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FC CASE <br /> <br />PURCHASE OF A SPEED RADAR TRAILER <br /> For Police Department <br /> <br />By: Sgt. Tim Dwyer / First Sgt. Jim Way <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />The Ramsey Police Department receives approximately 200 traffic extra patrol requests <br />and road and driving complaints per year. Most of these are occurring in our residential <br />areas. Citizens are urging Council and police administration to do something about <br />speed problems. Patrol Officers have attempted to work radar in the problem areas, but <br />due to increasing call loads, we are not always able to maintain the visible presence <br />requested by the citizens when the traffic problems are occurring. <br /> <br />Neighborhoods, school zones, construction zones, and dangerous roads could use a <br />little help in promoting speed compliance. In response to public concern, the police <br />department will dedicate an officer to traffic enfomement next year when shift coverage <br />permits it. With traffic complaints on the rise, we are seeking other means to promote <br />speed compliance and traffic safety. The police department is requesting the purchase <br />of a Speed Radar Trailer. We have shifted our capital outlay budgetary priorities to <br />allow for the purchase of such a device in 2000 if Council permits. <br /> <br />A Speed Radar Trailer is a portable, self-contained speed display unit that is towed to <br />sites experiencing speed related problems. After a quick and .easy set-up, the unit <br />monitors and displays speed on an 18"-20" lighted display. The color changes to a <br />bright red if the vehicle is exceeding the posted speed limit sending a "This means YOU <br />reminder message" to violators. A traffic statistical computer is available as an option <br />for speed and traffic studies. <br /> <br />Radar trailers work. As speed awareness goes up, motorist slows down. It provides <br />around the clock duty. Citizens see you responding to their traffic concerns. They feel <br />safer, which is, after all, what compliance with the speed limit is all about- Safety. With <br />fewer speed-related accidents and complaints, officer's time is freed up to handle calls'. <br />for service and work traffic in other problematic areas. <br /> <br />Research and Quotes: <br /> <br />The police department has researched various speed trailers on the market and <br />solicited written quotes from Kustom Signal Inc, MPH Industries, and Laser Technology <br />Inc. These quotes are attached for Council review. We found that Kustom Signals <br />S.M.A.R.T. (Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer) is by far the most effective and <br />popular unit used by law enforcement agencies in the metro area due to it's special <br />features, rugged body, ease of operation, and Iow maintenance records. There is also a <br />vendor in Minneapolis for support and maintenance, versus shipping the unit out of <br />State for repairs. This type of unit is currently in use in Elk River and Anoka. <br /> <br />If the City acts soon, the local vendor, Public Safety Equipment Inc, is willing to offer the <br />City of Ramsey their 7-month-old Demo model at a tremendous savings, which is an <br />upgrade from the original unit we sought specs on. The Smart Model I "Demo" Unit <br /> <br /> <br />