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| Two Traffic Unit Officers on motorcycles |
The mission of the Traffic Safety Unit is to gain voluntary compliance with the California Vehicle Code to increase safety for the motoring and pedestrian public. To this end, the Traffic Unit utilizes a multitude of proactive enforcement efforts, preventative patrols, technology, community education and analysis of traffic collision data.
It is a goal of the El Cerrito Police Department to decrease speed-related collisions. Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes, and is a factor in one-third of all fatal crashes in California
In 2006, the number of collisions were down over 12% to 502 collisions, compared with previous years. This decline is attributed to the fact that El Cerrito traffic officers issued more speed citations compared with the previous year. Although no driver likes to receive a citation, the Citys increased enforcement efforts led to a positive reduction in injury and non-injury collisions.
The El Cerrito Police Department responds to all vehicle collisions including those on private property and those collisions causing property damage only. Our Department is committed to providing service to our residents and responding to every collision is an example of our service and dedication.
Radar Trailer Requests
Residents and Business owners can request the "Radar Trailer"
The Radar Trailer can be deployed on City streets and is an effective visual reminder to drivers to maintain the speed limit and is a useful tool for the police department too.
There is a computer inside the radar trailer that tracks the vehicle count. For example, if the trailer is out for 8 hours the computer tracks the speed and the time all of the vehicles that pass the trailer during that time. This data about traffic flow and speed is then reviewed by a police officer. As a follow-up to the request for the radar trailer, an officer will often conduct traffic enforcement at the same location.
The collected data is also useful when preparing an Engineering and Traffic Survey.
REQUEST THE RADAR TRAILER ON YOUR STREET
To request the radar trailer, contact Officer John Molica jmolica@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or call during business hours at (510) 215-4436. When sending an email or leaving a message, be sure to include the following:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your contact information (phone and or email)
- Location where you are requesting the trailer (must be a City street)
- Time of day when you are requesting the trailer
- Brief description regarding the problem (such as speeding vehicles, reckless drivers, etc.)
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Special Events and Enforcement Efforts
The Traffic Unit is closely involved with City events such as the Martin Luther King and 4th of July parades, Tri-City Safety Day, and classroom safety presentations at local schools. The Traffic Unit also conducts directed and preventative patrols regarding pedestrian safety, speed enforcement and driving under the influence. The Traffic Unit in association with Contra Costa County's, 'Avoid the 25' anti-DUI campaign, hosts at least one DUI checkpoint in El Cerrito. Driver's License checkpoints are held throughout the City on a regular basis. The officers assigned to the Traffic Unit are also responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement by directing enforcement efforts toward commercial vehicles such as semi trucks.
ECPD Wins Law Enforcement Challenge Award
For the 2nd year in a row, the El Cerrito Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit has received recognition from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for the Department's outstanding efforts in traffic safety. In 2007, the Police Department placed first among agencies of similar size in the California Law Enforcement Challenge.
Traffic safety efforts by the Police Department include speed enforcement, DUI suppression and education, occupant protection (proper seat belt & child safety seat use) as well as pedestrian and bicycle safety matters. The Traffic Unit also worked with Mother's Against Dunk Driving (MADD) in 2007 to bring an alcohol awareness program to Harding Elementary School.
Download the CLEC Award Ceremony Program Book (PDF, 12031Kb)
The Department received a second place award in 2006. Read more about the 2006 award.
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