ST. PAUL — Motorists will see a significant State Patrol presence on freeways around the state through August as troopers focus on excessive speed enforcement and criminal activity. The patrols begin today in the Twin Cities metro area and will continue in greater Minnesota in the near future.

The Highway Enforcement for Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) effort is underway on I-94 in St. Paul until 2 p.m., with another HEAT effort this evening on I-94 between I-694 and I-394. HEAT Patrols in the Twin Cities metro area will continue until August 24. A schedule for greater Minnesota will be released in the coming weeks.

In addition to troopers on the freeway, the State Patrol will increase its aviation support during the HEAT patrols to ensure that a driver attempting to flee from a traffic stop will be located and held accountable.

“The first HEAT patrols last month were successful in stopping speeding drivers and, with the help of our aviation resources, we were able to catch people who chose to flee police. We will continue this effort around the state through the summer,” said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “In addition to State Patrol troopers, we hope to have local agencies working with us to increase the presences of law enforcement on Minnesota highways and freeways.”

Troopers stopped 516 vehicles for speeding during a 10-day HEAT effort in February​. Troopers also arrested 23 people for driving while impaired (DWI) and six for outstanding warrants. HEAT patrols focused on roadways around Minneapolis and surrounding areas, including I-94 between I-694 and St. Paul, Highway 100 in northern Hennepin County, and Highway 494 and I-35E in the east metro.

The new HEAT patrols will also focus on traffic safety while also providing an increased law enforcement presence in areas with public safety concerns. 

The HEAT patrols are one way the State Patrol is expanding its efforts to support local law enforcement agencies as they address crime in their communities.

About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Minnesota State Patrol  

Nearly 600 Minnesota State Patrol troopers are the foundation of the agency that works to provide a safe environment on Minnesota’s roads by assisting motorists, taking enforcement action and educating drivers about traffic safety issues. In addition to road safety activities, troopers conduct flight patrols, search and rescue missions and assist other law enforcement agencies.

 

###