Police chief: speed‑radar data shows repeated speeding; officers to increase presence during peak hours

The police chief updated the council on enforcement plans and equipment upgrades, reporting results from two speed‑radar signs on Hollandale and plans for increased patrols.

The chief said the southbound sign recorded 10,449 vehicles in six days and the northbound sign recorded 5,470 vehicles in the same period; combined, the two signs recorded 15,919 vehicle detections. He said 12,359 vehicles (about 77.6%) traveled at 25 mph or below and that approximately 95% of vehicles traveled 30 mph or less. The chief reported 647 vehicles were recorded about 10 mph over the limit and 127 vehicles were about 15 mph over.

"So combined, we're about 95% of our vehicles are doing 30 or below, which I was pleased with," the chief said. He added that the biggest speeders occur between roughly 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the department has directed officers to increase presence during those hours.

On technology and equipment, the chief said the department is receiving new radios and is exploring buyback or trade‑in options for surplus laptops and older radios. He said the department is considering in‑car AI features to read license plates and allow officers to complete reports by dictation from patrol cars.

Council members discussed vehicle graphics and whether the new vehicle should be unmarked for dual uses; the chief said if a dedicated traffic unit were created, an unmarked vehicle would be preferred, but the planned vehicle will serve multiple purposes.

No formal action was taken; the update included data that will guide patrol allocation and equipment procurement decisions.