Police Patrols Heightened In Howard County As School Resumes

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Starting Monday, Howard County police officers will be increasing patrol efforts in the roads surrounding schools for the first several weeks of the school year.

According to the police department, officers will focus on drivers who are speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians or driving distracted. They also will be checking for seat belt and child safety seat use to make sure everyone is properly restrained through the annual back-to-school initiative known as H.A.S.T.E. (Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement).

The police department also reminds drivers that all buses with the Howard County Public School System have external cameras designed to discourage drivers from illegally passing buses. The fine in Maryland for illegally passing a school bus is $250.

The department’s speed camera program also encourages drivers to slow down in school zones and has fines set at $40. The cameras are rotated among various school zones in the county, which are posted in advance and updated every week at hcpd.org.

Lighted stop signs also have been distributed to all crossing guards in an effort to improve visibility and the safety of students and guards. The signs were funded by fines collected through HCPD’s Automated Enforcement programs.

Related:

'Make Every Second Count' Howard County Schools Supervisor Advises Students, Staff