>> Traffic Enforcement: What’s Going on Behind the Badge? (03/08)

A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

A motorist driving along a Jefferson County roadway sees, out of the corner of her eye, an officer on a motorcycle. He is tracking the speeds of passing cars. What thoughts cross the motorist's mind as she approaches? I'd better slow down. Was I speeding? I hope I don't get a ticket. Shouldn't he be solving crime? Why this corner? Why today?

What she probably doesn't know is that the deputy's presence on that corner is part of a strategic effort to reduce traffic crashes in the most dangerous intersections and roadways in Jeffco. The motorcycle deputy and his colleagues study statistics that reveal high-accident areas throughout the county, and then choose their areas of enforcement accordingly.

This strategy has, over the last two years, contributed to a dramatic drop in the number of area traffic crashes.

In 2005, there were 3,188 traffic accidents in unincorporated Jefferson County. In 2006, that number fell to 2,626. In 2007 it dropped again, to 1,930. The Traffic Unit issues 65 percent of its tickets in high accident areas and writes 21 percent in citizen complaint areas. The remaining tickets are split between school zones and simple deputy observation outside of specific areas.

Speed was the main cause of 31 percent of accidents in 2007. Issuing tickets and educating drivers in the county?s most dangerous accident areas has diminished the number and severity of crashes. For the many motorists who are not ticketed, the deputy's visibility is still a reminder to keep speeds and reckless maneuvers in check.

The Traffic Unit's accident reduction efforts are just one example of the many strategic initiatives that underlie the Sheriff's Office activities. Whether it be crime prevention, crime trend analysis, jail use planning, DUI saturations or in-depth investigations, this agency proactively explores issues and works toward solutions.

Remember, when you see a deputy tracking the speeds of passing cars, you can bet there's much more going on behind the badge.

To Report a Traffic Violation in Jefferson County:

To report dangerous driving in progress, call 911.
To report traffic violations or aggressive driving, contact the Sheriff's Office at (303) 277-0211.
To report recurring traffic issues in your neighborhood, call our KOPS hotline at 303-271-KOPS (5677).
To report parking problems or abandoned vehicles, call the Sheriff?s Office at (303) 277-0211.
If you live in homeowner's association area, you may also forward any traffic related concerns to your HOA. Your HOA representatives can then forward those concerns to their assigned deputy liaison.

Message From the Sheriff Archive

Last Modified: Jun 22, 2009 11:46 AM