The
Fort Worth Police Department's Traffic Division has been in existence
since the early 1930's. The size of the division has fluctuated
over the years. At one time, during the 1950's, the Traffic Division
staffed over 40 motorcycle officers. The Motorcycle Unit was disbanded
for less than one year in the early 1960's. However, it was reestablished
when the city realized just how valuable they were to the Police
Department and the citizens of Fort Worth. Today, the Traffic
Division still plays a major role in the day to day operations
of the Fort Worth Police Department. It is currently staffed with
93 sworn members, consisting of:
1 Captain
2 Lieutenants
9 Sergeants
9 Corporal/Detectives
72 Officers
The Traffic Division consists of four (4) sections:
Traffic
Investigation Unit (T.I.U.)
These
are the "detectives" of the Traffic Division .
Currently, one must hold the rank of corporal/detective to be eligible
for a position in this unit. Responsibilities include follow-up
investigations and criminal case filings for offenses such as intoxication
manslaughter, D.W.I., Hit and Run accidents, or any situation involving
serious injury or death resulting from a traffic collision. The
T.I.U. detectives work predominately day shift hours, however, some
are on 24-hour call back. The call back responsibility is usually
rotated between detectives; this allows a detective to be available
for any situation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Radar
and Freeway Units
These
officers operate marked traffic units that are equipped with speed
detection devices, such as radar and laser. In addition to enforcing
traffic laws, officers also investigate traffic accidents and may
also be utilized for any other special situation which requires
traffic control. Examples would include major accidents, structure
fires/explosions, crowd control, or escorts. Officers normally work
 one
of two shifts: day shift or evening. Fort Worth Police Department
currently uses Chevrolet Camaros for the freeway assignment. The
officers selected to operate these high performance cars receive
special training, and only those who are properly trained are allowed
to drive them. These cars have been modified so that they carry
only one occupant, the driver. They are equipped with rollbars,
radar, M.D.T.'s and other equipment necessary for the officer to
perform their duties.
Midnight
Shift
Officers
operate marked traffic units that are equipped with speed detection
devices and dash mounted cameras. These officers are the Traffic
Division's "Midnight Shift," working the hours of 9:30
p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Along with enforcing traffic laws, this unit's
objective is to detect and apprehend drivers who are operating motor
vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Motorcycle
Unit
Motorcycle
officers are responsible for enforcing traffic laws, providing escorts,
and controlling traffic. Officers selected for this assignment are
trained to operate the police motorcycle. The training lasts a minimum
of eight weeks and sometimes longer. Motor training is very demanding
both physically and mentally. Officers must learn to operate a 750
pound motorcycle, be able to  avoid
hazards, detect violators and safely apprehend them. Officers are
not required to have riding experience, but they must exhibit the
abilities to be trained. The police motorcycle is capable of moving
through traffic much easier than the vehicles. The motorcycle is
also capable of accelerating quickly, which makes it the ideal tool
for apprehending speeding violators. The Fort Worth Police Department
Motorcycle Unit has an outstanding safety record. It is home to
some of the best motorcycle officers in the state.
The
Fort Worth Police Department is also home to the first female motorcycle
officer in the State of Texas. Officer Ann Gates was selected for
motorcycle training in July, 1983 and rode for 13 years. She has
competed in numerous police motorcycle riding competitions across
the state. She has won many trophies and awards for her excellent
riding abilities and was selected to train the motorcycle officers
for the Fort Worth Police Department's Motorcycle Unit.
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