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The Traffic Unit is responsible for monitoring and soliciting citizen cooperation in complying with State and City motor vehicle laws. The focus of their duties is to target hazardous moving violations (speeding, running red lights, careless driving, etc.) and to strictly enforce DUI violations in an effort to improve the overall quality of life for our citizens while traveling Salina's roadways. For information about specific traffic questions such as the child seat laws, check our FAQ page.
Accident Investigation: All accidents that occur within the city limits are to be reported to the Police Department. Officers assigned to an accident call respond to the scene, investigate the accident, and take enforcement action as appropriate. Traffic officers are trained in advanced traffic investigation and traffic accident reconstruction, and use advanced instruments such as a laser mapping station to complete highly accurate scale diagrams of collision scenes.
Motorcycles: Depending on staffing requirements and weather conditions, motorcycles are used throughout the year. Not only are they effective in the enforcement of traffic laws, they can also be deployed to assist in responding to calls-for-service. In addition to their primary responsibilities, motorcycle officers are deployed to many special events. Motorcycles are also used to lead funeral escorts.
BAT Van: The department operates a Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) van that allows officers to conduct sobriety testing in the field, for example at a DUI checklane. When not being used for breath testing, the BAT van is also used for accident investigation and traffic enforcement.
DUI Checklanes: The department regularly conducts random sobriety checklanes at various locations throughout the city. In 2005, a total of 297 DUI arrests were made. By comparison, there were 288 DUI arrests in 2004, and 386 DUI arrests in 2003.
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