Sheriff receives funds to increase emphasis patrols in unincorporated King County

September 14, 2015

Summary

The King County Council has approved funds for 1,100 hours of increased traffic enforcement.

Story

The King County Council has approved funds for 1,100 hours of increased traffic enforcement.

As kids head back to school, the King County Sheriff’s office is preparing to remind drivers in unincorporated King County to watch for students. Money unanimously approved today by the Metropolitan King County Council will go for emphasis patrols around schools.  

“One of the most persistent requests I heard from residents of unincorporated King County this last year was for more traffic enforcement,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who proposed the increased funding to the approved budget legislation to include funds for the emphasis patrols. “This increased visibility by the Sheriff’s office in unincorporated King County will help drivers to remember to obey all traffic laws to help keep our children and our communities safe.”

“Visibility is critical for public safety to be successful,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “We must be proactive with kids returning to schools in the unincorporated areas.”

Enforcement of school zone violations is a common and important issue for the parents of children and school staff.

“As the school year begins, it's important that drivers remember to obey all traffic laws in order to keep everyone safe,” said King County Sheriff John Urquhart.  “The additional Council funds secured in the budget will allow my deputies to maintain a more visible presence as a public reminder.”

Along with increased presence around schools, the budget amendment also included funding to increase emphasis patrols for both DUI and speeding drivers. This year there have been two multiple fatality accidents within unincorporated King County.