PRINCE ALBERT CRACKS DOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVING

The Prince Albert Police Service will partner with SGI for the Enforcement Overdrive program in an effort to crack down on impaired drivers.

The Enforcement Overdrive program allows police to hold additional roadside check stops for impaired driving, with SGI funding the increased staffing costs.

"The more check stops police have, the more impaired drivers are taken off the road," SGI President Larry Fogg said. "The fight against drinking and driving is one of SGI's top priorities."

The Enforcement Overdrive program began in Regina in 2001 with Saskatoon joining in 2002.

"The success of the Enforcement Overdrive program in both Regina and Saskatoon gives us high hopes for what it can do in Prince Albert," Prince Albert Police Service Acting Chief Dale McFee said. "Drinking and driving collisions are the leading cause of death on Saskatchewan's roads. Enforcement Overdrive will make our community safer."

The Enforcement Overdrive program allowed police in Regina to operate 108 check stops since it began as a pilot project in 2001, resulting in 45,353 vehicles being checked and 546 drinking and driving charges laid. In Saskatoon, police have held 49 check stops, with 16,787 vehicles being checked and 148 drinking and driving charges laid.

Based on this success, both Regina and Saskatoon have renewed their partnerships with SGI to continue the Enforcement Overdrive program.

"It's through continued co-operation between law enforcement agencies and SGI that we will decrease drinking and driving," Fogg said. "I'm confident Prince Albert will have the same success as Regina and Saskatoon."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Julianne Jack SGI Communications Regina Phone: (306)775-6907

Cst. Kelly McLean Community Services/Media Liaison - Prince Albert Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-4260