A statewide program is being utilized by 18 police departments to stop drivers from using cell phones.

Each department is receiving $4,000 from the state division of highway traffic safety to keep officers on cell phone patrol. The funds are being allocated as part of the program called "Hang Up, Just Drive."

Hillside is one of the departments taking advantage of the program.

"We're not looking for anything else but cell phone violations and unfortunately there [are] enough of them out there to stay busy all day," says Hillside Police Lt. Michael Katsoudas.

The department is combating the crime by placing one officer as a spotter in an unmarked car. After the spotter catches someone holding a phone behind the wheel, he or she radios other cops nearby.

Hillside police will be posted at random intersections for the next few weeks. Officers hope the $100 ticket violators receive will discourage them from repeating the crime in the future and potentially putting others at risk.

"Hang Up, Just Drive" will run through March 15.