ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Chief of Police with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending CHAPTER 28 (Traffic and Motor Vehicles), ARTICLE IV (Operation of Vehicle) of the CODE of the City of Peoria, Specifically Section 28-149-Reckless Driving; subsection (b) TOWING AND IMPOUNDMENT.
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BACKGROUND: With the growing heroin and opioid epidemic, there has also been an increase of drivers suspected of operating motor vehicles while under the influence of heroin and opioids. This reckless behavior is not only placing themselves at additional risk, but the community as well.
In close collaboration with the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office, a balanced response was designed for officers to efficiently investigate these circumstances and take appropriate enforcement action. This enforcement approach addresses incidents where a driver is suspected of heroin or opioid impairment, in a position of control of the motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle on either a public or private way.
The police response to these circumstances will include a referral to the Peoria County State's Attorney's Office requesting charges for the criminal offense of Driving under the Influence of Drugs. Additionally, the subject will be issued a traffic citation for the criminal violation of Illinois state statute Reckless Driving.
Although the existing City Code allows for the towing and impoundment of motor vehicles for Reckless Driving on a public way or property owned by the City of Peoria, it does not allow this enforcement action for those motor vehicles on private property.
The proposed amendment requests language to Chapter 28 Section149 Reckless Driving (b) to allow for the police officer to tow a vehicle under these circumstances if/when the motor vehicle is on any portion of any public or private property.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Impaired drivers from heroin/opioid use are a danger to themselves and the welf...
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