Knoxville — Complaints arose last year regarding law enforcement patrol in and around Marion County during Knoxville Nationals. The Iowa State Patrol says its efforts are for safety, and the level of patrol will be the same during the 2012 Knoxville Nationals.
"Our level (of patrol) around the Nationals has been about the same for the past 10 years," Lt. Ken Clary of the Iowa State Patrol said this afternoon. He said he heard of only two complaints last year. In one case, the individual ticketed had improperly registered a motor carrier as a motor home.
Clary said his department and the Department of Transportation attempted to get information to the drivers early on, to help race teams avoid any disputes with these agencies.
Knoxville's population is approximately 7,300. During the Nationals, it can grow to as much as 50,000. This can put a strain on the Knoxville Police Department and Marion County Sheriff's Office.
"They need all of the help they can get," Clary said. All law enforcement officers do what they can to maintain the safety of the roads.
"I think we do the best job we can," Clary said.
The departments said if all drivers take proper precautions and follow the law, there should be no problem. The agencies' goal is not to ticket as many people as possible, but to ensure a safe event. The increased patrol will begin Monday, Aug. 6, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 12.
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