ISP District 9 releases summary for 2009

[February 04, 2010]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois State Police District 9 commander, Capt. James Wolf, announced a summary of district activity for 2009. District 9, headquartered in Springfield, includes the counties of Cass, Christian, Logan, Mason, Menard, Morgan and Sangamon.

During 2009, District 9 handled 30,101 incidents, including 8,268 requests for service from the public or other law enforcement agencies. The remaining 21,833 incidents were self-initiated by troopers.

The following activity demonstrates District 9's commitment to keeping Illinois roadways and communities safe:

• 419 drivers arrested for driving under the influence

• 415 citations issued for other alcohol violations

• 649 criminal arrests

• 1,167.8 pounds of cannabis seized from traffic stops (estimated street value of $3,707,936)

• 169 pounds of cocaine seized from traffic stops (estimated street value of $7,620,352)

• 2,303 commercial motor vehicles inspected

• 424 commercial motor vehicles or drivers placed out of service for safety violations

• 2,948 motorist assists

• 908 vehicles towed

• 18,149 citations

• 11,724 written warnings

District 9 troopers handled 1,531 crashes. There were 42 fatal crashes in the district, killing 48 people. Of the 48 fatalities, 43 percent were not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol was a factor in 33 percent of the fatal crashes.

Traffic fatalities were at an all-time low for 2009. Provisional numbers show that 925 people died in traffic crashes in Illinois last year. Through partnerships with the Illinois Department of Transportation and area local law enforcement agencies, 118 fewer people lost their lives on Illinois roadways when compared with 2008 figures.

For 2010, District 9 will continue to focus on traffic enforcement, safety education and traffic safety partnerships to make Illinois a safe place for citizens and visitors.

[Text from file received from Illinois State Police District 9]