GSP Wins National Competition

August 9, 2004                                                                     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             

(404) 624-7597

(ATLANTA)—The Georgia State Patrol has captured first place in the National Chiefs’ Challenge sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.  The announcement was made recently during the annual Governor’s Challenge awards luncheon.

            Rick Larson of the IACP announced the first place finish for the GSP in the 501-1,000 sworn officers category among state police and highway patrol agencies for 2003.  The award will be formally presented later this year at the IACP annual conference in California.

            “The IACP award is one of the most prestigious a law enforcement agency can earn each year,” Colonel George Ellis, GSP Commander said.  “I am grateful to the men and women of the Georgia State Patrol whose hard work and dedication to duty earned them this award.”  The Georgia State Patrol finished second in the category in 2002.

            The Chiefs’ Challenge recognizes law enforcement efforts to increase safety belt usage, reduce impaired driving and control speeding violations.  The competition is judged on enforcement as well as public information and education activities.

            During 2003, Georgia State Troopers issued 21,604 citations for seat belt violations, 2,983 for child safety seat violations and participated in 1,291 educational events.

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