HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem L April 1, 1999
STAFF REPORT
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Michael F. Sellers, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC SAFETY OFFICER REQUEST
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
Traffic safety in Seal Beach continues to be a concern and a priority to our residents as well as the
police department. To meet this increasing challenge the police department is recommending the
hiring of an additional motor cycle officer for the purpose of traffic safety and enforcement.
BACKGROUND:
For some time the police department has recognized the need to maintain a higher level of presence
in the application of traffic safety and enforcement throughout the city. For the most part, we have
depended on deploying our two motorcycle officers on different shifts in order to reduce traffic
accidents and deter traffic violators. With increased traffic congestion in both the College Park and
Old Town areas, there exists a need to add another motorcycle patrol officer.
Within our community boundaries are some of the most heavily traveled sections of southern
California roadways, carrying vehicular traffic through our community on a daily basis. Compounding
this is an even higher level of traffic congestion and related problems during the summer months due
to being a beach community. In fact, often a motorcycle is the only efficient way to getting through
traffic congestion caused by beach attendance.
Many times drivers who want to avoid congestion on Pacific Coast Highway, or the 22, 405, or 605
freeways, use the connector roads in our city as an alternate route. This can cause an incredible
amount of traffic congestion on surface streets in Seal Beach. Under these conditions, it is nearly
impossible and sometimes unsafe for patrol officers to effectively enforce the traffic laws utilizing a
full size police vehicle. Police motorcycles in heavily congested areas can more effectively deter and
apprehend traffic violators. Additionally, the mobility factor of motorcycle traffic officers allows for
a quicker response to all emergency calls for service.
Benefits of an additional motorcycle officer:
• Reduction of traffic related offenses in neighborhood and commercial roadways.
• Provides an effective and efficient means of improving traffic safety.
Agenda Item L
A
MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC SAFETY OFFICER REQUEST PAGE 2 APRIL I , 1999
• Will provide additional police presence to deter crime and maintain the safe environment
local residents and business have come to expect and enjoy.
• Can be implemented at virtually no cost to the city as projected traffic fine revenues will
offset motorcycle officer expenses.
• Provides a positive revenue stream as outlined in the City Manager's 12 point financial
strategic plan presented to council two months ago.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No additional budget ammendment is needed at this time. Sufficient funds for initial implementation
in this fiscal year are available due to short term salary savings from recent staffing shortages.
Future costs will be offset through revenue generated from traffic violator fines.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council authorizes the police department to hire an additional motorcycle officer
utilizing existing budget resources.
Michael F. Sellers, Chief of Police
NOTED AND APPROVED:
I _
Keith R. Till, City anag-r Agenda Item