ROLE OF TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT PREVENTION (FROM POLICE PATROL READINGS, 2D ED. 1970, BY SAMUEL G CHAPMAN - SEE NCJ-01974)

• NCJ Number: 15192
• Author(s): J M SLAVIN
• Date Published: 1970
• Length: 9 pages
• Corporate Author: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. ARITCLE FROM TRAFFIC QUARTERLY, OCTOBER 1967.

Annotation

AN ARGUMENT FOR A MORE CONSISTENT ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC LAWS WITH THE INTENT OF STIMULATING A DETERRENT TO UNLAWFUL BEHAVIOR BY POTENTIAL VIOLATORS.

Abstract

IT IS ARGUED THAT THE LOSS OF LIFE, INJURY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE DUE TO TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS SHOULD DICTATE STRONG MEASURES OF ENFORCEMENT AND PREVENTION IN THIS CONTROVERSIAL AREA OF POLICING. THE RECOMMENDED ENFORCEMENT POLICY SPECIFIES THAT POLICE ACTION BE TAKEN UPON THE DETECTION OF THE COMMISSION OF AN ILLEGAL AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ACT WITHOUT REGARD FOR THE ABSENCE OF REAL HAZARDS OR THE ATTITUDE, INTENT, OR EXCUSE OF THE VIOLATOR. THE USE OF A MIXTURE OF MARKED AND UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLES IS SUGGESTED AS A MEANS OF IMPROVING THE IMAGE OF POLICE OMNIPRESENCE. THE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS IS DESCRIBED AS INCLUDING DETECTION, APPREHENSION, PROSECUTION, ADJUDICATION, AND PENALIZATION. IT IS ARGUED THAT INEFFECTIVENESS AT ANY POINT OF ENFORCEMENT PROCESS UNDERMINES DETERRENCE AS THE PUBLIC MAY BECOME INDIFFERENT TOWARD THE CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS.