Enforcement Tools
A variety of enforcement tools are available to combat a wide range of crash causes:
Red Light Cameras
Red Light Cameras automate enforcement of traffic signal compliance. In Chicago this program has already helped reduce the number of red light violations at 30 city intersections by an average of 40 percent. The city has pledged to increase the number of intersections with cameras. In 2006, Illinois passed legislation to enable communities in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, McHenry, St. Clair and Will counties to use automated enforcement for red light violations.
Speed Trailers
The Speed Trailer reads the speed of an approaching vehicle and displays it on a large digital board on the trailer. The speed limit sign for that particular roadway is placed above the digital display board. In addition, the trailer can also record each vehicle’s speed and provide statistical reports for use in the analysis of providing additional enforcement in that neighborhood and for determining other methods for reducing vehicle speeds. This device provides positive feedback to the motorist of its speed and brings its speed to a higher level of attention letting them know to slow down if they are speeding
CPD Targeted Traffic Team (T3)
The Chicago Police Department is launching a new initiative aimed at enhancing enforcement of traffic laws at various targeted locations throughout the City. This plan is modeled after our successful nationally recognized crime reduction targeting strategy that uses intelligent analysis of statistical data, coupled with feedback from the community, to put our Officers where the crime is occurring. The new T3, consists of three (3) teams of Police Officers and Sergeants who will target locations that have been selected for enhanced enforcement based upon accident data and input from the community, the Aldermen and District Commanders.
In addition to using normal traffic enforcement techniques, Officers will use LIDAR Speed Guns--innovative hand held devices that point infrared light beams at offending vehicles to determine speed. Once a T3 Officer has been able to determine the speed of an offending motorist, the Officer will communicate via radio to other T3 Officers enabling them to target and stop the offending vehicle and take appropriate enforcement action. The T3 will be assigned to the most problematic areas of the City, covering up to three locations or small geographical areas simultaneously each day
Crosswalk Stings
This tactic is a method for making an impact upon drivers who fail to respect pedestrian rights. Well done, it takes advantage of the news media's interest in news, reaching drivers through news broadcasts. A crosswalk sting uses a plainclothes police officer as a decoy who tries to cross an intersection. If a driver does not stop, uniformed officers stationed nearby are radioed to flag down the driver and issue a citation.
Speed Enforcement
A National Highway Safety Administration report (1998) concluded that there were four conditions necessary for effective speed enforcement:
The United States Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), has an excellent guide, Speeding in Residential Areas. It is available at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=284
Roadside Safety Checks
Roadside Safety Checks are primarily used to apprehend drivers who are operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The program also offers an opportunity to issue citations to drivers for cell phone, seat belt, and drivers license violations. During roadside checks officers slow the traffic flow, stopping cars at regular intervals, speaking with drivers and watching for signs of alcohol impairment and other violations as indicated above. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds roadside safety checks through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Saturation Patrols
The purpose of the program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers who continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speeding, safety belt and alcohol-related violations. Police vehicles equipped for speed detection are deployed to apprehend speeding violators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds saturation patrols through the Illinois Department of Transportation.