On Dec. 15, 2008, Sergeant Stephen Bonini made a presentation to the El Cerrito City Council highlighting accomplishments of the Traffic Safety Unit in 2008. Below is a summary of the presentation.
You can also watch a video of the presentation online! Simply go to
Streaming Media Archive for 12/15/08 and then jump to Item 4B.
Commercial Enforcement
Two traffic officers attended commercial enforcement training sponsored by the CHP.
Two commercial vehicle checkpoints held in EC
ECPD held our 1st P.O.S.T. approved commercial officer training.
Commercial scales purchased and put into use.
Child Safety Seat Education
Officer Molica certified child seat technician.
Two child seat check-ups held in EC:
- May during "Click It or Ticket" in the Target lot; October in the Orchard Supply lot.
- Approximately 60 car seats were checked at both events and nearly all were improperly installed.
Child Safety Seats checked on an appointment basis by PD.
Officer Molica attended a check-up in Pinole.
ECPD is a member of the Contra Costa County Car Seat Coalition.
Additional events scheduled for 2009.
Driving Under the Influence
Two sobriety check points in EC: one on Richmond St and one on San Pablo Ave.
ECPD assisted the San Pablo PD with two checkpoints in their city.
ECPD participates in the "Avoid the 25" in Contra Costa County.
M.A.D.D. Presentation at Harding Elementary School coordinated by SRO Jacala.
ECPD will be the host agency for the 2010 "Avoid" campaign in Contra Costa County.
ECPD is on a 4 year increase in DUI / DWI arrests. Through Nov 19th 2008 = 154 impaired driving arrests
Speed Enforcement
Seven team orientated enforcement actions throughout the City.
"Safe Routes to School" grant received for lighted, in-crosswalk pavers.
Coordinated effort between PD and Public Works Department.
Increased enforcement efforts have led to a three year reduction in collisions.
Pedestrian Safety Campaign
Crosswalk enforcement actions held throughout the City.
- San Pablo Ave / Madison
- BART Stations / BART Paths
- Carlson / San Diego
- Central / Liberty
Local news media coverage by KTVU, KRON, KCRA, KNTV.
KNTV was used as an outreach to our Spanish speaking population. The station came out for the DUI checkpoint, child safety seat check-ups, and the pedestrian enforcement operation.
Our printed material for safety seats and DUI enforcement is in Spanish.
Bicycle / Pedestrian Safety
Jaywalking addressed at San Pablo Ave / Cutting Blvd.
Eastshore Blvd between Potrero Ave and San Pablo Ave was also addressed.
Officers on bicycles began an education / enforcement campaign along the BART path related to stop sign violations, helmet laws and safe riding practices.
School Presentations
Mother’s Against Drunk Driving: 360° School Assembly to address school age drinking, bullying, safe habits, etc.
Red Ribbon Week: St. John’s School featuring SRO's, Traffic officers and Detectives.
Madera Career Day.
Castro School presentation for kindergarteners.
Public Information & Education
Spanish Speaking television stations / media outreach.
Strong working relationships with local print and television media.
"People Behaving Badly"segments by Stanley Roberts highlighting divided highway violations, commercial enforcement and an interview w/ Chief.
Stronger working relationship / collaborative effort between Public Works and PD.
Improved web page design and information.
Increase in Radar Trailer requests via the web page.
Training of Officers
P.O.S.T. certified motorcycle update course
P.O.S.T. approved "Commercial Eye for the Road Guy" training. Attended by agencies as far away as Riverside.
"Drag-Net" street racing seminar presented by the Elk Grove PD and OTS.
Soon the entire department will be radar or lidar certified.
Continual DUI / Intoxilyzer training for officers.
Two P.O.S.T. approved bicycle courses offered by ECPD. (Instructed by Sgt. Shawn Maples) It is a goal of the PD to have every officer bicycle qualified and trained.
California Law Enforcement Challenge
WINNER – 1st place: 2007 CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT CHALLENGE.
The award is judged by a panel of traffic safety experts and law enforcement personnel.
2nd Place – 2006 Law Enforcement Challenge.
(This was our first year in the program and we finished sixth in the national competition.)
Municipal Motorcycle Assoc
Motor officers and our motor instructor, Cpl. David Hartung were featured in the Municipal Motorcycle Officers of California news magazine, The Siren. Read the article (PDF,2513Kb)
Departmental Recognition
ECPD Purchased Challenge Coins as a reward for officers and other individuals excelling in their traffic safety efforts.
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