New traffic enforcement program hits the streets

For those tempting fate and trying to recklessly drive through town, think again. The new Maricopa Police Department is not only relying on its own eyes to police the roads, but those of the public.

Chief Patrick Melvin and his fellow officers are unveiling a new traffic enforcement program to keep the public safe and the roads moving smoothly. Part of that program is utilizing motorcycles to enforce traffic laws.

“Our motorcycle officers that we hired are in a motorcycle transition school (Kawasaki to Honda) and will be ready to go on Monday (July 16),” Melvin said. “While a number of departments have used Kawasaki’s for years and they are a workhorse, we will be using a pair of Hondas. Our Hondas (police edition motorcycle) are water-cooled, very durable and last forever. They are being tested right now with the new officers.”

Melvin, who was at one time a motorcycle officer with the city of Phoenix, noted the Maricopa force will continue to grow in the weeks and months ahead. “We have two motorcycle officers and our program will also consist of commercial vehicle enforcement,” Melvin said. “We have 10 to 12 more officers who will be involved in the program within the next 30 days. Every one on our force has the ability to assist with the traffic enforcement function.”

In the transition from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to the MPD, Melvin noted street recognition has been a key learning point, along with working the bugs out of the department’s computer system, but it is coming together.

When it comes to traffic enforcement around town, Melvin notes getting the traffic unit up before the start of school (Aug. 13) is important. “We’re going to be very visible for when it is time for the kids to go back to school,” Melvin said. “Children are our future and we value them, along with the parents and everyone else on the road.”

“I mention all the time – please obey the speed limits as they’re there for a reason,” Melvin commented. “If you drive the speed limit, you will be safer. The speed limit is the speed limit. We’re not out there just trying to catch people. Plan ahead; leave earlier so you don’t feel like you have to increase the speed.”

Melvin said officers will be depending on the community – they’re the eyes and ears. “We’ll listen to the complaints we receive,” Melvin continued. “We had a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office initiated traffic detail yesterday (July 9) and we were able to slow a lot of people down all over the city. Any type of progressive driving is a safety issue. Citizens can get a license plate and description of a vehicle. If we get that, we’ll be sending a letter saying that one of our citizens saw you doing an unsafe action and you need to slow it down so everyone in Maricopa will be safe. This is a working partnership with the community.”

If people do get pulled over, tickets are not always the norm, but Melvin warns officers will assess each situation to see what the best way is to handle the issue. “When people are pulled over, there are discretions involved,” Melvin said. “I would say that if there is a traffic violation and there was a safety issue; I can almost guarantee a citation is going to be issued.” Melvin said while warnings can sometimes be issued, warnings don’t always change the behavior.

As Maricopa’s new traffic enforcement program hits the roads, Melvin was quick to point out the cooperation his officers have received from a number of other entities. “I want to give my hats off to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and also our colleagues at the Department of Public Safety, the Casa Grande Department, Ak-Chin, Gila River, the City of Phoenix and the Gilbert Police Department. They’ve all helped us and I look forward to working with them not only presently, but in the future,” Melvin said.

As for now, Melvin cautions residents trying to guess when and where his forces will be. “I would caution anyone to guess where we are,” Melvin said. “You never know where we’ll be. We’re not out trying to give everyone a ticket; we’re just looking to make it a little safer for everyone in the community.”

Editor’s note: To make a report to the traffic hotline, call (520) 316-6919.