Traffic is divided into four sections: Special
Traffic Investigation Squad (STIS), Motorcycle Squad (Motors),
DUI, Special Traffic Enforcement Unit (STEU) and Police Service Technicians (PSTs).
2008 Traffic Stats
Calls: 17,579
Details: 4,976
Crashes: 25,767
Total Citations: 19,305
Arrests: 3136
During 2008, there were 99 fatalities in the
Memphis area; 6 fatalities were related to drunk driving. Of those
killed, 59 were drivers, 19 were passengers, and 18 were pedestrians. The remaining fatalities were on
motorcycles with 11 motorcycle drivers killed in 2008.
STIS
Special Traffic Investigations Squad (STIS) is
responsible for investigating crashes involving
fatalities or serious critical injuries. STIS is also responsible
for investigating crashes involving
citizens over the age of 70.
During 2008, the
officers assigned to STIS handled 199 fatal crashes with 19 of those
fatal crashes occurring on the interstate system. STIS officers also
investigated 84 critical injury crashes.
Motors
The primary function of Motors is the enforcement
of traffic laws, the investigation of crashes and the participation
in special events. Motors, as well as, other members of the Traffic
Division, are
periodically assigned as traffic control for major motion pictures filmed in Memphis which have included three John Grisham films: “The
Firm”, “The Client”, and
“The Rainmaker” and the Tom Hank’s film “Castaway”. Most recently
the Motorcycle Squad assisted with the filming of the films “21
Grams”, "Hustle and Flow" and "Black Snake Moan".
Motors Officers currently utilize 25 Harley Davidson motorcycles.
DUI
This Unit is comprised of officers from the Memphis Police
Department who are specially trained in the testing of drivers
suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
During 2008, the DUI Unit made 2,081 arrests while
processing 2,182 individuals.
STEU
The Special Traffic Enforcement Unit's (STEU) primary
responsibility is enforcement of traffic laws, primarily
on the interstate system. The STEU officers handle crashes, direct
traffic, assist in escorting dignitaries, assist STIS in fatal and
critical crash investigations, and other duties as assigned.
PST
Police Service Technician (PST) is an entry level
position of the Memphis Police Department. PSTs
primarily handle crash investigations, issue non-moving traffic
citations, recover stolen vehicles, and act as support personnel.
They do not carry weapons or respond to crime scenes unless called
to do so in a traffic enforcement capacity. The program allows an individual the
opportunity to begin a career with the Department, and, at the same
time, acquire two years of college which is a minimum requirement
for police service technicians.
This is not a permanent position with the
Department.
