Traffic officers also respond to crime trends in certain areas and enforce traffic laws in areas of concern such as shopping centers and businesses. School zone enforcement, special events and parades are other areas of responsibility for the Traffic Section.
When a traffic complaint is brought to the attention of traffic officers, it is documented and data is collected by officers to prepare a report that assists in the deployment of our resources. Leading the Traffic Section is Lt. Stephan Granberry, who has been with the department for 25 years.
“One of the biggest challenges our section faces is the public’s perception that we only write tickets,” said Granberry. “The actual goal of the traffic officers is to increase driver safety and compliance with state laws, and reduce motor vehicle accidents.”
The Traffic Section, made up of 22 officers, is divided into three compartments: motor officers, DWI officers, and hit-and-run investigators.
DWI Officers
Irving DWI officers are recognized throughout the country for their efforts, and travel the nation to provide training to other DWI units. Officers also teach numerous civilian programs. Irving’s unit was one of the first in the area to conduct “No Refusal Enforcement” for drivers arrested for DWI. Recognized in the courts as experts in the field, the Irving Police DWI unit will continue to be relentless in the pursuit of those who drive while intoxicated.
City staff, along with officers, have led the annual MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) walk in numerous categories for the past seven years. Their participation and dedication resulted in the relocation of the annual MADD walk from Dallas to Irving. In fact, Irving Police were selected to represent Texas and the National MADD Office in Washington, D.C., earlier this year to present the Highway Safety Act to members of Congress.
Hit-and-Run Investigators
These investigators have specialized training in re-creating vehicle accidents and investigating hit-and-run accidents. They often have little evidence to work with to re-create the incident in pursuit of the person responsible.
Motor Officers
An officer must be selected to be part of the motor section. Once selected, the officer must pass a two-week motorcycle course, which is one of the most physically and mentally challenging courses in law enforcement. To remain part of the motor section, officers must pass the riding test twice every year.
Motor officers are responsible for traffic enforcement, escorting dignitaries, funeral detail, speed trailer deployment and traffic control at major accidents.
Section members also compete in area Motorcycle Police Rodeos, which test riders’ ability to maneuver the motorcycle through specially designed cone patterns. These competitions give the officer an opportunity to ride the motorcycle under stressful conditions and provide great experience.
