The men and women of the Orange Police Department's Traffic Bureau are dedicated to ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians as they travel within the City of Orange. We carry out this important mission while remaining committed to providing the highest quality public service available. To that end, the Traffic Bureau has implemented a number of programs and enforcement strategies designed to maximize safety for those using the roadways in the City of Orange. Our enforcement strategies are developed to place an emphasis on maintaining contact with the motoring public. Traffic officers target vehicle code violations that lead directly or indirectly to traffic collisions within Orange and respond to traffic safety concerns by general vehicle code enforcement through the use of motorcycle officers, or specialized enforcement from the Bureau's Special Enforcement Team.

Prevention strategies include a variety of programs designed to educate and heighten public awareness. These programs include checkpoints, bicycle safety, seat belt and car seat use, and traffic safety in and around our schools. The ultimate goal of the Traffic Bureau is to fulfill the Department's Mission Statement by creating a safe environment and to work together with the community to reduce traffic-related injuries.

The Traffic Bureau is under the command of the Traffic Lieutenant, and operates as one team, divided into three units as follows:

The Traffic Bureau, which includes two Sergeants, eleven Motorcycle Officers, Traffic Investigator, Field Traffic Investigator, the Bureau Secretary, a Police Clerk and two Police Cadets. The Parking Control Officers and Aides work to ensure the availability of parking to visitors and residents of Orange. The Crossing Guard Section is responsible for securing the safe crossing of the school children that attend the City's many schools. The section consists of a Crossing Guard Supervisor and over 50 Crossing Guards.

The department always has a need for part-time Crossing Guards. If you are interested in helping to protect our children and working part-time, call Jim Kelly at (714) 744-7474.

The Traffic Bureau also provides several safety programs for the Orange Unified School District and the Community. They are:

M.I.M.S. (Motors in my School)
Each elementary school is assigned a motor officer who takes ownership of traffic related issues in and around the school. The motor officer monitors traffic and works in concert with school staff to ensure the overall safety of the students and many parents who travel to and from the school each day. The motor officer is available to facilitate requests for other school presentations.


Seat Belt Use/DUI Education Program
This class, offered to high school students, focuses on the importance of seat belt use and the consequences of driving under the influence. The program is presented in conjunction with the existing school curriculum and all high school students are required to complete the course. Approximately 5000 students have attended this program.

Every 15 Minutes
The "Every 15 Minutes" DUI program has had a positive impact on high school students. The program focuses on what happens when a fatal traffic accident occurs involving a drunk driver. With the help of many community interest groups and local businesses, a mock traffic accident is staged in front of high schools. By using theatrical make-up and the talents of students from the Orange Coast College Theater Arts Program, students are portrayed as victims of traffic accidents. The University of California at Irvine Medical Center has generously provided their trauma room staff and equipment to treat the "accident victims." A local mortuary and other businesses participate in making this a memorable event. The program ends with students making a commitment to avoid alcohol-related problems and to help others do the same.

DUI Checkpoints
The Police Department received a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for a DUI trailer in 1993. Since that time, the Department has maintained a successful partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety. Through grants, we have updated our equipment on a regular basis and have conducted in excess of 80 DUI checkpoints throughout our City. The Traffic Bureau remains dedicated to both removing impaired drivers from our roadways and educating the public about the severe hazards these drivers create. We conduct DUI checkpoints during specific times of the year, such as Christmas and New Years, Saint Patrick's day and during the summer months. During the course of these checkpoints and when appropriate, safety inspections are conducted for mechanical violations, and the driver's license status of the motorist may be checked.

Special Enforcement Team
When the Traffic Bureau received a complaint regarding a traffic safety issue, the concern is brought to the attention of that month's Special Enforcement Officer. One of the eleven motor officers serves in this critical position each month and that officer typically responds to the area and evaluates the nature of the complaint. When appropriate, the officer will pay special attention to enforcing relevant violations. In cases where a significant problem exists, a "blitz" may be used where a number of officers assist in high-visibility enforcement of a particular problem.

Thirty-Day Vehicle Impound Program
California Law encourages law enforcement personnel to impound and store, for thirty days, any motor vehicle when the driver is found to be unlicensed, or whose driving privilege is suspended. The intent of the California Legislature and the Orange Police Department is to reduce the number of high-risk drivers on the road. Studies have found that as many as 75% of suspended or revoked licenses are 3.7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision. Since it's inception, the law has positively impacted hit and run and fatal crash statistics in areas where it is actively applied.


SAAV - Abandoned Vehicle Program
The Service Authority for Abandoned Vehicles, administered by the Orange County Transportation Authority, provides the City of Orange with reimbursement to mark and tow abandoned vehicles on City streets. This program generates approximately $75,000 per year in reimbursements.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
The Traffic Bureau has trained commercial enforcement officers who both target commercial vehicle code violations and investigate traffic accidents involving commercial vehicles. The commercial enforcement officer closely monitors these vehicles as they travel through the City of Orange to ensure they are operating safely and within the approved routes.




M.A.I.T. - Major Accident Investigation Team
This team of highly trained traffic personnel is comprised of a Traffic Sergeant, Accident Investigators and Motor Officers who have advanced training in accident investigation and reconstruction. The team responds to major accident scenes involving serious injury and/or death and handles the complete investigation, including interviews, scene documentation, the collection of evidence, analysis and reconstruction of the event.

If you have any questions regarding our programs or if you have a traffic-related problem, please call us at (714) 744-7451.