Traffic Unit
The main objective of the Traffic Unit is the reduction of traffic related injuries and fatalities. This is accomplished through proactive enforcement efforts, coordination with city traffic engineering, and community education programs designed to create a higher awareness of traffic safety on Gainesville’s roads.
One such way was utilizing grant funds from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) which allowed the Traffic Unit to conduct high profile education details targeting alcohol awareness, distracted driving, occupant protection, bicycle and pedestrian safety and the Safe Motorcycle and Rider Techniques (SMART) course.
The Traffic Unit strives daily to make Gainesville’s roadways safe. They routinely analyze traffic crash data and review citizen complaints. Once an area of concern involving moving traffic violations has been identified, officers aggressively and proactively address those violations especially those that contribute to traffic crashes or, which may result in damage and/or injuries to our citizenry.
Five members, including one sergeant, staff the Traffic Unit. Three members of the Traffic Unit serve dual roles as motormen in the Motorcycle Unit, within the Traffic Unit. The Motorcycle Unit is made up Traffic Unit members and supplemented by seven part-time riders. The motorcycle fleet is comprised of eight Harley Davidson Police Road Kings equipped with Air-cooled, Twin Cam 114 cubic inch (1868cc) or 107 cubic inch (1753 cc) engines. Motorcycle Officers operate within the Traffic Unit, as a City-wide function. Motorcycles have increased visibility, accessibility, greater mobility, and ideal for traffic enforcement and special escorts.
The Traffic Unit is also responsible for the investigation of traffic homicides that occur within the city limits. Officers investigating crash scenes where serious injury or death occurs use the latest in laser technology and computer equipment to investigate and map the scene of the incident for later reference for court.
The Traffic Unit is also a part of the City of Gainesville’s Vision Zero Work Group. In 2018, the City Commission adopted a Vision Zero Policy with the main goal to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, while increasing safe and equitable mobility for all neighbors.
Request a Traffic Crash Report