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06/09/2015 04:34 PMThe State of Connecticut and the Department of Transportation run the Click it or Ticket campaign several times a year with different communities participating. The Clinton Police Department (CPD) took part in the latest campaign with a force of officers looking for seatbelt and cell phone violations on May 26 and 27.
Over the two-day period, 53 people were cited for seatbelt violations, which carries a $92 fine as set by the Connecticut State Legislature, and five were cited for a violation of the hands-free statutes, which carries a $150 fine for first-time offenders.
As a result of the seatbelt and cell phone stops, the CPD also issued citations for two unregistered vehicles, and arrests were made for possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol by a minor.
CPD Sergeant Jerry Dunn was glad the department was able to participate in the campaign, noting that the CPD has not been able to participate over the past several years as it was short-staffed due to injuries.
The CPD worked in a group of four officers and with K9 Ace, with Partners in Community (PiC) contributing grant money to the funds for the officers’ overtime pay.
“We had spotters set up, and when vehicle went by with a violation, they would radio to the group ahead,” said Dunn, who said of PiC, “Partners in Community is a group that strives to educate youth make healthy choices. We were going to participate in this campaign regardless, but their funding certainly helped get the other officers.”
During past Click it or Ticket campaigns, the CPD has assigned one officer and, of course, spotting these violations and others is a part of an officer’s daily duties. However, with the extra funding from PiC, the CPD issued more than 50 tickets in a two-day period.
“That’s a lot of tickets for two days,” said Dunn. “Those officers were assigned solely to seatbelt and cell phone enforcement.”
In addition to helping fund the recent Click it or Ticket campaign, PiC is also funding several sobriety checkpoint through the month of June. The roving checks will occur between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m., focusing on Route 1, Route 81, Route 145, Glenwood Road, Cow Hill Road, Nod Road, Long Hill Road, Commerce Street, Grove Street, and Riverside Drive.
Dunn, who has been with the CPD for 22 years, remembers when the seatbelt laws were first put into place, noting “I’ve been a police officer that long,” but saying now putting on a seatbelt should be automatic.
“You can’t go anywhere without seeing a billboard or public service announcement for Click it or Ticket,” said Dunn. “We’ve adapted to all of the other positive changes like smart phones and technology, so seatbelt safety should be a priority. Putting your seatbelt on should be automatic. Before you even turn your key, you put your seatbelt on.”