2006 DPS Annual Report - Arizona Department of Public Safety

Highway Patrol
Division
DPS aggressive driver detail remains longest running in the country
The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Aggressive Driver Detail, which continued during FY 2006, is
the longest running in the country. It focuses both on enforcement and a strong media campaign. It has
received high praise and support from the communities throughout the state. Currently, 42 unmarked vehicles
are in use throughout the state. In addition to the unmarked cars, motorcycles, marked patrol cars,
and DPS aircraft are used during aggressive driver details. Officers are always in uniform while working
the aggressive driving detail. Several aggressive driver details are scheduled each week throughout the
state. There is a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive-driver violations.
“Tan Day” continues to make highways safer on holiday weekends
The Highway Patrol Division continued the Tan Day concept during FY 2006, bringing additional personnel
out into the field during holiday weekends and special details. Tan Day was developed to put more
uniformed patrol officers on the Arizona highways on holiday weekends when traffic volumes increase.
This program unites regular patrol officers with sworn officers, sergeants, lieutenants, commanders, and
chiefs assigned to administrative functions during peak travel dates. They provide more resources for
enforcement, collision investigations, and motorist assists during these weekends. Officers assigned are
from all four divisions of the Department and the Director’s Office. The agency’s deputy director and
director even helped with a few “Tan Days.” This year these details kicked off with the Fourth of July
Holiday and ended with the Memorial Day Holiday.
Tan Day tire change
DPS Deputy Director David A. Felix, the second in command at the agency,
helps change a tire for some stranded motorists during a holiday weekend Tan
Day detail during FY 2006.
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