Money from Arizona’s medical marijuana program will help the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office bring back motorcycle patrols for the first time in more than a decade.
The agency has been given a six-figure grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has not had motorcycle patrols since 2008 due to a lack of deputies and funding.
In a news release, Sheriff Paul Penzone said he’s heard a lot about dangerous drivers. He called motorcycles one of the most effective tools to promote traffic safety.
Penzone’s deputies will ride five new motorcycles thanks to a $167,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, which drew a $10 million transfer from Arizona’s medical marijuana fund, after voters legalized recreational cannabis.
The highway safety office still has more than 40% of the money left to give out as grants.