Traffic Section
The Mesa Police Traffic Section is charged with ensuring that all streets
of this city are as safe as possible for its citizens, by enforcing all
motor vehicle laws and removing unsafe drivers and vehicles from our
roadways.
The Mesa Police Traffic Section was formed in response to the
increase of traffic; traffic collisions and traffic related
offenses in one of the fastest growing communities in the
country. It is dedicated to reducing injuries and fatalities
caused by vehicle collisions. The Traffic Section's 50-member
force is able to accomplish this through enforcement and
education. Members of the Traffic Section not only enforce and
investigate traffic laws, but they also educate our citizens
through traffic safety seminars and presentations. The Traffic
Section also assures that each member of the Mesa Police
Department receives the latest training related to DUI and
traffic investigations.
The Traffic Section consists of 36 sworn and 8 civilian
personnel. The sworn personnel include 1 Lieutenant, 4
Sergeants, 1 Master Police Officer (MPO), 22 Motorcycle Officers
(Motors), 5 Reconstructionists, and 3 Hit and Run Detectives.
Additionally some Motors serve as Reconstructionists and Truck
Inspectors when needed.
8 un-uniformed civilians include: 6 Photo Radar personnel, 1
Administrative Aide and our new Traffic Program Coordinator
regarding new Arizona Law and impounded vehicles.
Traffic History
Mesa Police used a motorcycle as far back as 1924. This
motorcycle was an Ace Sporting Motorcycle and its test speed was
a whopping 129.6 mph. In 1935 we used a 41 Overhead Harley
Davidson. The first Motorcycle Squad was established March 17,
1978; and the first female officer to "RIDE" was in 1986.
Enforcement
A major cause of vehicle collisions are from excessive speed.
The Traffic Section strives to reduce these collisions through
selective enforcement in our residential areas and school
zones. The department has a growing
photo safety program that utilizes cameras to capture
violators who speed or run red lights. The innovative equipment
is provided by American Traffic Solutions, Inc., and the program
is expanding to cover more intersections and incorporate
vehicles who run red lights when making left turns. In 2005
alone there were 64 fatalities from 61 collisions, a new record
we would like to not repeat. PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY.