St. Joseph Police Department report results from joint enforcement operation

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph Police Department teamed up with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, as well as its aircraft division, for a traffic saturation patrol.

The enforcement was aimed at curbing hazardous moving violations and deterring criminal activity on local roadways.

The operation used mobile ground units with oversight of a MSHP helicopter.

During the operation, both agencies of law enforcement initialed a total of 89 traffic stops with several varying results.

Such as 11 calls for service, 31 tickets issued, 49 written warnings, 41 verbal warnings, four vehicles that fled, three state warrant felonies/misdemeanors, two city warrants, three other arrests and one crash investigation.

SJPD Chief Paul Luster spoke on the joint operation.

"Our progressive partnerships with state agencies like the Missouri State Highway Patrol are a force multiplier for public safety in St. Joseph," Luster said. "The air support provided the MSHP helicopter changes the dynamic of dangerous pursuits entirely, allowing us to safely manage fleeing suspects while keeping the public out of harm's way. We remain collectively committed to keeping reckless and dangerous drivers off our streets."

SJPD reminded all motorists to drive responsibly, buckle up and designate a sober driver when necessary.