Traffic
The La Quinta Traffic Unit performs several different functions. The first of these is the enforcement of traffic laws as defined by the California Vehicle Code. The City's five motorcycle officers are the most visible part of this traffic enforcement function, but all marked La Quinta Police cars do conduct traffic enforcement when possible. In order to help in focusing the enforcement activities of all traffic units, the City of La Quinta purchased the Crossroads Database System and associated mapping software via an Office of Traffic Safety Grant. This system permits the rapid display of statistical data compiled from citation and traffic collision reports.
Another function of the Traffic Unit is to investigate traffic collisions that occur within the City of La Quinta. Depending on the severity, some collisions maybe investigated by patrol officers or Community Service Officers (CSO). Major Injury Collisions, Fatal Traffic Collisions, or Injury Collisions with a suspected impaired driver involved often result in a Traffic Unit response with at least one of the responding officers being a traffic accident reconstructionist. When the Traffic Unit responds to a serious collision, they are accompanied by Forensic Technicians. This multi-faceted response often results in the street or intersection where the collision occurred being closed for several hours.
Public education is also a function of the Traffic Unit. Team members make public presentations at schools or community groups and address issues with a strong emphasis on improving traffic safety. The Traffic Unit also conducts annual public education events (Holiday Safety Program) and participates in regional and state enforcement activities.
Sergeant David Walton has been with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for fifteen years. During his tenure he has been assigned to the Corrections Division, Patrol Division, Traffic Division, and Special Team Investigations. Sergeant Walton has held the rank of Senior Deputy Sheriff, Corporal, and was promoted to Sheriff's Sergeant in November 2006.
As a Sergeant, Sergeant Walton supervises the La Quinta Police Traffic Services Team. Sergeant Walton manages five motorcycle enforcement officers who are trained in the wide variety of traffic principles to better serve the La Quinta community. Along with your Traffic Team, Sergeant Walton enforces the Vehicle Code on the roadways to promote a reduction in property damage, injuries, and death that result from motor vehicle collisions. Traffic Service Officers investigate traffic collisions and hold certificates within the teachings of accident reconstruction.
"I believe in the philosophy of providing a safe environment on our city streets through education, investigation, and enforcement accountability."
Deputy Jeffrey Covington has been with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department since January of 2002, after completing the 154th Basic Peace Officer Academy. Deputy Covington was assigned to the Indio Sheriff Station as a patrol officer working in La Quinta, Coachella, and the unincorporated county areas of Riverside County. In September of 2003, Deputy Covington was selected as a member of the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force to investigate gang crimes in the Coachella Valley. Deputy Covington was selected as a motorcycle officer for La Quinta in December 2006 and completed the Basic Motorcycle Officer Course.
Deputy Covington holds certificates as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Range Master, Basic through Intermediate Traffic Collision Investigation, RADAR and LASER Speed operations. Deputy Covington has the distinction of leading Indio Station's Illegal Street Racing enforcement program. Deputy Covington enforces the Vehicle Code on the roadways to promote a reduction in property damage, injuries, and death that result from motor vehicle collisions.
"My goal is the prevention of death or injuries, while creating the safest driving environment for citizens driving within the City of La Quinta."
Deputy Aaron Heffley
IMC Inc.