Police Panel Approves Rules

For Traffic Unit, Motorcycle Patrol

By Andrew Gorosko

Police Commission members have approved two new policies that explain the function and operations of a planned traffic enforcement unit, as well as the police motorcycle patrol.

After review, Police Commission members approved the two policies, which were proposed by Police Chief Michael Kehoe at a May 6 session.

During the past two months, police have intensified their traffic law enforcement, focusing on aggressive driving, speeding, and distracted driving. In the enforcement project, police, who are working on an overtime basis, target specific violations at specified locations in seeking public compliance with traffic laws.

The traffic enforcement unit may be formed by July, Chief Kehoe said this week.

The traffic unit’s goal is to reduce the number of local motor vehicle accidents and related injuries by promoting the safe and efficient movement of traffic. The unit’s mission is to vigorously enforce state and local traffic laws, with the goal of an improved quality of life for town residents.

The traffic unit will be comprised of a lieutenant and a supervisory sergeant, plus uniformed patrol officers. The policy lists many general duties of the traffic unit. 

These duties include identifying traffic problem areas through statistical analysis and citizen complaints, after which traffic safety and traffic enforcement programs would be created to address those problems.

After traffic problem areas are identified, selective traffic enforcement projects would be conducted in those places.

Also, the traffic unit would specifically work to find and apprehend motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Additionally, the unit would enforce speed violations and other quality-of-life traffic violations. It also would enforce automotive equipment violations.

The traffic unit would identify areas that have high accident rates, after which it would develop programs to reduce the number of accidents occurring in those places.

The traffic unit also would enforce laws pertaining to commercial trucks.

The unit will be responsible for assisting the police department at all fatal motor vehicle accidents, at accidents involving expected fatalities, at accidents involving serious injuries, and at all serious accidents that involve town-owned vehicles or vehicles from other municipalities, state agencies, and federal agencies.

The traffic unit would aid the police department in investigating difficult cases involving motorists who have evaded responsibility in hit-and-run accidents.

Special tasks for the traffic unit would include conducting traffic surveys, preparing reports, and formulating parking control measures for new or redeveloped commercial sites and also for new residential subdivisions.

The unit would do such work when requested by the first selectman, the Police Commission and other town agencies, when such work is sanctioned by the police chief.

The traffic unit would provide traffic safety education for the public and for town agencies.

Specialized training for officers in the traffic unit would include study of advanced accident investigation techniques and traffic management measures.

Also, the unit would work closely with the town engineer to address traffic problems and improve public safety. It also would review all requests for the installation of various traffic control devices and determine whether there is a need for such devices.

When requested, the traffic unit would take traffic counts at specified locations, describing traffic volumes and traffic speeds, among other information.

Police Commission members also approved a new policy on the use of police motorcycles.

“Typically, the police motorcycle will be used to augment the mission of our traffic safety and enforcement strategies,” according to the Police Commission.

Police currently have a 2007 black-and-chrome Harley-Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide motorcycle, which is used by patrol Officer Steve Ketchum for traffic enforcement. The motorcycle has been in use for about a year.

The motorcycle officer must have completed a police motorcycle operator’s training course.

Motorcycle usage will be dependent upon factors including weather conditions, road conditions, and staffing levels.

No passengers will be allowed on the motorcycle. The motorcycle cannot be used for pursuing vehicles. The motorcycle may be used to apprehend suspects fleeing on foot in areas where use of larger police vehicles is not possible. The motorcycle must not be driven faster than 65 miles per hour.

Police motorcyclists must wear a motorcycle patrol uniform, including a helmet.