Traffic
Division
Sergeant Bruce Qualls
Unit Supervisor
Patrolman Kevin Durbin
Patrolman
Stephen Watkins
Patrolman Kyle Temple
Patrolman Gary Vannatta
Phone: (765) 213-6440
E-mail: Sgt. Bruce Qualls
From Sgt.
Bruce Qualls:
The Muncie Police Department Traffic Division is
currently being referred to as the TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT.
The unit is staffed with one sergeant and four uniform patrolmen.
SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
Officers are
responsible for enforcing all traffic laws. Our intent is to
make the public aware of laws and to give them a better understanding
of the reasons the laws are in effect. The basic reason for
having Traffic laws is to save lives. Motor vehicles are extremely
dangerous to operate and we as a motoring public use these
vehicles to the extent that we become complacent with their
operation. In other words, we get so used to driving we forget
how dangerous it really is.
I want the public to be aware that we are out there, and we
will enforce laws. However, the days of writing a motorist
3 or 4 tickets on one traffic stop are over, at least as far
as this unit is concerned. This unit's focus will be with public
awareness of the laws, and to correct their mistakes. Some
people need to be cited and fined to get that message across,
others, need only be warned. With the technology we have today,
we can actually track how many times a vehicle has been stopped
and for what reason. This enables any Officer to check the
records and see if the motorist has been warned or cited in
the past, which gives the Officer the ability to make an educated
decision on how to handle each individual stop.
Actual responsibilities of the unit will include speed enforcement
within the city, however a main priority will be in school
zones. Other responsibilities include investigating and preparing
accident reports, seatbelt usage, D.W.I. enforcement, and “problem
areas”. These problem areas are going to come from the public,
and Officers' specific knowledge of areas that are prone to
accidents caused by traffic violations. The public is encouraged
to report repeated violations at a specific location by calling
the traffic division: 213-6440 (please leave a
message if there is no answer); or by using the "Report a Crime" section of our website.
Drive
safe!
Sgt.
Bruce Qualls
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