IDOT Grant Programs
Harwood Heights Police Dept Awarded Traffic Enforcement Grant
The Harwood Heights Police Department has been awarded federal funding for the 2024 Federal Fiscal Year to conduct additional traffic safety efforts through the Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant. The STEP Grant Program focuses on high-visibility enforcement and strategies aimed at saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing traffic crashes. "We’re pleased to receive this grant for the second year in a row to help step up our traffic safety efforts with the goal of reducing traffic crashes, educating drivers of dangerous driving behaviors, and saving lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. "Our mission is to educate the public on risks associated with dangerous driving behaviors as well as stopping, citing, and arresting those who choose to violate traffic laws through proactive patrols.” The 2024 STEP Grant year runs from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. The Harwood Heights Police Department will also conduct additional enforcement to supplement mandatory, and optional campaign enforcement dates scheduled during some of the deadliest travel times of the year. The additional enforcement efforts will focus on the leading contributory causes of crashes which include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, failure to yield, and disobeying traffic control devices and signals, as well as occupant restraint violations. Harwood Heights Police Dept Awarded Traffic Enforcement Grant Press Release
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” & “Drive High, Get a DUI" Labor Day Campaign Results
The Harwood Heights Police Department participated in the Labor Day Enforcement Campaign reminding motorists to “Click It or Ticket." During the Labor Day Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 58 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 68 traffic stops; cited 14 seat belt violators; cited 17 distracted drivers; issued 33 other various traffic violation citations; and made 1 traffic arrest for no valid license. “Through the Labor Day enforcement effort, we helped to make our roads safer and remind motorists to buckle up,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. Click here to see the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” & “Drive High, Get a DUI" Labor Day campaign results.
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” & “Drive High, Get a DUI" Labor Day Campaign
The Harwood Heights Police Department today announced it is partnering with the Illinois State Police and law enforcement across the state to step up efforts to stop impaired driving and help save lives as we near the end of summer and the busy Labor Day weekend. This high-visibility enforcement campaign runs from August 18 through the early-morning hours of September 5, 2023. During this period, motorists can expect to see roadside safety checks, more officers on the road, and increased messaging about the dangers of impaired driving. In addition to looking for drunk drivers, the Harwood Heights Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” & “Drive High, Get a DUI" Labor Day Campaign Flyer
"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Drive High Get a DUI" July Fourth Campaign Results - July 6, 2023
The Harwood Heights Police Department joined forces with more than 200 other state and local law enforcement agencies to get drunk and drugged drivers off our roads, encourage seat belt use, and enforce speeding and other traffic laws by reminding motorists to “Click It or Ticket" during their July Fourth Enforcement Campaign. Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 59 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 53 traffic stops; cited 23 seat belt violators; cited 9 distracted drivers; issued 30 other various traffic violation citations; and made 1 traffic arrest for no valid license and arrest warrant. Click here to see the July Fourth campaign results.
"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Drive High Get a DUI" July Fourth Campaign
The Harwood Heights Police Department announced plans for stepped-up July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers. This safety campaign will run from June 16 through the early-morning hours of July 5, 2023 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day. “It’s simple: If you’re driving, don’t drink, use marijuana or other drugs,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “Our officers will be working around the clock to keep impaired drivers off the roads and enforce all other traffic laws. We’re doing it to save lives.” The Harwood Heights Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff’s departments for this increased statewide enforcement effort. "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Drive High Get a DUI" July Fourth Campaign Flyer
Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" Campaign Results - June 1, 2023
The Harwood Heights Police Department participated in the Memorial Day Enforcement Campaign reminding motorists to "Click It or Ticket." During the Memorial Day Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 47 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 60 traffic stops; cited 8 seat belt violators; cited 15 distracted drivers; and issued 15 other various traffic violation citations. “Through the Memorial Day enforcement campaign, we helped make Illinois roads safer and spread the word that seat belts and child safety restraints save lives,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. Click here to see the Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" Campaign results.
Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" Campaign - May 16, 2023
The Harwood Heights Police Department has announced it is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign that will run May 19 - 30, 2023 and reminds motorists to buckle up for safety. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a popular time for traveling to visit family and friends. Whether you are traveling down the block or across the country, make sure you buckle up every time. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%. Seat belts save lives every day, but they are only effective if they’re used. “Click It or Ticket” leverages education and enforcement to save lives. Memorial Day "Click It or Ticket" Campaign Flyer.
"Drop It and Drive" Enforcement During April - Distracted Driving Awareness Month Results - May 2, 2023
The Harwood Heights Police Department participated in April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month Enforcement Campaign which ran throughout the entire month of April, reminding motorists to Drop It and Drive. During the Distracted Driving Awareness Month Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 120 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 156 traffic stops; cited 75 distracted drivers; issued 54 other various traffic violation citations; and made 1 traffic arrest. Click here to see the April Distracted Driving Awareness Month Campaign Results.
