ABOUT THE TRAFFIC UNIT

The Traffic Unit is managed by one Operation Division sergeant, a responsibility that he/she is given in addition to his/her normal duties. The assigned sergeant is responsible for logistics and placement of the speed awareness unit; gathering accident statistics to locate areas of concern; direct traffic enforcement in identified trouble areas; administering public education programs on seatbelt awareness, helmet laws, DUI, etc.; and managing citizen generated traffic complaints. The traffic sergeant is also responsible for all traffic related equipment including maintenance of the department's police motorcycles.

The traffic sergeant is assisted by two traffic officers. The traffic officers must have the experience and desire to work with traffic related issues. Additionally, they must successfully complete a P.O.S.T. approved 80-hour police motorcycle training school. Traffic officers receive additional training in motorcycle traffic enforcement, radar enforcement, and traffic accident investigation.

In addition to the above duties, the motorcycle officers are responsible for dealing with traffic complaints in the residential, commercial, and industrial areas of the city. These officers are also given the task of identifying and removing abandoned vehicles anywhere within the city limits.

The Traffic Unit also works closely with the California Highway Patrol in both training and enforcement. Periodic joint enforcement programs, such as DUI checkpoints and speed enforcement in targeted areas, are held several times throughout the year.