MSP extends HEAT program through end of year, targeting speeding, criminal activity

(ABC 6 News) – The Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) announced on Wednesday they are extending its Highway Enforcement for Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) program through the end of the year.

As a result, motorists will continue to see a significant State Patrol presence on highways across the state while troopers focusing on excessive speeding and criminal activity.

“Our HEAT patrols are working. Fatalities are down nearly 10% from this time last year, but we’re still seeing too many deadly crashes and too many people driving dangerously,” said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.

Through December, troopers from neighboring districts will work in teams to saturate a specific enforcement area.

In addition to troopers on the freeway, State Patrol aviation will be used during HEAT patrols to ensure drivers attempting to flee from traffic stops will be located and held accountable.

The State Patrol first began the HEAT program in February to focus on traffic safety while providing an increased law enforcement presence in Minneapolis, but that was expanded across the state in March.

Since its start, troopers have worked over 11,000 hours and logged more than 252,000 miles.

Statewide HEAT Enforcement Feb. 14-Aug. 30:

• Traffic Stops: 20,067
• Citations: 9,197
• Speed Citations: 6,398
• Arrests: 191
• DWI Arrests: 91

Speed-Related Fatalities Jan. 1–Aug. 30

• 2022: 81
• 2021: 117

Overall Fatalities Jan. 1-Aug. 30

• 2022: 280
• 2021: 305

“Our goal is to educate drivers on the dangers of speed along with enforcement,” said Col. Langer. “By following posted speed limits, we all can help keep Minnesotans safer.”