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Board hears about DOT 'confirmation' lights, housing stipend for officers and traffic enforcement plans
Summary
Chief Fields told the board the department is adding traffic officers, seeking grants for overtime and vehicles, is using DOT 'confirmation' blue lights at intersections, and the city offers a housing stipend for officers who live inside city limits to aid recruitment and retention.
Chief Jason Fields told the Economic Development Advisory Board the police department has increased staffing in the traffic unit and is seeking grant funding to cover overtime and equipment to address growing traffic problems in a fast‑growing city. "We added additional officers to the traffic unit," Fields said, noting the department pursues education as well as enforcement.
Fields described DOT‑installed confirmation lights that allow officers to detect a red signal from a safer vantage point: "When the light turns red, that blue light goes on simultaneously. It allows law enforcement to be tactically in a safer area," he said. Board members asked about automated camera enforcement and recordkeeping for tech used in enforcement; Fields said technology exists but requires verification steps and likely staff to check automated captures before issuing citations.
Board members flagged neighborhood problem intersections and asked about traffic calming (speed bumps, signage) and cooperation with public works; Fields said enforcement operations, calming surveys and coordination with the city are ongoing. He also confirmed the city offers a monthly housing stipend to officers who live within the city limits, which has been used by some recruits and helps retention.
Why it matters: Traffic and roadway safety are core quality‑of‑life items the board connects to economic development and downtown vitality. Technology choices and funding priorities for enforcement and calming measures will affect budgets and the pace of built improvements.
What’s next: Staff and the police department will continue to pursue grants, coordinate with DOT and public works, and provide additional data as requested by board members.
