Welcome to the Traffic Support Unit web page. Our mission, in addition to lowering crime and increasing the quality of life, is also to provide safe travel on the streets of our city. The purpose of the TSU is Traffic control. The safe flow of traffic is dependent on several things. One thing that is absolutely necessary is the compliance to traffic rules and regulations by all drivers. Enforcement of those rules (citations) is the bulk of the work performed. That statement sounds simple, however Traffic control and safety is complex and thus the TSU is divided into different areas of responsibility.

Hit and Run Officer This Officer is in charge of investigation of Hit and Run accidents, inventory control, and he is highly trained in Accident Investigation. The official description of the Hit and Run job reads like this, "Hit and Run officers screen hit and run reports and perform follow-up investigations on hit and run cases where leads exist. Hit and Run officers also provide regulation for ticket distribution throughout the department. Other duties include: determining if a collision can be actually classified as a hit and run in accordance with UG ordinance or state statute; investigation of hit and run collisions to obtain information and identification of the violator for the purpose of completing the collision report, and enforcement of violations of UG ordinances or state statutes; interviewing and obtaining written statements from witnesses concerning hit and run investigations; investigation of the scene for physical evidence that may assist in identifying a suspect vehicle; when appropriate, impounding suspect vehicles in accordance with department policy." Sounds fairly complicated does it not? It is. Now add the human dimension to the equation and you get a difficult job.

Motorcycle Officer: Or " Wheel man" as we know them. These are the most visible units in the TSU lineup. Our motor officers are known not only metro wide but in several states for being very skilled and professional wheel men. We have 3 of our own certified trainers and one of them is a Trainers, trainer. The official description reads: "Motorcycle Officers primarily focus on traffic enforcement. These officers will perform general enforcement and special enforcement activities as directed. Motorcycle officers also participate in special events and escorts under special circumstances, such as for funerals and for visiting VIP's. Due to the physical demands of this job, officers are required to meet physical standards established by the Chief of Police and the Bureau Director. Tag enforcement responsibilities are also included for these officers, including but not limited to investigation and enforcement of UG ordinances and state statutes concerning the titling, registration, and sales of vehicles from dealerships and representing the Unified Government's interests in tow hearings and in tow auctions of impounded autos as needed." The job has a certain ‘fun factor' attached to it; however, no one mentions the 100-degree weather, rain, and freezing winter assignments when they speak about the wheels.

DUI Detection: Processing Officer Another highly qualified, trained, certified and busy position. The DUI man works primarily at night. Among his other duties he is also an academy instructor to accident investigation. He takes care of the certification of man and machine around here. The State of Kansas contacts him whenever something needs done, changed or suggested. Lets look at the official job description: "The Traffic Support Unit DUI Detection and Processing Officer will be assigned to the traffic Support Unit. This will be a highly motivated patrolman who is dedicated on removing intoxicated drivers from the roadways, highways, and properties of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas while using an array of specialized techniques and sophisticated equipment. Conduct numerous and varied types of line patrol activities such as, but not limited to (traffic enforcement, tag enforcement, DUI enforcement, collision investigations, etc.) for extended periods of time at the discretion of the Unit Commander." He is also our "Breath Alcohol Program Administrator " which adds even more duties to his list. There are no fewer than 11 different certifications and state reports that he sends the state either monthly or quarterly. The Traffic Support Unit also works in concert with the NHTSA (acronym for the Federal highway traffic safety folks), Kansas STEP (Special traffic enforcement), MADD (mothers against drunk driving), the Kansas City Kansas traffic and street engineers and other safety specialist or promotions that are all striving for the same goals.

Traffic Fatality Chart: As you can see, 2004 showed a great reduction in fatalities, 2005 added 2 more, giving us a slight increase.

Contact the Commander