Washington Township Police Department Patch  
   
   

 

  

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Washington Township Police Department
Traffic Unit

     The Traffic Bureau of the Police Department coordinates many activities dealing with roadways and motor vehicle traffic in Washington Township.

 Currently staffed by one officers, Lt. Patrick Monahan the traffic bureau assists not only the  officers and administration of the Police Department internally, but serves as a liaison to several agencies.  The Traffic Bureau works with the Township Engineer’s Office, the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Morris County Engineer’s office, on a variety of issues involving traffic flow and the condition of roadways.  Additionally, the traffic bureau helps the general public with a wide range of issues, including:

  • Coordinating the deployment of the SPEED LIMIT ADVISORY TRAILER
  • Conducting CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTIONS
  • Working with the public on roadway safety related concerns
  • Advises on the proper location of FENCES, WALLS AND OTHER STRUCTURES requested to be built near the roadway
  • Determining the need for additional enforcement activities in problematic traffic violation areas

The Traffic Bureau also has these responsibilities:

  • Coordinates traffic control plans for roadway construction projects.
  • Administers the HOT SPOT program, which is a program that allocates additional officers to enforce traffic laws in areas with a high incidence of speeding complaints, motor vehicle crashes, seat belt usage and other traffic related criteria.
  • Assists Patrol Officers with severe, fatal and complex motor vehicle crash investigations. Traffic officers have received extensive training on motor vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle crash investigation and reconstruction.
  • Reviews the need for additional or revised traffic control signs and regulations.
  • Examines traffic flow patterns and conducts speed and volume studies on township roadways and intersections.
  • Coordinates the maintenance of traffic lights and additional enforcement related police equipment.

 

LINKS: (possibly insert a picture for each type of activity)
1. SPEED LIMIT ADVISORY TRAILER: This trailer is deployed at various locations throughout the township where it has been determined that motorists are routinely violating the speed limit. The decision to deploy this trailer is based on observations by police officers as well as by requests by members of the public. The public is welcome to request that this trailer be deployed in their neighborhood, if they feel a problem exists. Please be advised that there is a strong demand for this service, so an immediate response to all requests may or may not be possible. Additionally, deployment of this trailer is routinely followed up by increased enforcement. Summonses, not warnings are usually the outcome of this enforcement. This trailer was constructed by members of the Police Department, saving over $10,000.00 over the cost of a newly purchased trailer.

2. CHILD SEAT INSECTIONS: The Traffic Bureau has two officers that have been trained in the proper installation of Child Safety Seats. It has been found that over 85% of Child Safety Seats are NOT installed properly. Inspections are done on an appointment basis, by contacting the traffic bureau.

3. FENCES, WALLS AND OTHER STRUCTURES: Local ordinance #172-43 prohibits fences, walls and other structures being located within 10 feet of a roadway or within the road right-of-way. This is a safety issue and affects motorists and pedestrians as well. Any requests for this type of construction should be made through the Building Department at the Municipal Building, who will then contact the traffic bureau to review the application. There have been instances where residents have constructed structures such as masonry mailbox posts, which pose a significant safety hazard, without a permit. These residents have been required, at their own expense, to remove these items, or face a summons and municipal court appearance.

4. HOT SPOTS: The Hot Spots program was developed by the traffic bureau, to provide additional enforcement in areas of town where it has been determined that motor vehicle violations are occurring with more frequency. Police officers are assigned to these areas and are instructed to vigorously enforce existing traffic laws, such as speeding, stop sign violations, pedestrian crosswalk violations, right on red light violations, etc. Residents may call or e-mail the traffic bureau to request additional enforcement in their neighborhoods. Hot Spots rotate on a monthly or bi-weekly basis, depending on deman
 
 
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