COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol received several awards today, including First Place in the National Law Enforcement Challenge, from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The awards were received during the 114th Annual Conference & Exposition in Boston, Mass.

“These awards demonstrate the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s commitment to professionalism and its role as a national leader in highway safety.” Colonel Paul D. McClellan, Superintendent said. “I am very proud of the strides our personnel have made to make Ohio highways safer.”

The Patrol’s innovative LifeStat 1.0 strategic goal earned First Place in the National Law Enforcement Challenge which recognizes and rewards the best overall traffic safety programs in the United States. The Patrol was honored for its efforts in the areas of officer training, public information and traffic enforcement.

The Patrol’s LifeStat 1.0 initiative was also recognized as one of the top 25 law enforcement programs worldwide as part of the Webber Seavey Award. The Patrol earned this honor for promoting a standard of excellence that exemplifies law enforcement’s contribution and dedication to the quality of life in local communities.

Sgt. Robert Jacks, of the Jackson District, received an honorable mention for Looking Beyond the License Plate Award. This national award recognizes law enforcement officers whose observation of a license plate led to the arrest of a suspect or the solution of a crime.

On October 25, 2005, Sgt. Jacks offered assistance to a stopped vehicle and after questioning the driver, determined the vehicle’s license plate was fictitious and belonged to another vehicle. The ensuing investigation resulted in the recovery of 15 ATVs, and $32,000 in currency; the arrest of 15 suspects; and the confiscation of 70 lbs. of marijuana and 2 grams of cocaine. This investigation encompassed 15 officers from 10 different agencies in Ohio and Kentucky.

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