Traffic
The traffic unit is made up of one sergeant and four police officers who are specifically assigned to work selective traffic enforcement and investigate traffic crashes.
Currently there are two police vehicles and one motorcycle assigned to the unit. These vehicles are equipped with computers and printers which allows the unit to quickly complete an accident investigation and clear the scene. police.jpg)
To enhance patrol enforcement activities, unit officers take full advantage of an unmarked vehicle which provides a semi-covert response to complaints in residential areas, as well as allowing them to target aggressive drivers on the highways. Officers are equipped with moving radar and laser speed measurement devices.
The unit also has a stationary speed radar trailer that is placed in various locations of traffic concerns.
For more information please contact Sergeant John Sommersdorf at (352) 728-9860 x 3858
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Florida Motor Vehicle Statutes
Below you'll find some tips that will make any traffic stop that you are involved in a little safer for both you and the officer:
When signaled to pull over by a police officer, find a safe place to pull over out of the flow of traffic. Generally, most police officers will not usually signal you to pull over until there is a safe place to do so. If at night, try to pull over into a well lighted parking lot or under a street lamp.
Roll down your window and remain seated in your car unless the officer instructs you to do otherwise. Officers may approach your vehicle from either side, so you may want to roll down both windows. While awaiting the officer's approach, keep your hands on top of your steering wheel where the officer can see them. Passengers may want to place their hands on either the dash or top of the seat in front of them.
Be courteous. Whether or not you feel you were doing anything wrong, please listen carefully to the officer as he/she explains the reason for the traffic stop. Be ready to provide the officer with your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card.
If you carry a firearm or other weapon in your vehicle, please inform the officer of its location before you go near it to remove your vehicle registration or insurance information. If you have a permit to carry a concealed firearm, please advise the officer of such and inform the officer where the firearm is located. Some officers may ask you if they can hold the firearm during the traffic stop.
Never argue with the officer. If you feel that the traffic citation is in error, save your argument for court. Arguing will never get you out of a ticket. Listen carefully to the officer's instructions regarding the citation so that you'll know how to properly take care of it.
If a police canine is on the scene, please keep your hands inside your vehicle. Police canines are often used on traffic stops of all types to check for the odor of narcotics. If the canine officer informs you that the police canine has alerted to your vehicle, please follow his instructions carefully.
If you're involved in a "high risk" traffic stop, please follow the officer's instructions carefully. Whether or not you're involved in the alleged offense will be determined only after all subjects inside the vehicle have been safely detained.
Lastly, please remember that traffic enforcement is for the safety of all motorists. In today's hustle and bustle world, it's easy to lose track of how fast you're going or to be distracted by a busy schedule or cellular phone call. Keep in mind that traffic stops are reminders of how important safe driving really is.