New "Unmarked" Traffic Car
Description
MEDIA RELEASE
New Alliance Police Department “Unmarked” Traffic Cruiser
The Alliance Police Department will begin an augmented traffic enforcement program in targeted areas based on traffic fatalities, accidents and documented high-speed areas utilizing an “unmarked” police traffic cruiser to help reduce these incidents. It is the sole purpose of this vehicle to reduce speeds which relate directly to accidents. Our goal is to improve safety with this cruiser.
The cruiser is a 2009 Dodge Charger, equipped with front/rear radar, MDT computer system, covert lighting package, police radio system, video camera system, prisoner transport system, siren package and basic traffic enforcement supplies (cones, measuring wheel, etc…).
The cruiser is all black with emergency lighting concealed into the bodywork. A single flashing light is affixed to the roof and the word “police” is affixed to the front fenders to conform with state regulations for traffic enforcement vehicles. The vehicle is also outfitted with a Wheelen “Howler” brand siren in addition to the standard siren. The “howler” supplements the standard siren by emitting low tone sound pulses that can be heard and felt by nearby motorists to add an extra level of safety to the vehicle when it is in emergency response. This type of siren is the latest in siren technology.
Deployment of the vehicle will generally be in areas of high traffic where the Alliance Police Department and Department of Public Safety have determined there is a high risk of injury or property loss due to traffic speeds and higher volume of traffic. Specifically, these areas will include all areas of US 62 that transverse Alliance from the easternmost limit to the westernmost limit, the US 62 bypass, SR 183 and adjacent streets.
Byrne/JAG federal grant funds were used to purchase the vehicle and equipment. There was NO cost to the city for this vehicle. The grant also provides for 760 hours of overtime to operate the traffic vehicle, again, at no cost to the city. That will mean approximately 2 years of enforcement.
The vehicle will also be used on regular patrol shifts on a limited basis as well.