The Benton Police Department has placed first in the State and first in the Nation in the 2007 National Law Enforcement Challenge, sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office. Benton Police Chief Rocky King and several officers were on hand last Friday to accept their award.

“It is a privledge to have been chosen the number one police department in the state and then go on to be chosen the number one department in the nation,” Chief King said. “It could not have been accomplished without the support and help from Mayor Jerry Stephens and Commissioners Joe Jenkins and Gene Pack.”

During 2007, The Benton Police Department participated in several local and statewide events, including speaking to students at both high schools about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, speaking to the girl scouts, civitan club, Polk’s Anti-drug coalition and several elementary schools, as well as participating in Prom Promise, DARE Program and offering classes on the proper use of child restraint devices. The Benton Police Department’s participation in state programs included Click it or Ticket, Booze It and Lose It, Buckle Up in Your Truck and Hands Across the Border.

“I would like to thank the officers from the Benton Police Department,” Chief King said. “Without their hard work and dedication, none of this would have been possible. We have dedicated our police department to making out community a safer place to live and visit.”

The National Law Enforcement Challenge is a program created by the highway safety office for law enforcement agencies to document their efforts in highway traffic safety through both education and enforcement. “The governor’s highway safety office director, Kendal Poole and law enforcement liason Clint Shrum have helped us both financially and with new ideas on how to make out roadways a safer place to drive. It is a great honor to receive these awards,” concluded King.

As part of their first place award, the Benton Police Department received $6000 worth of prizes, including a video camera unit and laser speed gun.