NCJ Number
93052
Journal
Journal of California Law Enforcement Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (1982) Pages: 127-133
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
While this survey of State police agencies found some disadvantages in the use of moving radar, overall it was determined that there are few areas (excepting city streets and urban expressways during peak traffic) where the moving radar is not the most effective method of enforcing the speed limit.
Abstract
During January 1981, a questionnaire was sent the State police and highway patrol agencies in 47 of the 48 contiguous States (California was not included because the legislature has refused to appropriate funds for the purchase of radar units). Of the 45 State police and highway patrols that responded, only Pennsylvania and Rhode Island did not operate moving radar. Survey questions covered number of years of use, training, acceptance by the courts, and benefits and weaknesses. Another questionnaire was distributed to 114 Illinois State police officers, with all but three responding. About three of every four States that operate the equipment have done so for more than 5 years, and more than half of these agencies have performed some evaluation of the equipment; however, most of these assessments have been limited to a comparison of operating characteristics among the units or to the performance of a particular manufacturer's unit. The weaknesses most often identified were the need for more training in the use of the equipment, a tendency for officers using the equipment to give less emphasis to detecting violations other than speeding, greater opportunity for incorrect identification of the violator, and lack of space to turn the patrol vehicle around to pursue a speeder traveling in the opposite direction. The major benefits indicated are increased officer mobility as speeds are monitored while the officers maintain patrol, the negation of the effectiveness of radar detectors and CB radios in avoiding detection, and greater productivity in catching speeders. The courts are generally upholding the use of moving radar in the hands of adequately trained officers. Tabular data are provided for the plea and disposition of speeding citations in Illinois for 1980 and the rating of methods for enforcing the speed limit. Comments received from the Illinois troopers are included.