12/20/11 The Marshall County DUI Task Force was honored on December 14 with an award of “Best in the State-DUI Task Force” from the Governor’s Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving. The Task Force consists of officers from Marshall County, Bremen, Bourbon, Culver and the Plymouth Police Departments.

Presenting the award to area law enforcement members was Law Enforcement Liaison of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Phil Oliver.

Oliver said, “They have a very successful program in this county.” Marshall County was selected from all of the 60-75 DUI Task Forces in the state. Oliver said Marshall County generated 271 hours of patrol with the $15,000 grant. The grant is renewable, but must be applied for each year.

He said, “They were able to get an impaired driver off of the streets every four and one-half hours.” Oliver said statistics show that an impaired driver is on the roads for some 200 hours of total driving before they are detected.

As an extra bonus to the recognition, the Marshall County DUI Task Force will receive $7,500 to be used for equipment purchases.

According to Marshall County Patrolman Kerry Brouyette, they constantly review traffic reports and use a saturation patrol in areas where there have been a number of accidents.

Also receiving the top award for the third time in three years for “Operation Pull Over” was the Bremen Police Department. The Department uses four blitzes over a year period to find drivers who aren’t using seat belts or impaired drivers who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Traffic safety initiatives such as “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled

Over “are federally funded from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Brouyette said, “We are grateful for the accommodation and are proud to be part participant in “Operation Pull Over “.” He added, “Keeping Marshall County roadways safe has always been a priority.” He called the awards an honor.

Oliver said, “We hope the awards will inspire other officers to continue the battle.”

Carol Anders Correspondent