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Keeping their eyes on the road
Local officers help motorists get from point A to point B — and write a few traffic citations

<br>Ryan Williams/WGCN<br>
Department of Public Safety District Two, Squad Two. Pictured from left is Sgt. Jeff Brownlee, Shaun Shields, Jason Ellico, Jeff Jaynes, Brandon Doerr, Mike Gigous, Larry Hrenchir and Josh Permoda.

<br>Ryan Williams/WGCN<br> Department of Public Safety District Two, Squad Two. Pictured from left is Sgt. Jeff Brownlee, Shaun Shields, Jason Ellico, Jeff Jaynes, Brandon Doerr, Mike Gigous, Larry Hrenchir and Josh Permoda.

WILLIAMS - Speeding tickets, traffic school and higher insurance premiums. Likely the first three thoughts to cross a driver's mind when a Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol car comes into view in the rear view mirror.

Sgt. Jeff Brownlee said issuing citations is one part of what DPS does on a daily basis but that the ultimate goal is public safety.

"We promote traffic safety and go to the next stop," he said. "Our focus is strictly public safety. People getting from one place to another place safely without having a collision and if you're broke down we'll get you the help you need."

Brownlee leads District Two - Squad Two based out of Williams. He and his seven officers patrol 110 miles of roadway including Interstate 40 from mile post 148 to 230, 55 miles of State Route 64 to the Grand Canyon and 20 miles of U.S. Highway 180 towards Flagstaff.

Of the seven officers, one officer is stationed at Grand Canyon and two operate out of Valle.

In June, the squad will fall to six officers due to retirement. Brownlee said state budget cuts will likely prevent the position from being filled.

"When I first started 22 years ago we had six guys," Brownlee said. "I've noticed from the moment I came on in 1988 to now that the volume on the road has tripled but our manpower has not gone up at all."

According to Brownlee, one of the major distinctions between DPS and other law enforcement agencies is the ability for DPS to react before accidents occur or laws are broken.

"We're very proactive," Brownlee said. "We go out and drum up our own business. Still, we're all focused around one thing. Public safety. That is our number one goal, public safety. We handle tons of service calls. With the cell phone era we are always going call to call."

Brownlee said traffic stops are not only about handing out citations. His squad issues its share of warnings as well.

In 2009, Squad Two made a total of 10,584 traffic stops. Of those stops, 4,603 resulted in warnings and 4,171 ended with a citation issued.

The squad investigated 270 collisions and offered roadside assistance to 2,140 drivers.

"People say 'Well, a citation doesn't always correct driving,'" Brownlee said. "Let me tell you, you get a citation for speed you're going to slow down, you're going to pay attention. I've been written citations in other states and it slows me down. I can't afford a second one."

Brownlee went on to say DPS does not operate on a quota system although, like any job, he and his officers are accountable for their time on the road.

Squad Two maintained a 49.6 percent supervision rate in 2009. Brownlee said DPS state supervisors look for squads to be out on the road 40 percent of the time.

"What this shows is just our time on the road, either driving around or stopping cars," Brownlee said. "You'd be surprised how much paperwork, training, computer work or court time there is that takes us away from the road."

Snow on the road

DPS takes a different tactic during periods of heavy snowfall. Brownlee said his squad becomes less proactive and more reactive. Even during the winter months, Brownlee said visitors expect Arizona roadways to be dry until the moment they encounter snow and ice.

"We drive around and let people see our cars and slow traffic down," Brownlee said. "It doesn't work."

With the bulk of traffic on area roadways comprised of visitors to the region, Brownlee said driving behavior is next to impossible to change. He went on to say many drivers who roll their vehicle or slide off roadways do so because they continue to drive 75 mph in difficult driving conditions.

"In today's world, people do not take the time to have common sense and realize that 75 is for perfect weather conditions," Brownlee said.

DUI on the rise

Squad Two made 204 physical arrests in 2009 with a quarter of those arrests DUIs.

Brownlee said DUI arrests have been on the rise possibly due to difficult economic times. Whatever the cause, Brownlee said driving under the influence is not tolerated.

"We take DUIs really seriously," he said. "If you're driving impaired you're going to go to jail."

Squad Two does not concentrate on illegal substance interdiction stops. Brownlee explained there are specially trained units to concentrate on this aspect of law enforcement.

While his squad does average two vehicle pursuits per year, Brownlee said most of the time he and his officers interact with regular folks getting from one place to another.

"The majority of the people we stop are pretty law abiding citizens," he said. "Not the criminal element."


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