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The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Team is an eleven person unit that is made up of a sergeant, two corporals and eight traffic
officers who specialize in the enforcement of traffic laws and the detection and arrest of those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The traffic officers are frequently assigned to monitor roads and neighborhoods where there is a high incidence of reported speeding or other traffic
infractions as well as locations that experience a large number of traffic crashes. The Traffic Safety Team conducts both traffic safety and crime
prevention patrols on the county highways and within the local communities.
The Traffic Safety Team has a primary responsibility to promote traffic safety throughout Charlotte County. Members of the unit receive training in
familiarization with traffic engineering in conjunction with enforcement, education, and conducting special enforcement projects are all part of the
duties of the Traffic Safety Team. The Traffic Safety Team deputies participate in the Metropolitan Planning Organization and Community Traffic Safety
Team Meetings that are held monthly.
The Traffic Safety Team coordinates DUI Enforcement efforts. The Traffic Safety Team coordinates DUI checkpoints on a monthly schedule in coordination
with the Department of Transportation. They also conduct regular patrols and smaller low manpower DUI checkpoints on various side roads. The squad cars
are equipped with state-of-the-art video camera systems that are routinely used to videotape the actions of offenders arrested for DUI. The deputies
also have advanced hand held laser units. Deputies also have access to portable Breath Testing Devices, to aid their efforts of enforcing Driver's
License restrictions of underage drinking that does not meet the DUI criteria.
General traffic enforcement is prioritized to areas where there is a high rate of traffic crashes. Other priority areas include response to
citizen complaints regarding ongoing traffic violations, school zones, and school bus complaints.
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