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The Law Enforcement Challenge is held each year between similar size and type of law enforcement agencies throughout Virginia and the United States. Each law enforcement agency is examined to determine which one has the best overall traffic safety program. In order for their program to be designated as such, the department must demonstrate how successful their traffic safety program has been.

"Departments submit an application, which documents their agencies efforts and effectiveness in [the areas of efforts to enfoce laws and educate the public about occupant protection, impaired driving and speeding,]" said Master Deputy James Bowyer, Crime Prevention Specialist for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. "The winning safety programs are those that combine officer training, public information and enforcement to reduce crashes and injuries within its jurisdiction."

After all applications have been submitted, they are reviewed by a panel of three judges.

"All judges are independent members of the law enforcement community," Bowyer said. "[They are] public safety and corporate partners who have demonstrated advanced knowledge of highway safety initiatives."

Each department will receive points from each judge as a scoring mechanism. The three scores received are averaged together, the applications are separated into categories winners are determined from the finalized score. Law enforcement agencies must get a minimum of 50 points to qualify as award recipients.

According to Bowyer, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office received first place in Virginia in their category for traffic safety programs.

The Sheriff's Office is located at 16 South Franklin St., in Christiansburg. They can be reached at (540) 382-6914.

Photo: Sheriff Tommy Whitt accepts last year's award for Montgomery County. (Photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office)

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