APD Restructures Highway Enforcement Command
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The sections are Highway Patrol and Response, DWI Enforcement, Vehicular Homicide and Air Enforcement. Each section brings uniquely trained officers together to provide support for each unit and to meet the growing challenges of traffic issues within the city.
- Highway Patrol and Response Section: This section will provide rush hour collision and stalled vehicle coverage on major highways as well enforcing commercial motor vehicle carrier laws and responding to collisions during regular duty hours and after hours. The Highway Response Team will respond to traffic problems on highways and major roadways based on statistical data that includes collisions. The team will work in conjunction with the other command sections and outside agencies.
- DWI Enforcement Section: Officers will enforce DWI laws throughout the city.
- Vehicular Homicide Unit (formerly Major Traffic Investigations): This unit will investigate fatality and serious injury collisions. The Wrecker Unit and Vehicle Abatement are also included in this unit.
- Air Enforcement Section: Utilizes the department's helicopter, Air 1, to expand the role of traffic enforcement.
Seventy officers have been assigned to the command. The Highway Patrol Units will be utilized to help clear freeways following collisions to improve the flow of traffic and to relieve patrol officers so they may return to their duties in their area commands.
The public will also have the opportunity to share their comments and suggestions concerning traffic in Austin. A designated phone line - 974-4440 - has been established for motorists to leave a message about traffic trends and safety issues. HEC personnel will review the comments and address issues brought to their attention by motorists. Motorists leaving messages will not receive return calls unless there are follow-up questions or a need for additional information from APD personnel.
Source: Austin Police Department Public Information Office, April 4, 2005
