NCJ Number
226192
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 40,42,44-48,50
Date Published
January 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes the citizen radar programs established by various police departments across the Nation.
Abstract
The organization called "Keep Kids Alive Drive 25" reports that speeding in residential neighborhoods is the greatest complaint to police departments and local governments throughout the United States. Further, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2005, 86 percent of all speeding-related traffic fatalities occurred on non-Interstate roadways where the posted speed limits were 55 mph or lower. Given the severity and prevalence of this problem, law enforcement agencies throughout the Nation are enlisting the help of volunteers to operate radar and identify speeders in their neighborhoods. Generally, citizen volunteers monitor vehicle speeds using a department-issued radar unit. The volunteer records vehicle speed and time on a log sheet. In the event a violation is observed, the volunteer will attempt to document the vehicle’s description and license plate number. Usually, letters are then mailed to the registered owners to advise them of the observed violation. The citizens who operate the radar do not issue tickets or appear in court. As a result of these citizen radar programs, drivers who speed on neighborhood streets learn they have been driving too fast and are encouraged to change their driving habits; the citizen volunteers often learn that the majority of the vehicles traveling in their neighborhoods are close to the speed limit; and police departments experience a cost-effective way to address one of citizens’ most common complaints.