RPD holding weekly road checkpoints

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
The Russellville Police Department is taking a proactive stance on driver safety by setting up safety checkpoints on a weekly basis.
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said that the checkpoints are to reinforce safety on the roads.
"We are checking drivers license, insurance, and checking for safety violations," Hargett said.
Hargett said the department set up two checkpoints last week and will continue to set up checkpoints through Oct. 1, which is the beginning of the new fiscal year.
"The city council allotted us overtime to have safety checkpoints for this budget," Hargett said.
He added that the checkpoints will continue through the end of the fiscal year, and once a new budget is passed, the department may reevaluate their strategy at that time.
The department worked two checkpoints last week. During the first checkpoint, 519 vehicles were checked, 17 citations were written, one arrest was made and one vehicle was towed, Hargett said.
He added that 57 vehicles were checked in the second checkpoint, and 20 citations were written during that time.
The department also made four arrests and towed two vehicles at the second checkpoint.
In addition to the safety checkpoints, RPD motorcycle patrolman Scott King is on the watch for speeders and safety violations as well.
"Everyone's gotten so fast paced that they don't fully think about things and pay attention [while on the road]," Hargett said.
Hargett added that the addition of King on motorcycle patrol will help enforce speed laws throughout the city.
"He [the motorcycle officer] works different parts of the city, not just the four-lane," Hargett said.