To: Middle Tennessee Law Enforcement Agencies
As we continue to review and assess enforcement and education initiatives, we must also review our internal operations. Most of you all know that the Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) program has assumed responsibility for training and the CPS program, which has placed extra duties on our current Law Enforcement Liaisons. Also, we know that the numbers with regard to drug impaired driving crashes are continuing to rise, and the state’s DRE program must continue to grow accordingly in order to curtail these drug impaired crashes.
Currently, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) teaches two DRE courses every year, in addition to multiple in-service trainings so that the current DREs stay certified. I have asked Tony to increase the number of DRE trainings to four annually by 2020. Serving as the DRE statewide coordinator takes a considerable amount of Tony’s time, and diminishes his ability to visit all of the Middle Tennessee safety partners. In an effort to address that dynamic, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office has committed to expanding the LEL Program by creating an additional LEL position. The additional LEL will be responsible for working the following counties: Stewart, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Dickson, Cheatham, Williamson, Davidson, Robertson, Sumner, Rutherford and Wilson. These 12 counties account for approximately 33% of the total crashes in the state; 29% of the state population; 33% of the state's interstate system; 23% of fatalities; and encompass a total of approximately 42 law enforcement agencies. The aforementioned numbers are overwhelming. It has become increasingly difficult for one LEL to adequately serve as a liaison between law enforcement agencies and engage them in THSO enforcement campaigns, while taking on additional duties.
Creating this new position will assist the THSO with developing and maintaining important relationships and partnerships with law enforcement agencies and highway safety advocates in the 12 counties mentioned above.
Tony will continue to serve as the DRE Statewide Coordinator and LEL for: Wayne, Perry, Hickman, Lewis, Lawrence, Maury, Giles, Marshall, Bedford, Lincoln, and Moore counties. I know he will continue to build upon meaningful relationships that will advance THSO’s mission for years to come.
Thank you all for your hard work as we continue to expand our efforts.
Sincerely,
Vic