.m.:

So LEO, you ever let e drunk that crashed and didn't cause any property damage to another party go? I've seen it to in Knoxville. I'll stand on my own.