Traffic Division

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 eight officers assigned: Lt. Robert Burris, Sgt. Richard Peeples, Cpl. Robert Shingler, Pfc. Roger Medlock , Pfc. Bill Tolson, Pfc. Shari Driggers, Pfc. Russ Conklin and Pfc. Scott Emmons. 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 Richard Peeples began his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Beaufort County Sheriffs Department in 1996 and joined the Summerville Police Department in 2000. Before being assigned to the Traffic Division in 2007 he served in the Patrol and Training Divisions and was the departments Field Training Officer Manager. Sergeant Richard Peeples 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 is currently an instructor for ASP baton, a Traffic Occupant Protection Strategies trainer, an In-car video instructor, a Field Training Officer, and a Criminal Domestic Violence Instructor for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

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.

	2004 - 2007 COMPARISON

		2007	2006	2005	2004

Total Traffic Collisions		1,897	1,670	1,623	1,629

Fatal Traffic Collisions		1	4	2	0

Injuries		414	369	403	369

Property Damage		$5,552,800	$4,222,250	$3,945,590	$3,928,445