Santa Fe Police Department Advances Automated Speed Enforcement Program and Expands Traffic Safety Operations

The Santa Fe Police Department (SFPD) continues to make progress toward launching its automated speed enforcement program, with the first mobile enforcement devices expected to be deployed in the community in August.

Since approval of the contract with Jenoptik, SFPD staff have held standing weekly implementation meetings to coordinate the extensive pre-deployment work required before the program can become operational. Department personnel and vendor representatives are working through technical, logistical and administrative requirements to ensure a successful launch.

The initial phase of the program will include six mobile camera devices strategically deployed throughout Santa Fe. Three devices will be assigned to the north side of the city and three to the south side. On each side of town, one device will be equipped with both speed and sound enforcement capabilities, while the remaining two devices will focus solely on speed enforcement.

The department will use data collected during the initial deployment period to evaluate driving behaviors and identify areas of concern. Based on those findings, SFPD may consider expanding the number of mobile devices and identifying permanent locations where fixed automated speed and sound enforcement technology could improve public safety.

"The goal of this program is to encourage safer driving behaviors and help reduce dangerous speeding and excessive vehicle noise throughout our community," said Mayor Michael Garcia. "The data we collect will help us make informed decisions about future enforcement strategies and ensure resources are deployed where they are needed most. I am grateful for Interim Chief Ben Valdez's leadership on this project."

In addition to preparing for the automated enforcement program, SFPD has expanded its Traffic Section, which became fully staffed this past weekend. The Traffic Section includes the department's Motor Unit, Bike Unit and DWI Unit and is dedicated to proactively addressing traffic-related concerns across the city.

Unlike patrol officers who primarily respond to calls for service, Traffic Section personnel focus on issues such as unsafe and aggressive driving, street racing, impaired driving, and quality-of-life concerns in parks, open spaces, bike trails, residential neighborhoods, business districts and retail areas. The unit also provides support during vehicle crashes and assists patrol operations when additional resources are needed.

The department expects the increased visibility and proactive enforcement efforts of the Traffic Section to improve traffic safety, address unlawful camping and substance abuse-related criminal activity, and reduce demands on patrol resources. By decreasing call volume and addressing issues before they escalate, patrol officers will have greater opportunities to engage in community policing efforts, work collaboratively with residents to solve neighborhood concerns, and maintain manageable workloads.

The City of Santa Fe and SFPD remains committed to improving public safety through a balanced approach that combines technology, education, enforcement and community engagement.

Peter Olson

City of Santa Fe

Communications Director

(505) 819-1062