SRPD Named '2024 MADD Outstanding Agency of the Year' for DUI Enforcement Efforts

The Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) is proud to announce Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has named the Santa Rosa Police Department "2024 MADD Outstanding Agency of the Year" in recognition of traffic safety and enforcement efforts in 2023. Chief John Cregan, Captain Dan Marincik, Traffic Division Lieutenant Josh Ludtke, and members of the SRPD Traffic Division traveled to Citrus Heights on July 16, 2024, to accept this prestigious award. Additionally, several officers were recognized for their individual achievements in DUI enforcement during 2023.

In 2023, SRPD officers made 858 DUI arrests, an 85% increase from 2022. There were 27 officers who made 10 or more DUI arrests each in 2023, compared to 12 officers the year before. Additionally, there were double the amount of SRPD officers eligible to be nominated for an achievement award in 2023 (8 officers) than in 2022 (4 officers).

The increased enforcement efforts were made possible by fully staffing the Accident Investigations Team and adding a sixth Motor Officer. Additionally, SRPD utilizes grants from the Office of Traffic Safety to fund special operations such as DUI checkpoints, distracted driver operations, and seatbelt and speed law enforcement. Through the increased use of social media and community engagement events such as the incredibly popular "Know Your Limit" nights in Old Courthouse Square, SRPD is able to reach a wider audience to share traffic safety knowledge.

The officers in the SRPD Traffic Division use proactive patrols and data-led policing to focus efforts where violations and collisions are occurring the most, where we can enforce traffic laws and educate drivers.

All of these efforts have helped in a 75% reduction in fatal collisions between 2022 and 2023.

MADD also recognized Motor Sergeant Josh Medeiros for his outstanding leadership, and Accident Investigator Riley Howard and several other officers for their individual efforts in DUI Enforcement.

Sergeant Medeiros was presented with the "Outstanding Service Award" for his leadership and his integral role in the increased DUI enforcement efforts. Sergeant Medeiros has been with SRPD for 17 years, and as a sergeant in the Traffic Division, he is responsible for grant utilization and reporting, and coordinating special operations such as DUI Checkpoints, distracted driver operations, and seatbelt and speed enforcement operations. Prior to becoming the Motor Sergeant, he was a Property Crimes Investigations Team Detective, Field Training Officer, and SWAT Operator. In addition to supervising the Motor Team, Sergeant Medeiros supervises SWAT.

Accident Investigator Riley Howard received two recognitions. He was given the "Century Award" for making over 100 DUI arrests in 2023 and with 140 total arrests, he was given the esteemed "Top Cop" award for having the most arrests of all Century Award recipients. Accident Investigator Howard has been a police officer for 9 years, 6 of which have been with SRPD. As an Accident Investigator, his responsibilities include investigating major injury and fatal collisions, providing departmental training, participating in special traffic operations, and conducting DUI saturation patrols. Accident Investigator Howard is also an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course instructor and was a bicycle patrol officer with his previous agency.

Congratulations to the following officers for their outstanding achievements and recognition by MADD:

Sergeant Josh Medieros: "Outstanding Service Award"

• Accident Investigator Riley Howard, 2 awards: "Top Cop" and "Century Award" for 140 DUI arrests
• Accident Investigator John Fisher: "Century Award" for 104 DUI arrests
• Accident Investigator Carolina Zepeda: Special Recognition for 32 DUI arrests
• Accident Investigator Brenden Sawyer: Special Recognition for 77 DUI arrests
• Officer Maddie Chanin: Special Recognition for 38 DUI arrests
• Officer Mike Mieger: Special Recognition for 25 DUI arrests
• Officer Tim Raymond: Special Recognition for 36 DUI arrests

Chief Cregan's top organizational priority is violence reduction, traffic safety, and public safety innovation. Today marks a significant milestone in the Santa Rosa Police Department's commitment to public safety and excellence in policing. SRPD remains steadfast in our resolve to continue serving and protecting our community with the highest standards of integrity and innovation. The prestigious "MADD Outstanding Agency of the Year" award received for DUI enforcement is a testament to the tireless efforts of our employees and the strategic initiatives implemented.

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