Traffic Division
 Sgt Andrew Prestigiacomo 584-1800 ext 3403 aprestigiacomo@saratogapolice.org |
Overview
The Traffic Safety Unit is an arm of the department's uniform patrol division. The Traffic Safety Unit's job is primarily selective enforcement of the Vehicle and Traffic law and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Members of the TSU answer complaints of traffic violations throughout the city, perform commercial vehicle safety inspections, and do at scene-collision reconstruction of serious motor vehicle collisions as required. TSU members also plan for and monitor special events that will take place on the streets of the city, are responsible for traffic control at the Saratoga Race track during the racing season and assist the Public Safety administration plan for future traffic issues.
Assignment to TSU is voluntary and prospective officers must show an ability to do pro-active work with little supervision and must complete 160 hours of crash management training, and a wide variety of traffic related training, from child seat safety thru commercial vehicle regulations and hazardous material enforcement.
The mission of TSU is to reduce the number of traffic collisions and associated injuries by vigorous traffic enforcement, public education and planning.
History
In 1988 officers from patrol division were assigned to assist the NYS Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Safety Inspectors
with commercial vehicle inspections in the city. Shortly thereafter these officers were permanently assigned to the traffic needs of the city.
With five state highways and one interstate merging in the city it was becoming necessary to train and assign officers to deal with these issues on a full time basis.
Several officers were trained by the U.S. Department of Transportation as commercial vehicle inspectors to supplement the work being done by NYS DOT.
The TSU has since increased in size and is currently under the supervision of Sgt Andrew Prestigiacomo.
Since 1999 the New State York Department of Motor Vehicles and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee has designated the Saratoga Springs Police Department the lead law enforcement agency in Saratoga County for traffic enforcement matters. The city department has become involved in coordinated enforcement efforts with all the other law enforcement agencies in Saratoga County thru the Saratoga County Traffic Safety Committee. In addition to the enforcement duties of law enforcement the committee directs local traffic safety grant programs, education and training programs, and promotes cooperation for all the law enforcement agencies in Saratoga County.
For more information about the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and Promoting a Safe New York, follow the link below:
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| Stop DWI New York | NY Department of Motor Vehicles |
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| Buckle Up New York | NY Traffic Safety |