Traffic Unit
The Ripon Police Department Traffic Enforcement team has the responsibility of enforcing traffic laws to reduce the number of traffic collisions and improve public safety. Did you know that enforcing traffic laws directly impacts the number of collisions? These efforts are accomplished through educating the community on topics related to the safe operation of vehicles on our roadways, the implementation of safety-related technology, and the enforcement of vehicle code laws.
Our Traffic Enforcement Team consists of Sergeant Paul Staley as the traffic team supervisor and three traffic officers: Detective Mike Perry, FTO Kyle Prather, and Officer Matt Brodhag. Those assigned to motor patrol attend an 80-hour training course designed to teach officers to safely operate a police motorcycle in various conditions. Additional training includes traffic collision investigation courses aimed at determining collision causes, accident reconstruction, report completion, and fatal investigations. The team also assists with traffic control during special events, such as parades and other road closures.
At this time there is no full-time motor officer position allotted, however, these traffic officers will periodically work extra shifts to specifically monitor traffic and enforce traffic safety laws. This is considered a lateral duty assignment. The team also participates in county-wide enforcement operations, known as S.T.E.P., where traffic officers from all county agencies will be stationed in each jurisdiction specifically targeting dangerous driving violations.
With the limited time motor officers can spend on specific traffic-related enforcement, the department relies heavily on our patrol division to supplement our traffic enforcement efforts. Each patrol officer is encouraged to spend available time doing a multitude of duties that help keep our community safe, one very important duty includes enforcing traffic laws.
Now, you may ask how we determine where to focus our efforts. The number one complaint from citizens in our community is traffic-related, such as congestion, speeding vehicles, and running stop signs. Traffic complaints are shared with the team and enforcement efforts are then directed at target areas. The efforts are relayed and tracked by the traffic sergeant and adjustments to regular patrols are made to impact the safety concerns.
If you do have a specific complaint regarding traffic in your area, please note the time/day and common violation if possible, then report it to the police department. Reports can be made by phone, social media, or email.