Traffic Unit
The Modesto Police Department’s Traffic Unit was first established in 1921. Today, the Unit has a Lieutenant,
two Sergeants, and is authorized to have 18 motor officers, four DUI enforcement officers, one Hit and Run
investigator and one Community Service Officer who serves as the countywide child safety seat coordinator.
Motor officers ride Honda ST1300 Motorcycles. These motorcycles are equipped with emergency lights,
siren, hand held Doppler radar and some even have moving radar. Prior to being able to conduct enforcement,
every motor officer must pass a rigorous two month in-house training program and a two week Motor Officer
Academy. Motor officers must also attend a minimum of 160 hours of specialized traffic collision
investigation courses.
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DUI enforcement officers drive marked black and white Ford Crown Victorias. These vehicles have breath machines
and other specialized DUI equipment.
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DUI enforcement officers have received many hours of specialized alcohol and
drug recognition training. Some of these courses include Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST), Drug Recognition
Expert (DRE), and extensive training on the use and maintenance of breath alcohol testing machines (also known as
EPAS and PAS devices). In addition to these courses, the traffic unit also has two officers who are certified as
standardized field sobriety test instructors.
The traffic unit CSO coordinates the countywide “Keep Baby Safe” child safety seat grant. The Modesto Police Department has
six officers who are certified car seat technicians. This means they have passed a 40-hour course on proper installation of
child safety seats. If you would like to be shown how to properly install a child safety seat in your vehicle, you can call
(209) 342-9195.
For any other Traffic Unit questions, please feel free to call us at (209) 572-9675.
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