The Caldwell County Sheriffs Office has obtained a 3 year grant for begin a new section in the patrol division, a Traffic Enforcement and Safety Team.  The Program was instituted by the Governors Highway Safety Program on January 1, 2003.  It involves 5 counties including officers from Caldwell, Catawba, Gaston, Lincoln, and Watauga.  The officers are given jurisdiction along the US Hwy 321 Corridor from Tennessee to South Carolina to ensure the safety of the motoring public on the streets and highways adjacent to Hwy 321, and to enforce the traffic laws of the State of North Carolina.

        In 2006, the grant was again approved, providing an additional officer to the Traffic Enforcement and Safety Team.  The grant provided complete funds to support the officer to include salary, equipment, and vehicle. 

Scott Wesson and Joey Wesson are the Caldwell County Traffic Enforcement Officers.

           Deputy Scott Wesson                                                            Deputy Joey Wesson

The grant provided monies to hire another officer, supplying him with all the equipment to perform his duties, including a fully equipped Patrol Car which includes warning devices for safety, a Mobile Data Terminal,  an in car camera unit, and radar.  The grant also covered the cost of the officer's uniforms, weapon, salary, and training.  Caldwell County provided matching funds in the amount of 25% which was paid for from Drug Tax monies and fines from convicted drug dealers.

2006 Ford Mustang GT provided as a part of the grant with the Governor's Highway Safety program.

Traffic Enforcement is the backbone to fighting street crime.  Statistics show that approximately 85-90% of crime starts by the means of a motor vehicle.  Traffic stops will generate enforcement contacts and create public awareness.  It will also reduce crashes.  Traffic Enforcement deters numerous crimes that are committed on our streets and highways such as, car theft and car-jacking, transporting illegal goods, weapons and drugs.  It is clear that proactive traffic enforcement is the First Line of Defense against crime." 

Look for Caldwell County Officers to be involved in several State Programs including Booze It and Lose It, and Click It or Ticket.  They will also be involved in various checkpoints including roving patrols, general license checks, seat belt checkpoints, and DWI checkpoints throughout the counties in the program. 

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This site was last updated 07/01/08