LATHROP, Calif. — As the state’s fastest-growing city continues to expand, so is its police force. The two-year-old Lathrop Police Department announced it will be forming a traffic unit.
"I live in Tracy, but coming to Lathrop is a pretty common occasion," said San Joaquin County driver Tyler Atkinson. "Honestly, there's a lot of running red lights. I have a new car, so running a red light is pretty dangerous."
For people who live in the city, speeding, distracted driving, red-light running and not stopping at stop signs can do more than just damage a car.
"Always, there's kids and community and people and elderly people out there who might not be as quick to react as you would guess," said Lathrop resident Gaurav Kamkur. "I've seen a few stop signs (runners) here and there, but not any major accidents or stuff like that."
Kamkur says he would like for police to keep it that way.
"We are very close to multiple freeways," said Kamkur. "Many times people might be speeding and getting into and out of these exits where it suddenly transforms into a residential place."
As it stands now, the Lathrop Police Department says it analyzes its traffic data monthly to see which intersections and times would be best to crack down on. However, as soon as a 911 call comes in, the officers working those crackdowns often have to leave to respond. It’s why Lathrop’s law enforcement leaders say it's time for a change.
In a letter posted to social media, Lathrop Police Chief Stephen Sealy said that in the next few months, the department will hire three motorcycle officers and a sergeant to work full-time in a new traffic unit.
"Since the founding of the Lathrop Police Department, you have consistently expressed that traffic enforcement and road safety are crucial to maintaining the quality of life that we enjoy here in Lathrop," Chief Sealy said in the 400-word letter. "We have conducted interviews and compiled an eligibility list for the Lathrop Police Department’s dedicated Traffic Unit."
According to the chief, the unit would be focused on "providing education, coordinating with city staff for smart engineering and enforcing vehicle code violations."
In his letter, Chief Sealy added that the creation of the unit could allow the city to take advantage of more grant funding opportunities.
"If there's like any sort of help we can get, I think that would be a major difference," Atkinson said.
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