TRAFFIC DIVISION

Overview

The Cape Girardeau Police Department Traffic Division consists of one Sergeant, six patrolmen, and one civilian working in the capacity of a parking control officer.  The primary responsibilities of the Division include traffic crash investigation, traffic enforcement, and traffic crash analysis, which includes the reconstruction of major accidents. Other duties include funeral escorts, traffic studies, parking enforcement, abandoned vehicle enforcement, and traffic direction.  The Traffic Division handles all special events, which includes parades and any special running or walking events.  The Division has also developed strategic accident countermeasure programs designed to reduce the number of traffic crash occurrences. Two officers are dedicated to aggressive selective traffic enforcement to combat crashes in high accident locations throughout the city.

The Traffic Division investigates nearly 59% of all motor vehicle crashes that occur in the City Limits of Cape Girardeau.

The division is also responsible for coordinating DWI patrols, HMV patrols (Hazardous Moving Violations) and Sobriety Checkpoints throughout the year.  Funds for these extra patrols are obtained through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Division.

The division is taking a proactive stance on educating the youth of the area to the effects of drunk driving. In April, 2006, a new addition to the division was introduced.  The “P.A.C.E.” (Prevention and Community Education) Program is an underage alcohol and driving while intoxicated program developed to incorporate several components to high school students regarding the seriousness of drinking and driving.

Traffic Fleet

The Traffic Division is equipped with eight patrol cars, a B.A.T. Van (Breath Alcohol Testing) and two Harley-Davidson Motorcycles; the use of one of the motorcycles is being donated by Minor’s Harley-Davidson. The other Harley-Davidson was donated to the department from Minor’s Harley-Davidson in 2004.  View the traffic fleet here.

DWI Patrol

In February 1988, the Cape Girardeau Police Department instituted a DWI Enforcement Patrol for the purpose of detecting and arresting intoxicated drivers with the overall goal of reducing the number of alcohol-impaired motorist in the City of Cape Girardeau.  The patrol consists of officers working shifts Friday and Saturday nights between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. 

Sobriety Checkpoint

In the early 1980’s, the Cape Girardeau Police Department was one of the first police departments in the State of Missouri to institute a Sobriety Checkpoint. Checkpoints are held periodically throughout the City to detect drunk drivers.  These checkpoints can be conducted through the Cape Girardeau Police Department or in conjunction with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and/or other County agencies. 

HMV (Hazardous Moving Violations)

Funding provided for high traffic volume times during the months from June through September.  Officers patrol for speeding, seat belt use and other hazardous moving violations. 

P.A.C.E. Project

In April of 2006, the Cape Girardeau Police Department introduced the P.A.C.E. Program.  The program was first introduced to students at Cape Central High School, Notre Dame High School and Jackson High School.

The P.A.C.E. Project (Prevention and Community Education) is an underage alcohol and driving while intoxicated prevention program developed by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. The program incorporates several components to educate Junior and Senior High School students regarding the seriousness of drinking and driving. 

Included in this educational program are:

• A chuck wagon used as the “P.A.C.E. car” along with Fatal Vision goggles to offer the students the ability to experience the reality of drunk driving in a controlled setting. The goggles used for the program will be at either a .08 or .17 BAC level. (.08 BAC is the presumed level of intoxication in Missouri, .17 BAC is the average level of DWI arrests in Missouri and across the nation).
• A car from a local alcohol-related crash involving two fatalities is also taken to the demonstration site and is used as an additional visual aid with this project.  The Cape Girardeau Police Department uses both the P.A.C.E. car and the crashed vehicle in local parades and other appropriate functions.  The Cape Girardeau Fire Department often accompanies the P.A.C.E. car and displays the crashed vehicle along with their emergency/rescue equipment at events.
• Educational components presented by either an officer or other designated personnel.

The program would not have been made possible if it were not for the generosity of the following businesses and organizations who have endorsed the project through in-kind or cash donations:

Southeast Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety
Cape Girardeau Safe Communities Program
Buchheit’s and Carter’s
Auto Trim Design
Huckstep’s Auto Body
Wal-Mart
Horizon Screen Printing
Rhodes 101
Kidd’s Convenience Store
Saint Francis Medical Center
Southeast Missouri Hospital
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Lowes
Cape Girardeau Police Department D.A.R.E Program
Southeast Missouri State University
Metal Cutters, LLC
Cape Auto Pool for the crashed vehicle

For more information on the P.A.C.E. Project, contact:
Sharee Galnore
Cape Girardeau Police Department
40 S. Sprigg, Cape Girardeau Mo. 63703
Ph. 573-335-6621, Ext. 1728

Traffic-Related Links of Interest

Traffic violations will lead to the loss of "points" on your Missouri driver’s license. Click here to learn about the Missouri drivers license "points system."

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Institute of Police Technology & Management

Missouri Safety Center

Missouri Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Office

Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety