NCJ Number
73183
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 47 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1980) Pages: 16-18,68
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on the scheduling of the specialized Traffic Task Force Unit of the Passaic Township Police Department in New Jersey and discusses its organization, operations, and impact on the community.
Abstract
Noting that the key to the unit's success is total support from top administration in personnel scheduling, the article describes the importance of having a specific organizational structure; the selection and training of officers and the benefits of practice drills; and the use of volunteer personnel. Unit operations when a fatality occurs are described, beginning with the initial call and ending with the completion of the accident report, diagrams, and officer's notes. The development of the traffic enforcement section's task force activity sheet and varied methods of enforcement are detailed. Special equipment used by the task force, such as a renovated dog control van outfitted with video, photo, and Breathalyzer equipment, is described and a brief review of the first 6 months of the unit's operation is given. Motorists stopped for violations by traffic task force officers report a higher degree of respect for their approach and methods of enforcement than for those of the regular patrol. Moreover, since the task force operation has been in effect, a comparative analysis of burglary and larceny incidents indicates a decrease in such crimes. It is concluded that such a specialized assignment of personnel produces greater achievement at no added cost to the police department budget.