SCPD Traffic Safety Message - If you can’t clear an intersection, don’t enter it.

Raising driver safety awareness is a priority for the Santa Cruz Police Department. By implementing traffic enforcement initiatives, offering tips on sharing the road, and participating in regional programs, the SCPD is improving safety on the streets for walkers, bicyclists and drivers.

https://youtu.be/4jS_OsEsaHU
If you can’t clear an intersection, don’t enter it.

The Santa Cruz Police Department Traffic Unit reminds drivers not to enter an intersection until you are sure you can make it all the way through. Wait behind the limit line, not in the crosswalk, and look to see if the vehicles in front of you on the other side of the intersection have left enough room for you to make it through without blocking or stopping in the crosswalk on the other side. This is a chronic problem with increased summer traffic, and our traffic guys do watch for this!

Blocking traffic in this way means that you have entered an intersection when cars on the other side are preventing you from making it all the way through. Per California Vehicle Code section 22526, this is illegal. If your signal light cycles to red before you can get completely through the intersection, you’re blocking cross traffic from moving forward and preventing mobility in crosswalks and bike lanes. This creates an unsafe situation and commonly results in aggressive driving behaviors by other motorists. This can lead to multiple violations such as blocking a crosswalk, failing to yield to pedestrians, bicycles or other motorists. The fine amount for a violation of 22526VC is $285.00.

SCPD Host Annual Multi-Agency Motorcycle Recertification

The Santa Cruz Police Department Traffic Unit hosted an annual multi-agency motorcycle recertification training day on Wednesday, September 28th, 2016. Officers are required to successfully complete this intense training each year. After the training is completed, officers participate in a skills competition. Winners get their names added to a trophy that is displayed at the winning agency until the next year’s competition. The trophy is a source of pride for the winning officers and their respective agency.  (Similar to the Stanley Cup).

However, this year, every agency forfeited their right to compete in order to honor California Highway Patrol Sergeant Kevin Enox. Sgt. Enox tragically passed away on July 12, 2014. Sgt. Enox was well respected and a mentor to most of the officers participating. California Highway Patrol Captain Paul Vincent and Mark Riggins, Sgt. Enox’s family members, graciously accepted the trophy to honor Sgt. Enox.

The trophy will be displayed at the Santa Cruz CHP office for the next year and the memorial plaque will be permanently displayed on the Sgt. Kevin Enox memorial trophy.

In addition to Santa Cruz Police officers, Santa Cruz CHP, Monterey CHP, Redwood City CHP, Watsonville PD, Scotts Valley PD and Capitola PD all sent representatives. In total, there were 40 motorcycle officers in attendance.

SCPD would like to extend a thank you to all agencies that participated and would like to send a special thanks to CHP Officer Sam Courtney for the incredible multi-surface training ride.

We would also like to thank retired SCPD Chief Belcher, Deputy Chief Locke, and Lt. Vlassis for returning to duty temporarily to provide us with an amazing lunch.

BADGES Traffic Enforcement Detail

On Tuesday, October 2, 2012 the Santa Cruz Police Department, in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol, Scotts Valley and Capitola Police Departments, hosted a BADGES (Before Aggressive Drivers Get Everyone Stopped) detail in the city of Santa Cruz. As a result of the operation the agencies wrote 95 tickets. In addition, one vehicle was towed for a suspended driver. The citations were issued for hazardous moving violations such as speeding, red light and stop sign violations. These operations occur every month in different locations in Santa Cruz County.

New Radar Trailer Hits the Streets

COMING SOON 

To a Neighborhood Near You

The Santa Cruz Police Department now has a Radar Speed Trailer.  Deputy Chief Steve Clark leveraged his friendships at a Marin County police agency that was selling the trailer and worked an amazing deal.  Other than a few minor mechanical repairs the trailer was in like-new condition.  Steve drove to Marin picked the trailer up and completed the repairs in his garage, ultimately saving the city about $12,000 over the purchase of a new trailer.   

This mobile unit can be transported to various locations in the city.  Along with enforcement, the trailer will be a big part of our program to increase driver awareness and reduce speeds.  The Traffic Unit will be responsible for deploying the trailer and developing a schedule.  Priority will be given to locations that have been the most dangerous or problematic.