The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office announced its new partnership with Lights On!, an award-winning national program designed to help build and foster trust between communities and law enforcement.
“The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is committed to finding meaningful ways to have positive interactions with those we serve. Lights On! "Is an innovative approach to demonstrating compassion and understanding to those who may need help fixing a minor vehicle code violation," said Sheriff Christina Corpus.
During the presentation of this new alliance, Corpus highlighted that this program "is a win for everyone, creating safer streets and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the public."
The Lights On! program (Lights on!) also helps ensure that vehicles are displaying the proper lighting equipment, creating safer roads for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
It should be noted that, during a traffic stop for an infraction related to a headlight, taillight, brake light or turn signal, officers may issue a voucher in lieu of a fine, which beneficiaries may take to one of pre-designated workshops, which will repair or replace the light free of charge (up to $250).
In that way, Light's On! reimburses the shop for the repair or repairs.
Officials said these vouchers help reduce the financial burden that could lead to a potential downward spiral for community members in need.
?The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is the first agency in the San Francisco Bay Area to partner with Light's On!. “We look forward to working together to close gaps, heal communities, and provide a positive path to safer streets,” added Sheriff Corpus.
It is important to note that the Lights On! vouchers They are not available on demand and will only be delivered to a San Mateo County Sheriff's Office vehicle stop.
"We don't just say that we are part of the community, but we actively invest in it," said Sheriff Corpus, while recalling that this program is in addition to the speech therapy program for children and the swimming program, launched on last summer.
With this program, he added, ?people experiencing financial difficulties are freed from the choice between repairs, paying their rent or putting food on the table; Now can you work with us to rethink troubleshooting a routine traffic stop?
For his part, Sherman Patterson, vice president of Lights On!, highlighted that, since 2017, the date the organization was founded in Minneapolis, to date, nearly 11,000 vouchers have been redeemed throughout the country.
and 99.2% of recipients declared themselves satisfied or very satisfied with the interaction with the official who gave them the voucher. satisfied or very satisfied with their interaction with the agent who gave them the voucher Lights on!
Thus, San Mateo joins the 32 cities where Lights On already operates!
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