Yonkers Police Traffic Unit-735 East Grassy Sprain Road

Commanding Officer Captain Pilholski
Executive Officer Lieutenant Behan
Field Supervisor Sergeant Browne
Field Supervisor Sergeant Trabucco

Captain Robert Pilholski

  Any analysis of citizen complaints would disclose that a very high portion of the calls for service is related to specific and non-specific traffic related issues. There is wide spread concern about traffic violations as they effect quality of life and public safety. The motoring public needs to feel secure in the knowledge that traffic laws will be rigorously enforced. Complaints received about specific intersections or other special circumstances that may plague a particular neighborhood must also be addressed.
The administration of police services must be prioritized. The heavy demand placed upon officers assigned to precincts mandates that traffic issues be given a lower priority than other, more serious calls for service. The low priority given to the enforcement of moving violations, often means that traffic matters are not given enough attention at the precinct level. It is the task of the Traffic Enforcement Unit to deal with these numerous traffic related issues.

  The mainstay of the Traffic Enforcement Unit is the Motorcycle Unit. These officers are trained in every aspect of traffic safety enforcement. Radar enforcement, trucking regulations, and D.W.I. enforcement are all areas where the motorcycle unit acts as experts in the field. While safety is the main concern, a by-product of enforcement is the added revenue which comes from the collection of fines. In addition to their enforcement duties, these officers are trained in the specialized skills needed to provide escort services for heavy equipment, dignitaries, and large funerals.

Hack Inspections

  The Hack Unit is charged with the responsibility of enforcing city codes related to taxis, school buses, and tow trucks. Three officers are assigned to inspect, license, and regulate the more than 530 cabs, 1350 school buses, and 100 tow trucks that conduct business in the City of Yonkers. These officers, augmented by the Motorcycle Unit, are also charged with the responsibility of enforcing those regulations. The Hack Unit also oversees the Abandoned Auto Section which is responsible for picking up, investigate, and salvage autos abandoned on the city streets. In 2000, the unit brought in more than $200,000 in  licensing fees.
< Top Of Page>

Truck and Scale Unit

  Officers from the motorcycle unit are also trained in the enforcement of laws regulating the weight limitations for commercial vehicles. Equipped with portable truck scales, officers can stop and weigh trucks on the road. The enforcement of these regulations helps to reduce the number of overweight commercial vehicles on our roadways and contributes to reducing costly roadway damage. In addition, these officers identify and inspect trucks carrying hazardous materials and are thoroughly knowledgeable in the Federal, State and local laws governing commercial vehicles. Summonses issued by this unit also brings substantial revenue to the city. A typical overweight summons carries a fine in excess of $500, which is collected through the Yonkers city courts. In 1996, the high demand for this service prompted the State of New York to request our expertise in assisting them on the New York State Thruway for truck inspections and weight enforcement and continues on through 2001.
< Top Of Page>

Accident Investigations

  The department currently has three certified accident investigation experts who can perform in-depth analysis of serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents. These officers have been certified by the New York City Police Department's Highway Division, the National Association of Traffic Accident Investigators, the New York State Bureau of Municipal Police, and the New York State Accident Reconstructionists Society. In addition, they are also required to be Certified New York State Motor Vehicle Inspectors.

  To receive these certifications, the officers are trained in the many aspects of this specialized science. They must be schooled in trigonometry, algebra, geometry, and calculus as those disciplines relate to motor vehicles. They must be thoroughly knowledgeable in auto mechanics, kinetics, motion, physics, evidence preservation and have a general knowledge of the applicable laws that permit the police to conduct such investigations. Their investigations have led to increased indictments of motor vehicle offenses.
< Top Of Page>

School Crossing Guards

  During the school year the Special Operations Division, provides crossing guards to insure the safety of students while they exit school busses, cross busy streets in school zones and report to the traffic unit any vehicular problems which may arise. In conjunction with the traffic unit and the traffic engineer, the director of the school crossing guards surveys school zones to determine the need for any signs, traffic control devices, etc.. Training for the crossing guards is extensive and covers a wide range of traffic safety issues.
< Top Of Page>

Yearly Traffic Program

  During the course of the year, the Traffic Unit, participates in various state, county and local programs designed to make motoring as safe as possible. These programs include "Stop DWI", "Seat Belt Checkpoints", " Selective Enforcement"," Vehicle Equipment Checkpoints" and "Targeted Speed Enforcement in School Zones". These programs have successfully resulted in arrests of operators who drive with suspended or revoked licenses, wanted on warrants, intoxicated, and removed vehicles from the roadways that are unsafe or are in violation of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws. In addition to their many duties the Traffic Officers are also certified by the State of New York Department of Motor Vehicle, as Certified Motor Vehicles Inspectors.
< Top Of Page >

| Special Operations Division | K-9 Unit |