Star Journal Report

The Wisconsin State Patrol plans to use airplanes in conjunction with ground-based officers to monitor motorists in Oneida and Marathon counties this month.

“We often announce enforcement efforts like this to emphasize that the goal is public safety through voluntary compliance with traffic laws – not to stop or cite motorists,” said Captain Travis Wanless from the State Patrol’s North Central Region. If weather conditions are unfavorable for flying, enforcement typically proceeds using ground-based units.

State Patrol aircraft use a timing device known as VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) along with highway markings to determine vehicle speeds. When pilots detect speeders, aggressive or reckless drivers, they contact ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop.

Aerial enforcement missions are planned for July 18 along US 51 in Marathon County, July 25 along I-39 in Marathon County and Aug. 1 along US 51 in Oneida County.

Most State Patrol aerial missions are made possible through federal funds specifically designated to support traffic law enforcement. The State Patrol analyzes data on traffic citations, crash reports and related information to identify highway corridors for enforcement initiatives.