NCJ Number
223007
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 30-32,34,35
Date Published
June 2006
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents a brief overview of nationwide innovative street racing interdiction programs.
Abstract
The Phoenix Police Department operates one of the more successful local street racing interdiction programs, “Racing for Education.” The program encourages kids to race on the track, and not on the streets. It shows young drivers how high-speed racing can be done safely and that racing can be fun as well as safe when done under the proper conditions. The San Diego Police Department established a fulltime street racing unit dubbed “Dragnet.” The Dragnet team established a multi-pronged approach of enforcement and education. In 2003, the Boise, ID Police Athletic League started a racing program with two donated cars. The two cars are fixtures in six of the local high school drag races. Most of the local street racing interdiction programs are affiliated with “Beat the Heat,” an organization that began in 1984 in Jacksonville, FL and expanded in 1990 into Dallas, TX. Police officers’ participation in street racing interdiction programs is believed to be making a difference. Police nationwide are working to deter drivers and spectators, while providing safer alternatives to illegal racing. This article presents an overview of some of those alternatives.