Department of Public Safety News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2010

Missouri State Highway Patrol named national 2010 Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency by Mothers Against Drunk Driving

MADD cites Patrol's long history of leadership in enforcement, support of victims and other efforts to fight drunk driving
The Department of Public Safety announces the Missouri State Highway Patrol has received the national 2010 Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The prestigious MADD National President's Award was presented to the Patrol on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at MADD's National Conference in Washington, D.C.
MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney cited the Patrol's outstanding record of DWI arrests, victim advocacy and traffic crash reconstruction in presenting the award to Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
"The Missouri State Highway Patrol was recognized for its national leadership in working to stop the 100 percent preventable problem of drunk driving," said Dean-Mooney.
"This is a tremendous and well-deserved honor for all the men and women of the Missouri State Highway Patrol," said Gov. Jay Nixon. "I thank Mothers Against Drunk Driving for recognizing not only the commitment of the entire Patrol to the problem of drunk driving, but also the Patrol's decades of leadership."
In 2009 alone, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers made 9,427 DWI arrests. Also last year, the Patrol conducted 62 sobriety checkpoints across Missouri, checking more than 22,200 vehicles for intoxicated drivers, and arresting a total of 263 drivers for driving while intoxicated during checkpoint operations.
Since MADD's founding in 1980, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has made almost 285,000 DWI arrests. During the same period, investigations by Patrol troopers have led to more than 17,600 involuntary manslaughter/second degree murder and felony assault charges.
Missouri Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt said, "The Missouri State Highway Patrol is at the forefront of enforcing drunk driving laws because troopers understand the devastating impact that drunk driving has on innocent victims, their families and our entire society. The Patrol is committed to making our roads safer for all Missourians.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's major crash investigation teams, essential in building strong court cases, are widely considered among the finest in the nation. The Patrol is also a leader in its law enforcement victim advocacy program, which works to assist DWI and other victims.  Since its inception in 1997, it has served victims in every county in Missouri. Troopers also take the message of the danger of drinking and driving directly to young people, with programs in schools designed to prevent dangerous behavior before it starts.
"It is a tremendous honor to receive this award from MADD," said Colonel Replogle. "I thank MADD's national leadership for recognizing the commitment of all of our troopers, and our friends at MADD Missouri for nominating the Patrol. Our troopers understand the importance of protecting society from drunk drivers, because all too often they see the terrible impact drunk driving has. Our commitment to fighting this problem will never waver.”

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov