The International Association of Chiefs of Police will recognize the Howard County Police Department for encouraging seat-belt use last year.

The association focused on the department's work in the statewide Chief's Challenge program, an annual two-month-long spring initiative targeting motorists not wearing seat belts.

During the program, the department issued about 1,500 tickets for failure to wear seat belts.

Violators of the state seat belt law face a $25 fine.

County officials estimate that about 80 percent of residents wear seat belts.

The department was also recognized for inspecting child safety seats and seat belts throughout the year.

Police Chief Wayne Livesay and Cpl. Paul Yodzis will accept the award in Charlotte, N.C., at the end of October. "It is quite an honor," Livesay said.

County officials submit their results to the association every year. The department is compared with hundreds of departments of similar size nationwide.

Howard County also received an award in 1992.