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Summerville is experiencing phenomenal growth from
22,000 in 1995 to over 42,000 in 2007, with over 3500 additional
housing units proposed for the next five years. The corresponding
traffic increase on our roadways combined with increased traffic
collisions presents many challenges for our Traffic Unit. In the
past 10 years, only 3 homicides occurred in our jurisdiction, but we
had 15 traffic related fatalities. Traffic officers
concentrate on enforcement in high traffic areas, in areas where
traffic complaints are received as well as in identified locations
where collisions occur. They accomplish this by speed enforcement,
videotaping intersections, patrolling for aggressive
drivers, and other various enforcement initiatives. A primary goal
for this unit is the efficient and effective movement of traffic on
our roadways
This division currently has nine
officers assigned:
Lt. Robert Burris, Sergeant
Steve Allison,
Pfc. Roger Medlock
,
Pfc. Bill Tolson,
Pfc.
Shari
Driggers,
Pfc. Scott Emmons, Pfc. Antonio Gantt,
and
PFC. Robert Blajszczak.
These Officers utilize unmarked and
semi-marked patrol vehicles.. Pfc.
Medlock, Pfc. Tolson and Pfc. Emmons utilize Harley Davidson Police
Motorcycles. The vehicles are equipped with state of the art
devices to enhance their enforcement efforts. The cars are equipped
with in-car camera systems to record traffic stops, crash
investigations and other public contacts.
The team utilizes Ka-band Radars and
Kustom Prolaser III LIDAR (laser) units. They also utilize two SMART
Trailers (Speed Display Trailers) which can be placed into
neighborhoods to show drivers their speeds and illustrate to a
neighborhood whether they in fact have a traffic problem. The
trailers are equipped with computers to record the speeds and times
the speeds are registered. A StealthStat is also used to determine
the location and times of speed problems. Roughly the size of a
suitcase, StealthStat is designed to be securely mounted (and
locked) on a street pole where it gathers information regarding the
speed and times of day of passing vehicles. Bob and Rick also work with the community on
Child Restraint Systems, helping teach parents on how to install CRS
seats.
Any information concerning traffic please contact us. We value your
comments.
Lieutenant
Robert Burris completed
extensive accident investigation and reconstruction training
including all phases of accident investigation classes offered by
the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, achieving certification
as a Traffic Safety Officer. He attended the Institute of Police
Technology and Management (IPTM) at the University of Northern
Florida for courses on Accident Reconstruction; Human Factors and
Visibility Concepts hampering Perception and Reaction Times; and
Laser Instructor. Bob also attended several Special Problems in
Accident Reconstruction seminars at IPTM and he attended a
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accident Reconstruction at Texas A&M
University. He is currently certified as an instructor in the
following areas: RADAR, LASER, Child Restraint Technician, and
Advanced DUI Techniques.
Sergeant
Steve Allison
Sgt. Allison began his career as a Reserve Officer while serving in
the U.S.A.F. Sgt. Allison became a full time officer after his
retirement from the U.S.A.F.
Kustom
Prolaser III
The Prolaser, using L.I.D.A.R. (Light Detection and Ranging
technology), emits a series of infrared laser light pulses to
measure both the range and velocity of targets. It emits
approximately 200 to 300 light pulses per second, measuring the
change in distance. The beam width is approx. 3 feet wide at 1,000
feet, making this unit target specific. Aiming is helped by a
heads-up display (HUD). Most of our targets are at the 300 – 400
foot range, but targets may be acquired at over 2000 feet.
Obtain a
Copy of Your Accident Report
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