HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8391 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS NO: 8391
April 2, 2002
'ror" To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page I of 2
rya SUBJECT: Update on Traffic Enforcement by the Police Department
PURPOSE
City Council recently requested that the police department provide an update on the status of traffic
enforcement in the City of Fort Worth. This update includes a focus on speeding.
BACKGROUND
In 2000, the Police Department was examined in an effort to gain greater efficiency. A
reorganization of the Police Department in October of 2000 resulted in a move of the Traffic
Division to the Special Services Bureau. Scheduling changes in the Traffic Division were made to
provide coverage seven days a week, including holidays. Crime Control and Prevention District
funds were approved for the addition of ten motorcycle officers to the Traffic Division. The addition
of the ten motor officers had to wait until the newly hired officers could be trained to ensure
adequate staffing for patrol. The additional officers were added in April of 2001. A review of traffic
rr' 'livity and trends for the past three years reveal:
ACCIDENTS
Calendar Years
In 1999 there were 13,146 accidents.
In 2000 there were 15,911 accidents.
In 2001 there were 16,621 accidents.
In 2002, -there have been 2,512 accidents (Jan-Feb).
FATALITIES
Calendar Years
In 1999 there were 68 fatalities.
In 2000 there were 81 fatalities.
In 2001 there were 67 fatalities.
In 2002, there have been 20 fatalities (Jan-Mar).
CITATIONS ISSUED
Calendar Years
In 1999 there were 227,051 citations issued, 63,150 of which were speeding.
? 2000 there were 225,250 citations issued, 60,510 of which were speeding.
" /0612001 there were 255,739 citations issued, 64,208 of which were speeding.
In 2002 there have been 42, 411 citations issued, 9,314 of which were speeding (Jan-Feb).
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No: 3391
rOr April 2, 2002
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
rya SUBJECT: Update on Traffic Enforcement by the Police Department
DWI ARRESTS
Calendar Years
In 1999 there were 1,953 arrests for DWI.
In 2000 there were 1,778 arrests for DWI.
In 2001 there were 2,077 arrests for DWI.
In 2002 there have been 335 arrests for DWI (Jan-Feb).
SUMMARY
The Police Department has increased traffic enforcement efforts in the past year with solid results.
The reorganization of several units, addition of ten new motor officers and directed traffic
enforcement efforts have led to a higher number of citations issued, more DWI arrests made and a
,"iificant reduction in alcohol related fatalities.
The Police Department realizes there is more that needs to be accomplished in the area of speed
reduction. In addition to reviewing the Justex Study, the Police Department is developing additional
proactive approaches aimed at reducing speeds in the City of Fort Worth. Some of theses activities
include, but are not limited to; coordination with other police departments to adopt a "best practice"
approach, additional TxDot funding for S.T.E.P. programs, accident analysis for improved
deployment, and cooperative efforts with the media and Ministers Against Crime to publicize
problem areas.
a , J+ak n
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS