Traffic Feedback Form
Do you have a traffic problem in your area that needs special attention?
Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program
The Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program (NTSP) is a joint effort between the St. Joseph Police Department, Traffic Unit, the St. Joseph Public Works & Transportation Department, and neighborhood residents for the purpose of addressing neighborhood traffic concerns relating to vehicular speeds and other traffic violations on residential streets.
I'm A Safe Driver program
Safe Driving Tips for Teen Drivers
Currently there are 7 officers who are trained Accident Reconstructionist’s, and 2 Advanced Accident Investigators. These officers are called out to investigate all fatality and any serious injury accidents where possible criminal charges may be filed. Accident Reconstructionist’s are required to have 5 weeks of intensive training at the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Advanced Accident Investigators receive 3 weeks of training also at the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The Police Department worked approximately 2,929 vehicle crashes in 2007. The Traffic Unit worked 5 fatal crashes during 2007. The following is a breakdown of vehicle crashes by classification comparing 2007 to 2006.
Breath
Alcohol Program
The Traffic unit is also responsible for all the Breath Alcohol Testing
Instruments for the Department. The Department uses two types of Breath
Alcohol Instruments, the BAC Verifier and the Alco-Sensor IV. The
Department has 5 Type II operators that are licensed by the State
of Missouri Department of Health. They are required to do monthly
maintenance on all of the instruments so they meet the criteria set
forth by the State of Missouri Department of Health. The Type II’s
is also responsible for training other personnel and the total repair
of the instruments.
Drug
Recognition Experts (DRE)
The Traffic Unit also has 3 Drug Recognition Experts (DRE), these
officers are able to identify impaired subjects who are using controlled
substances which are not readily identifiable such as alcohol. To
become a Drug Recognition Expert it is necessary to complete 76 hours
of technical training with many hours of practical exercises. Some
of the many drugs that are easily detected by a DRE are marijuana,
heroin, PCP, LSD, cocaine, methamphetamine, inhalants, and depressants.
A DRE performs a series of tests on an individual such as balance
tests, physical tests, and visual tests to determine what category
of drug they are on.
RADAR/LIDAR
The St. Joseph Police Department utilizes several types of speed measuring
devices. All patrol vehicles are equipped with a handheld Stalker
KA band moving/stationary radar. All traffic vehicles including motorcycles
are equipped with Stalker Dual KA band moving/stationary radar with
front and rear antennas. Traffic officers are also equipped with Stalker
handheld LIDAR units, these are most commonly known as LASER radar.
With the use of LIDAR, operators are able to single out violators
on heavily traveled roadways with great accuracy and distance. The
Department has 3 active RADAR and LIDAR instructors. These officers
are responsible for training and certifying new personnel and are
also responsible for the maintenance and repair of all department
RADAR and LIDAR units.
BAT
(Breath Alcohol Test) Van
In 1999
the St Joseph Police Department obtained a 1999 Ford Van. The van
was outfitted to become a Mobile Breath Alcohol test (BAT) Van. Inside
the vehicle it was equipped with an Alco- Sensor IV breath instrument,
a video recording system, and lap top computer. This purpose of the
BAT van was to cut down time spent processing alcohol related arrests,
by doing all the necessary tests and paperwork on scene, thus allowing
officers to use patrol time more efficiently.
The hours of primary use
are from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., other uses include sobriety checkpoints,
roadside safety checks, and accident investigation.
SMART
Trailer
The Traffic
Unit currently utilizes a SMART trailer. The trailer is placed at
designated locations throughout the city. These locations are generally
determined based on requests for speed enforcement. Statistical data
regarding time of day, number of vehicles, and vehicle speeds are
captured. A second SMART trailer will be in service very soon. Both
SMART trailers were purchased with LLEBG funds. Questions regarding
the speed survey trailers or speed enforcement may be directed to
the Traffic Unit at (816) 271-5359.
