History – 1960-1969: Expanding Roles & Responsibilities
1960
The first sections of interstate are opened. The Utah Legislature empowers the DPS
with authority to set guidelines for alcohol testing. Trooper George Dee Rees is killed on July 2, 1960.
1961
The Utah Highway Patrol purchases its first aircraft, a single-engine, four-seat Piper Comanche. The UHP headquarters moves from the State Capitol into the new State Office Building directly behind the Capitol.
1964
The “Utah Law Enforcement Teletype Network” is established, linking all dispatch centers in Utah and within the continental United States.
1965
The Utah Highway Patrol provides security for the Governor. All troopers receive riot control training and are issued a riot helmet.
1966
Weighmen and dispatchers are designated as troopers and receive basic training in weapons, report writing, and accident investigation at Camp Williams.
1967
Senate Bill 66, an act providing for the training of peace officers and the establishment of a training academy, is signed into law by Governor Rampton. Utah law reduces the presumptive level of driving under the influence to .08 percent BAC, the lowest in the nation.
1968
Utah is connected to the “National Criminal Information Center” (NCIC.) UHP cars are equipped with the first electronic sirens.
1969
Trooper Chuck Warren is shot during a felony stop of a stolen vehicle.