Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection

Connecticut State Police Patch STATE OF CONNECTICUT
Department of Public Safety
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, Connecticut 06457		  
Contact: 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2007

Connecticut State Police Team Up

with Massachusetts and Rhode Island Troopers
in Holiday Enforcement Campaign

Holiday Enforcement Campaign

The Connecticut State Police is teaming up with State Police from Massachusetts and Rhode Island to participate in a holiday safe driving campaign supported by Heineken USA and focused on roadway safety in the Southern New England region.

The aim of the campaign is to reduce illegal activity related to alcohol consumption, including driving while under the influence and underage drinking.

This holiday initiative, titled “Operation S.A.N.T.A. – Stop Another Needless Traffic Accident,” was announced Thursday afternoon during a press conference at Connecticut State Police Headquarters in Middletown. Thursday’s kickoff marked the first time that all three states have collaborated on this type of DUI enforcement campaign.

Participating in the press conference were Connecticut Public Safety Commissioner John A. Danaher III; Colonel Thomas Davoren, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police; Colonel Mark Delaney, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Colonel Brendan Doherty, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; and Dan Tearno, vice president, corporate relations, Heineken USA.

“The Connecticut State Police are pleased to join our neighboring New England State Troopers in this campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated and reduce the incidents of drunk driving.” said Commissioner Danaher.

Colonel Davoren added, “Troopers from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island will be on the roads to remove dangerous drivers, including those driving recklessly and those driving under the influence. Those breaking the law will be caught and arrested so that we can ensure safety for others.”

Operation “SANTA” and the tri-state messages will be delivered across the Tri-State Southern New England region beginning today and throughout the New Year.  Components of the campaign include:

  • A public service announcement that will air on a number of radio stations in the tri-state area.
  • A presence on movie screens throughout Southern New England.
  • Mall signage to be viewed by holiday shoppers at malls in all three states.
  • Posters displayed in restaurants, liquor stores and other venues.
  • Ongoing support at ResponsibleMeans21.com.
   The tri-state campaign’s graphics feature Troopers from the three states standing beside a jail cell with the message, “Don’t make us your bed and breakfast this holiday season.”  One of the consequences of illegal behavior associated with alcohol consumption involves a stay behind bars.   

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