Traffic Division

In addition to the patrol division, a new traffic unit has recently been formed at The Colony Police Department. With the rapid growth in the area, the awareness for additional traffic enforcement was a high concern among residents of The Colony. Not only has the population of The Colony grown, and as a result traffic increased, but also the cities surrounding us have made through traffic a concern.

Most of the vehicles assigned to the patrol division are equipped with moving radar, however at times calls for service hamper efforts to target specific problem areas involving vehicle traffic. The answer was to begin a traffic unit, staffing it with two specially trained officers. Each of the vehicles used by The Colony Police Department for traffic enforcement is fully marked for the safety of motorists, with the exception of overhead lighting. The cars are equipped with moving radar, video cameras, and the tools required for investigating traffic accidents. The officers assigned to this division have received additional training in accident investigation. In addition, they have received training in related areas such as accident reconstruction, photography of accident scenes, and issues dealing with commercial vehicles.

The objectives of the traffic division are the following: education, enforcement, and investigation. The officers assigned to this unit have been utilized as teachers in local drivers education programs. They have also attended neighborhood meetings to hear first hand the concerns of residents, and try to work together on a solution. Enforcement action comes in many ways aside from the issue of a court summons. However at times this is the only action afforded to the situation.

The investigation of accidents entails more than the preparation of an accident report. The officer is able to reconstruct the chain of events that lead to, or contributed to the impact. Unless a criminal offense is involved, the actual traffic accident is a civil matter between the operators or owners of the vehicles. The report that is sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety is for statistical purposes. It helps to identify the need for improvements in highway design or construction. On the local level, officers routinely identify the need for changes and improvements in the road system that is under the direct control of the city of The Colony. They then pass this information onto city engineers who investigate these recommendations.

Law enforcement agencies that investigate a traffic accident have ten days to submit the finished report to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Under the direction of Chief Joseph T. Clark, officers who investigate traffic accidents before leaving the accident site, provide the drivers involved with an information sheet. This sheet contains all of the necessary information helpful in the "post accident period". Often the period after the accident can be just as stressful when trying to negotiate alternate transportation needs or initial claims for emergency medical services. The final police report can usually be picked up within three business days. Contact the records division at the police department located at 5151 North Colony Blvd. Special arrangements can be made for those needing a copy of the report after 5:00 p.m.