Petaluma PD becomes first agency in Northern California to launch "Lights On!" partnership bringing repair vouchers to the community 
Lights On! Partners with The Petaluma Police Department to Bring Mission to Petaluma Community
Innovative Community-Driven Program Partners with Law
Enforcement and Auto Service Providers to Replace Tickets with Repair Vouchers at No Cost
Petaluma- November 6, 2023– Lights On! – a community-driven program with the mission to heal police-community relationships – announced the expansion into Petaluma in partnership with the Petaluma Police Department. This is the first partnership in Northern California!
Through the program, when a Petaluma Police Officer is engaging in a routine traffic stop involving a mechanical violation (e.g., burned out light bulb, broken turn signal), instead of issuing a ticket for the violation, the officer can provide a voucher for free repair at a participating local auto repair shops. The Petaluma Police department iis pleased to partner with the following businesses for this program:
- Local Heroes
- Hansel Autogroup
“As a former Police Chief and the MN Commissioner of Public Safety, the simplicity and effectiveness of Lights On! is second to none,” says John M. Harrington, CEO of Lights On!. “Instead of punishing drivers for broken lights, we can fix the mechanical issue and mitigate what often becomes a downward spiral for community members in need. We are giving officers a new tool on their toolbelt that enhances trust and creates positive community police interactions. ”
“We are proud to adopt this program,” said Deputy Chief Brian Miller. “For some families, a broken taillight or turn signal can sometimes mean choosing between a minor auto repair and buying groceries. A citation for these minor offenses can lead to further financial strain and will most likely lead to additional confrontations with law enforcement, and even possible vehicle impoundment, but we have a duty to keep safe cars on the road. This program gives officers a useful tool to engage with drivers and offer a helpful solution, rather than a ticket or fine.”
The Lights On! initiative has officially launched in Petaluma as of today, Monday, November 6th 2023. Lights On! program is partnered with 163 law enforcement agencies across 21 states and surpassed the 10,000 voucher redeemed milestone in 2022. That’s 10,000 restorative interactions and 10,000 safer cars on the road.
Interested local auto service providers can sign up to be a Lights On! service location at LightsOnUS.Org/auto-shops.
The Lights On! program is supported by its parent organization, MicroGrants, and via community donations. To learn more or donate, visit LightsOnUS.Org.
About Lights On!
Lights On! is an award-winning program with the mission to heal police-community relationships. The program was founded after the unnecessary death of Philando Castile who was shot during a traffic stop. The police rationale for the stop was a broken taillight. Participating law enforcement agencies replace equipment violation tickets with Lights On! repair vouchers redeemable for free repairs at partnered auto shops. The vouchers reduce the financial burden that could lead to a potential downward spiral for community members in need as well as creates a positive interaction between drivers and officers. Lights On! is a program of MicroGrants, a non-profit dedicated to providing people of potential with grants that spur economic stability. For more information or to donate, visit LightsOnUS.org
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP PETPD followed by your message, to 888777
