HEAT Patrols Extended Through The End of 2022

(KNSI) – The Minnesota State Patrol is extending its Highway Enforcement for Aggressive Traffic program through the end of the year.

Troopers will continue to have a heavy presence on the state’s interstates and highways as they watch out for people driving aggressively, too fast, or under the influence.

“Our HEAT patrols are working. Fatalities are down nearly 10 percent from this time last year, but we’re still seeing too many deadly crashes and too many people driving dangerously,” said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “We’ve heard from Minnesotans that they want to see us on the roads and they want us to stop aggressive drivers. Through these patrols around the state, our troopers can do just that.”

Through December, troopers will work in teams to saturate specific enforcement areas. In addition to troopers on the freeway, State Patrol aviation will help ensure drivers attempting to flee from traffic stops will be located and held accountable.

In February, the State Patrol first began the HEAT program to focus on traffic safety while providing an increased law enforcement presence in Minneapolis. In March, HEAT was expanded across the state and extended through the summer. Since its start, troopers have worked over 11,000 hours and logged more than 252,000 miles.

Statewide HEAT Enforcement Feb. 14-Aug. 30:

Traffic Stops: 20,067
Citations: 9,197
Speed Citations: 6,398
Arrests: 191
DWI Arrests: 91

Speed-Related Fatalities Jan. 1-Aug. 30

2022: 81
2021: 117

Overall Fatalities Jan. 1-Aug. 30

2022: 280
2021: 305

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