"Drop It and Drive" Enforcement During April - Distracted Driving Awareness Month - March 30, 2023
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Harwood Heights Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to remind motorists to “Drop It and Drive.” “Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our roads today,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. Motorists can expect to see increased patrols and enforcement zones during the entire month of April. The Harwood Heights Police Department will be ticketing drivers who text or use their cell phones while driving. April "Drop It and Drive" Enforcement Flyer
"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Drive High Get a DUI" St. Patrick's Day Campaign Results - March 21, 2023
The Harwood Heights Police Department participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Enforcement Campaign from March 10 through March 19, 2023 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. During the St. Patrick’s Day Enforcement Campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 37 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 48 traffic stops; made 1 traffic arrest; cited 9 seatbelt violators; cited 14 distracted drivers; and issued 16 other various citations. Click here to see the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Drive High Get a DUI" St. Patrick's Day campaign results.
"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Drive High Get a DUI" St. Patrick's Day Campaign
All too often, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations turn deadly because of impaired driving. However you celebrate, make sure you and your friends stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day by remembering one important piece of advice: If you’ll be drinking alcohol, using cannabis or any other impairing substance, remember “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” The Harwood Heights Police Department will be stepping up seat belt enforcement ensuring drivers are buckled up and driving safely. Impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and all traffic laws will also be strictly enforced. Always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over - Drive High Get a DUI St Patrick's Day Campaign Flyer
"Drive Sober & Click It or Ticket" Holiday Safety Campaign Results - January 3, 2023
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted a holiday traffic safety campaign from December 16, 2022 through January 2, 2023 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilizations were conducted by the Harwood Heights Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce highway fatalities. During the holiday enforcement campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 61 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: Conducted 93 traffic stops; made 1 traffic arrest; cited 13 seatbelt violators; cited 13 distracted drivers; and issued 34 other various citations. Click here to see the "Drive Sober & Click it or Ticket" holiday safety campaign results.
"Drive Sober & Click It or Ticket" Holiday Safety Campaign
With the holidays in full swing, the Harwood Heights Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving. From Dec. 16, 2022 through Jan. 2, 2023 law enforcement across Illinois will step up enforcement efforts with a high visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” traffic safety campaign. Before the holiday fun begins, make a plan for a sober ride home and remember these tips: designate a sober driver or make a plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely; if you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and contact the local law enforcement agency; if you have a friend who is about to drive impaired, take their keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely; and always buckle up! The goal is to keep the roadways safe. Drive Sober & Click It or Ticket Holiday Safety Campaign Flyer
"Click it or Ticket" Enforcement This Thanksgiving Holiday Season Results - November 30, 2022
The Harwood Heights Police Department conducted a traffic safety campaign from November 18 through November 28, 2022 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilizations were conducted by the Harwood Heights Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce highway fatalities. During the Thanksgiving campaign, Harwood Heights officers worked an additional 47 hours of patrol taking the following enforcement actions: conducted 88 traffic stops; cited 17 seat belt violators; cited 16 distracted drivers; and issued 28 other various citations. Click here to see the "Click it or Ticket" this Thanksgiving enforcement results.
"Click it or Ticket" Enforcement This Thanksgiving Holiday Season - November 15, 2022
As millions of motorists hit the road to celebrate Thanksgiving, Illinois law enforcement will be working around the clock to make sure holiday travelers are buckled up and driving safely. The Harwood Heights Police Department is joining the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police to remind motorists to “Click It or Ticket.” The goal of this high-visibility effort is to reduce motor vehicle crashes and the resulting injuries and fatalities. Correct seat-belt use is the most effective way to protect vehicle occupants. According to IDOT, the statewide seat-belt usage rate is at 93%. “Wearing your seat belt is second nature for most,” said Sergeant Nick Ramirez. “We’re looking for the 7% of Illinois motorists who skip this lifesaving step.” Drivers and passengers can expect a ticket from the Harwood Heights Police Department if they are spotted without a seat belt. Stepped-up patrols and seat belt enforcement zones will be seen throughout Harwood Heights and the state starting November 18 through the 28, 2022. Click it or Ticket Flyer
"STEP High Visibility Traffic Enforcement" Results - October 17, 2022
The Harwood Heights Police Department released the results of additional efforts conducted via the Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program which ran from October 3 through October 15. Harwood Heights officers conducted 155 traffic stops which resulted in 90 citations being issued and 2 criminal arrests being made. The Police Department participated in this effort to save lives by focusing on leading contributory causes of crashes: electronic device use, disobeying traffic control signals, speeding, as well as occupant restraint violations. The STEP campaign was funded by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Click here to see the STEP High Visibility Enforcement Traffic results.
"STEP High Visibility Traffic Enforcement" - September 30, 2022
The Harwood Heights Police Department was awarded funding with a Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant through IDOT which focuses on High Visibility Enforcement on specific times and dates throughout the upcoming 2023 fiscal year. The enforcement efforts are designed to reduce fatalities and serious injuries at some of the deadliest times of the year for vehicle travel. Motorists can expect to see increased patrols and enforcement zones throughout the 2023 fiscal year. The high visibility enforcement will begin on October 3 and run through October 15, 2022. The Harwood Heights Police Department will be stepping up efforts on unbuckled and distracted drivers, as well as other various traffic infractions. High Visibility Traffic Enforcement Flyer