PWCPD Spoitlight: Department’s Traffic Unit Serving Our Roadways!

Prince William County Public Schools started classes on Aug. 18, and one of the things residents may notice is members of the Police Department’s Traffic Unit enforcing traffic laws and educating commuters about school zone safety.

“School zones aren’t just about speed limits,” said Master Police Officer (MPO) Michael Casey, a member of the Unit. “They’re about awareness because kids can be unpredictable and one distracted driver can cause a tragedy.”

The Traffic Unit began as a part-time unit in 1972 and initially consisted of two members. At the time, its primary mission was ceremonial escorts and the occasional traffic-monitoring request. It became a full-time unit in 1987 – consisting of six members and a supervisory first sergeant – with a new primary mission of traffic control and speed enforcement.

The Traffic Unit’s primary mission continues to be enforcing traffic laws with the goal of educating drivers and reducing unsafe and illegal driving behaviors, as well as to ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic on all roadways throughout the county. While the mission has remained consistent over the years, the tools available to the Unit have evolved.

Members now advanced measuring technology to monitor vehicle speeds. The Unit also deploys speed signs to track traffic patterns and provide real-time feedback to motorists. These signs display vehicle speeds and offer reminders, such as turning on headlights during inclement weather and to always wearing your seatbelt.

Speed signs are primarily placed in high-complaint areas to gather data and promote safer driving behavior. The data gathered from these boards are speeds and times. In addition to enforcement and monitoring, the Traffic Unit also provides escorts for funeral services and special events during National Police Week each May. The Unit also has commercial vehicle inspectors and generators to provide power to traffic lights when the power is out.

Every time we stop a driver for speeding or reckless behavior it’s not just about writing a citation, it’s about preventing the next crash” said MPO Shawn Gallagher, another member of the Traffic Unit. “One moment of distraction or poor judgment behind the wheel can change lives forever.”

Reminding motorists that they can control for preventable crashes is a constant in the Unit’s mission. And so is the mandate to enforce safety in school zones. So, as another school year begins, members of the Traffic Unit remind all motorists and pedestrians to slow down and obey school zone signs!