NCJ Number
226494
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 76 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 46,48,50
Date Published
March 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and success of the Area Traffic Officer (ATO) program established in the Irvine Police Department (IPD) to maximize traffic flow.
Abstract
In response to the growth trend and the expectations of the community, the Irvine Police Department (IPD) assessed the feasibility of establishing an Area Traffic Officer (ATO) program and implemented the ATO program in 2003. The program is aimed at implementing problem-solving strategies with an emphasis on long-lasting solutions. The program consists of three ATOs responsible for investigating and resolving complex traffic-related issues in his/her respective geographic area. The officers serve both to complement and to bolster Irvine’s geographic policing strategy with a direct line of communication with residents, schools, parents, and business leaders to develop proactive and sustainable solutions to traffic issues. An ATO program can greatly improve communications with the community at large and proactively identify and resolve traffic-related concerns, alleviate existing strain on law enforcement resources, and decrease traffic accidents. 3 figures