Traffic Safety

Traffic Safety is a unit within the Field Services Division and is currently managed by the Traffic Lieutenant. With the aid of the Traffic Sergeant, the Traffic Lieutenant manages and supervises 43 crossing guards and 12 sworn officers assigned to Traffic Safety. The Traffic Lieutenant prioritizes traffic enforcement, assigning and scheduling officers accordingly. Additionally, the Traffic Lieutenant manages the field services vehicle fleet, and acts as liaison with the City Engineering Department to reduce accidents by coordinated planning, engineering, and enforcement.

Under the direction of the Traffic Lieutenant, the Traffic Sergeant supervises the investigation of all traffic accidents, the vehicle abatement program, and the Police Department rotation tow companies.

In addition to a Lieutenant and Sergeant, there are 12 sworn police officers assigned to Traffic Safety:

Eight officers are assigned as motorcycle officers, responsible for enforcing traffic laws and the investigation of property, injury, and fatal traffic accidents, including hit-and-run accidents. These officers must take and pass advanced accident investigation courses up to and including Accident Reconstruction. Many of our motorcycle officers have ancillary duties including firearms instruction, defensive tactics instruction, and S.W.A.T. Motorcycle officers work both day and night shifts.

Two DUI Officers are assigned to patrol the city and enforce drunken driving laws, primarily by means of enforcement. Though they work late evening to early morning shifts, they occasionally adjust their schedules to participate in special educational events designed to prevent drunken driving, including the Sober Graduation and Reality Check programs conducted in alliance with local schools. The two DUI Officers also investigate all types of vehicle accidents.

Traffic Safety conducts a number of DUI/Driver's License checkpoints each year. The purpose of these checkpoints is to deter driving under the influence, and to educate the public on the deleterious effects of drinking and driving, as well as unlicensed driving. Many of our checkpoints are coordinated with the annual Avoid the 13 campaigns against drunken driving during the holiday season.

One Traffic officer is assigned to commercial enforcement. The Commercial Enforcement Officer is knowledgeable and experienced in the enforcement of those codes addressing the movement of heavy trucks and hazardous materials. The officer also handles the inspection of police rotation tow companies, assuring that they are in compliance with the California Vehicle Code and Milpitas Municipal Code. The Commercial Enforcement Officer also conducts general traffic enforcement, investigating property, injury, fatal, and hit-and-run vehicle accidents, and performs numerous administrative tasks.

One Traffic Officer is assigned to the Traffic Investigation position. The Traffic Investigator’s primary duties include investigating hit and run accidents, stolen vehicles, and determining abandoned vehicle disposition. This officer works very closely with the Traffic Engineering Department and the City Attorney’s Office.