ST. PAUL — Motorists will see a significant State Patrol presence on freeways around Minneapolis, especially I-94 between downtown and I-694, beginning today, Feb.14. Troopers will focus on excessive speed enforcement and criminal activity for the next 10 nights.
The Highway Enforcement for Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) effort will run from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night. The State Patrol will report the results from each operation the following day.
In addition to troopers on the freeway, the State Patrol will increase its aviation support during the HEAT patrols to ensure that a driver attempting to flee from a traffic stop will be located and held accountable.
“Some drivers are speeding for no reason, while others are fleeing police after committing a crime,” said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “These HEAT patrols will increase our presence on the freeways so we can stop speeders and catch criminals who attempt to escape. If you don’t pull over we’re going to find you with our aviation assets.”
The targeted operation will focus on traffic safety while providing an increased law enforcement presence in an area with public safety concerns.
The HEAT patrols follow a meeting with the Minnesota Police Chiefs and Sheriffs associations last week to discuss ways the State Patrol could expand its efforts to support local law enforcement agencies as they address crime in their communities.
About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About the Minnesota State Patrol
Nearly 600 Minnesota State Patrol troopers are the foundation of the agency that works to provide a safe environment on Minnesota’s roads by assisting motorists, taking enforcement action and educating drivers about traffic safety issues. In addition to road safety activities, troopers conduct flight patrols, search and rescue missions and assist other law enforcement agencies.
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