CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. — The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office announced the completion of the third enforcement operation conducted by the county’s SHIELD Task Force, a multi-agency initiative targeting dangerous driving behaviors on some of the region’s busiest roadways.
The operation took place on Saturday, Aug. 8, along several high-risk traffic corridors, including Route 47 South from the George Redding Bridge to Route 9, Route 47 North from Reeds Beach Road to Indian Trail Road, and the full length of Indian Trail Road.
Officers from eight law enforcement agencies participated in the coordinated detail, conducting 51 motor vehicle stops, issuing 25 traffic summonses, and making two arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Prosecutor says mission is to prevent crashes, not just issue tickets
The SHIELD Task Force—short for Safety on Highways through Intensive Enforcement & Law Enforcement Deployment—was created by Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland through a countywide law enforcement directive allowing participating officers to enforce New Jersey motor vehicle laws outside their normal municipal jurisdictions.
“The SHIELD Task Force continues to demonstrate the importance of bringing law enforcement agencies together to address roadway safety through coordinated, data-driven enforcement,” Sutherland said.
He added, “Our goal is not simply to issue summonses. Our goal is to change dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and save lives.”
The countywide authority allows officers from participating agencies to concentrate enforcement in locations identified through crash data and roadway safety trends, rather than being limited to their own municipalities.
Countywide effort will continue throughout the summer
Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association President Chief Dekon W. Fashaw Sr. said the partnership strengthens the ability of agencies to address impaired, distracted and aggressive driving.
“The SHIELD Task Force represents a significant commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Cape May County,” Fashaw said. “Together, we are committed to increasing public awareness, enhancing roadway safety, and ultimately saving lives on the streets and highways of Cape May County.”
According to the prosecutor’s office, the SHIELD Task Force combines highly visible enforcement with public education and community outreach aimed at reducing speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and other behaviors linked to serious and fatal crashes.
Officials said additional SHIELD enforcement operations are planned throughout the county in the coming weeks.
Key Points
- The SHIELD Task Force stopped 51 vehicles and issued 25 summonses during its latest countywide enforcement detail.
- Officers made two DWI arrests during the Aug. 8 operation.
- Prosecutors say additional high-visibility traffic enforcement operations are planned throughout Cape May County.
FAQ
What is the SHIELD Task Force?
A countywide traffic safety initiative that allows participating law enforcement agencies to conduct coordinated enforcement across municipal boundaries.
How many agencies participated?
Eight law enforcement agencies took part in the Aug. 8 enforcement detail.
What were the results?
Officers conducted 51 traffic stops, issued 25 summonses, and arrested two drivers for DWI.
Where was the enforcement conducted?
Along Route 47, Indian Trail Road, and other high-risk roadways identified through traffic safety data.
Will there be more operations?
Yes. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office said additional SHIELD enforcement details will continue throughout the county.
Source: Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association
Cape May County’s SHIELD Task Force conducted another countywide traffic enforcement operation, resulting in two DWI arrests and dozens of traffic stops.
