Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron is pleased to announce the introduction of the S.T.O.P.P.E.D program (Sheriff Telling Our Parents Promoting Educated Drivers) in St. Mary’s County.

 The S.T.O.P.P.E.D. program offers parents this voluntary notification system to extend their watchful eyes and raise awareness of minor drivers. The program provides young drivers with a visible reminder of parental supervision and provides parents with a means to better inform them of their children’s driving behavior. This program will allow parents to take corrective action and avert potential problems and tragedies.

 This is how the program works. Parents voluntarily register with the Sheriff’s Office by completing a registration card for each vehicle that will be operated by a child under the age of 18. An identification decal is then affixed to each registered vehicle on the driver’s side top left of the rear windshield.

 If the vehicle is stopped by a St. Mary’s County Deputy, the officer completes a notification card with the date, time and location of the stop, the reason for the stop, information on the driver and occupants and if citations or warnings were issued. All notifications will be sent directly to parents by Email or U.S. Mail.

 The intent of this program is to keep parents informed, instill good driving habits in youthful drivers and reduce the number of auto accidents involving young drivers.

 Registration can be done online at www.firstsheriff.com or at the Sheriffs Office at 23150 Leonard Hall Road Leonardtown, Maryland 20650.