Police Department

Spokane Police Department Awarded Two Grants for DUI Officers

Sgt. Teresa Fuller Traffic Unit - PIO

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 9:13 a.m.

The Spokane Police Department has received two new grants for full time officers that will focus on enforcement and education surrounding impaired driving. One officer has been assigned as a full time DUI enforcement officer while the other is in a newly created position as a Impaired Driving Training Coordinator.  

The Spokane Police Department recently secured two separate grants through the Washinton State Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) in order to help curb the number of impaired drivers on our roads. Traffic fatalities have been on the rise nationally as well as in Spokane in recent years. Additionally, fatal crashes involving speed and impairment in our community have been trending upward.

The first grant funded by the WTSC is for a full time DUI enforcement officer. SPD started having full time DUI enforcement officers in 2016. Those officers work evenings opposite each other providing nearly 365 day coverage for DUI enforcement a year on top of WTSC overtime funded patrols that operate during significant dates like holidays, sporting events, etc. 

The second position is funded as a newly created Impaired Driving Training Coordinator. This officer will be in charge of impaired driving detection certifications for SPD as well as providing education to community stakeholders in current drug trends with a focus on reduction in impaired driving.  As a resource for our local area, they are available to educate current medical professionals, first responders, schools and other community member groups. The officer will continue to be assigned to our Spokane Municipal DUI Therapeutic Court and available to respond to Fatal and Serious Injury Collision investigations.

“The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is pleased to partner with the Spokane Police Department to reduce impaired driving on Spokane roadways and increase public safety for everyone,” said Shelly Baldwin, Washington Traffic Safety Commission Director.

Community members may contact Sgt. Teresa Fuller at tfuller@spokanepolice.org if you would like an impairment training put on for your group or organization.

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