KSP, sheriff's office step up traffic patrols in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky State Police is ramping up traffic patrols in Jefferson County.

On Wednesday, troopers did several traffic stops focused on the Interstates 264, 265 ad 65. Citations and warnings were given to drivers for several violations, including speeding, not wearing seatbelts and expired plates.

It was the second blitz in just two weeks in Jefferson County, the goal to promote safe driving and reduce crashes. And Chief Deputy Col. Steve Healey with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office welcomes the state support.

"Jefferson County as a whole, our city as a whole, is wanting assistance," Healey said Thursday. "They are wanting to see enforcement actions."

The sheriff's office also begun a renewed crackdown on speeding, reckless driving and what they call "nuisance crimes" like car break-ins and criminal dumping.

"We want to enhance that criminal response and be able to assist the community in things that are important to them," Healey said.

The department is doing traffic stop training at the Kentucky Exposition Center and want people to know they won't just patrol highways but neighborhoods as well.

"We have people going through there going 40, 50, 60 miles an hour in the neighborhoods where your kids are playing in their front yards or you're walking your pet," Healey said.

The Louisville Metro Police Department said Thursday that it didn't request assistance from other agencies but appreciates the partnerships to work together to increase public safety.

"We're here and we're going to do our job and our part to make sure this is a safer, stronger city," Healey said.

KSP said troopers are regularly in Jefferson County, one of eight that are covered out of the Elizabethtown post. Troopers plan to do more stepped-up patrols in Louisville.

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