Traffic Division

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Traffic Unit

Update: Due to low Officer staffing levels, our Traffic Unit is not currently staffed.

The Lompoc Police Department's Traffic Unit is part of the Field Operations Division. Traffic Safety is based upon the model of the "Three E's" of Enforcement, Engineering and Education. The primary goal of the Traffic Unit is to reduce injury/fatal collisions by using the three E's.

There are 3 Officers assigned to the Traffic Unit. This includes 1 Traffic Sergeant and 2 motorcycle officers. There primary duties are to perform follow-up investigations on hit and run accidents, investigate non-injury to major injury/fatal accidents, handle all traffic related complaints and/or calls for service, and file complaints for traffic-related crimes. The department currently uses the Honda ST1300 motorcycles for traffic enforcement.

We are often asked to work Traffic enforcement in all parts of town, and we do. But by assigning our limited number of Traffic Officers where they will do the most good, we believe we can be most effective at making a dent in the number of wrecks.

Grant Funding for Specialized Enforcement/DUI and Drivers License Checkpoints

Update: The Lompoc Police Department has applied, but due to the low staffing levels and the inability to hold checkpoints, our application will probably not be approved by the state.

The Lompoc Police Department receives funding that is provided by the Office of Traffic Safety to increase enforcement for seatbelt compliance and driving under the influence laws. The funding is received through grants that the Lompoc Police Department applied for and received. The State provides "pass-through" funding from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), a federal agency, to deploy officers to address these issues. The funding is exclusive in its use and can only be used for traffic enforcement, without exception. These funds cannot be used for additional patrols, investigators, equipment or other law enforcement measures not related to traffic enforcement.

There are no quotas at the Lompoc Police Department and the grants we obtain do not have quotas either. The grants simply require that we enhance enforcement efforts with the federal funding we are provided. Fines collected after a ticket is written do not significantly increase the City budget. We do not issue more tickets to collect more money.

Report Drunk Drivers and Checkpoint Information

California’s 2010 Holiday DUI Enforcement Campaign

Report Drunk Drivers. Call 911

Traffic Collision Tips

In the State of California, a police report is not required unless the collision results in injury or death. Remember, if you choose to file a police report, the information is reported to the State Department of Motor Vehicles. This accident will be reflected on each drivers DMV history regardless of fault. This information may affect your insurance premium rates. Also, if a report is taken and the officer is able to determine fault, the driver at fault will most likely receive a traffic citation for the moving violation that caused the collision. The citation will either be issued at the scene or mailed to the driver upon completion of the investigation.

Regardless if a report is to be taken, drivers are encouraged to and are required by law to exchange the following information after being involved in a collision.

Full Name
Address
Residence and business phone numbers
Drivers license number and State of Issue
Insurance company and policy number
Make, Model, and License plate number of your vehicle
Witness or Passenger names, and phone numbers

THE LOMPOC POLICE DEPARTMENT REMINDS BOTH DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS TO REMAIN ALERT AND SHARE THE ROAD WITH ONE ANOTHER

The Lompoc Police Department would like to send a message and provide tips to both drivers and pedestrians. The message is simple, but powerful: regardless of whether someone is behind the wheel or on foot, we must do our part to look out for one another. Pedestrians are no match for a vehicle.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the number of pedestrians killed on California roadways continues to rise. In 2016 alone, 867 pedestrians died, and more than 14,000 were injured. This was a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012.

The Lompoc Police Department requests that both drivers and pedestrians take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and begin looking out for one another, so that everybody gets to their respective destinations safely.

Here are some tips the Lompoc Police Department is offering both drivers and pedestrians while out on the roads.

Drivers:

Obey all posted speed limits.
Avoid distractions.Look at you surroundings, not your phone.
Prior to and while backing up, look for any pedestrians who may have walked. behind your vehicle.
Before making a turn, make sure the path is clear. If a pedestrian has the right of way, allow them to safely cross the intersection before making your turn.

Pedestrians

Use crosswalks or intersections only, preferably with a stop sign or signal.
Look left-right-left before stepping into the crosswalk, and remember, a green light or “WALK” signal does not indicate it is safe to cross and it does not mean the drivers of vehicles traveling in the area are paying attention and see you.Use situational awareness.
Avoid wearing earbuds or using your cell phone.
Attempt to make eye contact with oncoming drivers.
Try to walk while facing traffic.
Wear bright clothes during the daylight and reflective material during the night.

Additional information

California Department of Motor Vehicles - Information regarding cell phone laws.
California Department of Motor Vehicles - Information regarding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
California Highway Patrol - Information regarding motorcycles and similar vehicles.
Safe Kids USA - Information regarding child pedestrian safety laws.

Resources

Contact

If you would like to contact the Lompoc Police Department's Traffic Division you can do so by calling the Traffic Office at 805-875-8130 or Traffic Sergeant Scott Morgan at 805-875-8075 extension 6123. You can also e-mail us at the following e-mail addresses: