CPD is Agency of Year for traffic safety work

The Cleveland Police Department was recently recognized for its work in traffic safety.

The CPD was named Agency of the Year on Sept. 9 by the Northeast Traffic Enforcement Network (NETEN), which falls under the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. CPD Chief Jeff Shoemaker said the honor is a result of the hard work officers do daily to make the city safer.

“It’s a collective effort, not just one [officer],” said Shoemaker.

When Shoemaker arrived as police chief in February, he said he learned that CPD had not participated in NETEN in a couple of years. He wanted the department to become active in the program, which would benefit the community.

“That was one of my early goals when I came here was to get re-engaged and to invest in not only in the program, but our officers and the community,” Shoemaker said.

Since CPD started participating in NETEN again, officers have participated in DUI training to include standardized field sobriety, breath alcohol testing, advanced detecting on impaired drivers, child safety seat technicians and more. Officers have also participated in multiple safety campaigns, including Click-it or Ticket, and distracted driving/hands free. CPD has also conducted child safety seat checks.

“I think it’s an accomplishment for the officers to show their work hasn’t gone unnoticed,” Shoemaker said.