Springfield, Mo. – A partnership between the Springfield Police Department and Lights On! brings an innovative community-driven program to Springfield that replaces tickets with no-cost repair vouchers.
Through the program, when a Springfield police officer conducts a routine traffic stop involving a mechanical violation (e.g., burned out light bulb, broken turn signal), instead of issuing a ticket for the violation, the officer can provide a voucher for free repair at a participating local auto repair shop.
Bringing the program to Springfield was an idea first discussed with the Chief’s Citizen Advisory Group, which unanimously agreed to support the initiative.
“We are proud to adopt this program,” Chief Paul Williams said. “For some families, a broken taillight or headlight can sometimes mean choosing between a minor auto repair and buying groceries. A citation for these minor offenses can lead to further financial strain and will most likely lead to additional interactions with law enforcement, but we have a duty to ensure cars on the road are safe. This program gives officers a useful tool to engage with drivers and offer a helpful solution, rather than a ticket or fine.”
The Lights On! initiative will launch in Springfield this spring.
“As a former Police Chief and the MN Commissioner of Public Safety, the simplicity and effectiveness of Lights On! is second to none,” said John M. Harrington, CEO of Lights On!. “Instead of punishing drivers for broken lights, we can fix the mechanical issue and mitigate what often becomes a downward spiral for community members in need. We are giving officers a new tool on their toolbelt that enhances trust and creates positive community police interactions.”
Lights On! program is partnered with 175 law enforcement agencies across 21 states and surpassed the milestone of 10,000 vouchers redeemed in 2022. That’s 10,000 restorative interactions and 10,000 safer cars on the road.
Interested local auto service providers can sign up to be a Lights On! service location at LightsOnUS.Org/auto-shops.
The Lights On! program is supported by its parent organization, MicroGrants, and via community donations. The Springfield NAACP kicked off local fundraising efforts with a $2,500 donation.
“The NAACP is proud to support this effort to facilitate a more positive, restorative interaction between our Springfield police officers and the community,” NAACP President Kai Sutton said.
Community members and businesses interested in supporting the Lights On! program in Springfield can learn more and donate at LightsOnUS.org.
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Media Contact: PAO Cris Swaters
417-864-1786
[email protected]
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
