Wisconsin State Patrol plans aerial enforcement in Portage County

For the Gazette
PORTAGE COUNTY — Weather permitting, the State Patrol’s Air Support Unit is set to patrol I-39 in Portage County on Aug. 3.
“The State Patrol’s primary mission is public safety, which includes enforcing traffic laws to help make sure drivers reach their destinations safely,” a DOT release stated.
“Aerial enforcement is one way to enhance public safety efforts. From the air it’s much easier to spot drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively. When a pilot observes a violation, they communicate with ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop.
“Many aerial enforcement missions are announced publicly to reinforce State Patrol’s goal to improve safety through voluntary compliance with traffic laws, not simply to stop or cite drivers.”