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Deputy chief reports 70% rise in traffic stops; department ties increase to targeted enforcement and falling accidents
Summary
Woodbridge police told the Board of Police Commissioners that motor vehicle stops rose 70% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, while motor vehicle accidents fell slightly; the deputy chief said increased proactive enforcement and public awareness are likely causes.
The Woodbridge deputy chief told the Board of Police Commissioners on July 20 that the department conducted 848 motor vehicle stops from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2026, compared with 499 over the same period in 2025 — "an increase of 70%," the deputy chief said.
The report, presented during the month's activity and investigative services summaries, also showed a slight drop in motor vehicle accidents (143 to 139, a roughly 3% decrease). The deputy chief attributed the patterns to increased proactive enforcement and residents responding to police presence.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the surge in stops merits attention because traffic stops are a primary source of local intelligence. One commissioner, noting the 70% rise, urged the department to look for corroborating data that would show whether the extra stops are producing evidence of organized criminal activity.
The deputy chief provided the statistics and context: "From 01/01/2025 to 06/30/2025, there were 499 motor vehicle stops conducted. From 01/01/2026 to 06/30/2026, 848 motor vehicle stops were conducted, an increase of 70%." He added that "the significant increase in proactive enforcement, coupled with the reduction in motor vehicle accidents reflects the positive impact of the department's efforts."
Commissioner reaction: A commissioner described the increase as "massive" from a data standpoint and said he wanted additional metrics to understand whether the stops yielded arrests tied to larger criminal activity. The deputy chief replied that Chief Smith "has made it a priority for traffic enforcement" and that higher visibility and officers following up on complaints can act as a deterrent.
Other activity: The department reported June arrests that included criminal impersonation, resisting an officer, violation of a protective order, harassment and several traffic-related arrests requiring court appearances. Investigative highlights included two stolen vehicles recovered and an active investigation into a $20,000 computer fraud victim.
The Board voted to approve the activity report at the meeting. The deputy chief said the department will use the traffic-study data to assign officers at the times and locations when speeding is most frequent and will report back on any changes measured after targeted enforcement.
