In 2011, the Motor Unit is made up of one sergeant and three police officers who were specifically assigned to work selective traffic enforcement and investigate traffic crashes. The Motor Unit currently has two 2011 Harley-Davidsons motorcycles. The police motorcycles provide the motor officer better mobility quicker responses in congested areas. To enhance their patrol enforcement activities, the officers also utilize an unmarked Chevrolet Tahoe, which allow a semi-covert approach to responding to complaints in residential areas as well as enforcement targeting aggressive drivers on the highways.

During 2011, the Leesburg Police Department investigated 1332 traffic crashes. Of these traffic crashes, the Motor Unit investigated approximately 58 percent of them. Additionally, the police department issued 5576 uniform traffic citations with the Motor Unit issuing approximately 31 percent of the total. The department issued 932 written warnings with the Motor Unit issuing approximately 18 percent.

Believe it or not, "routine" traffic stops are one of the most dangerous of law enforcement activities. Police officers are probably more cautious during traffic stops than at any other time. More officers are killed during these so-called "routine" traffic stops than during any other enforcement activity.

There are two types of traffic stops conducted by police officers. The first is the "routine" traffic stop for regular traffic violations such as speeding, running a red light, equipment violations and so forth. The second is the "high risk" or "felony" traffic stop used for situations where the driver or passengers may be suspected of or wanted for committing a felony offense. It is very important that both the driver and passengers pay very close attention to the officer's orders during both types of traffic stops.

Below you'll find some tips that will hopefully make any traffic stop that you are involved in a little safer for both you and the officer.

1. When signaled to pull over by a police officer, find a safe place to pull over out of the flow of traffic. Generally, most police officers will not usually signal you to pull over until there is a safe place to do so. If at night, try to pull over into a well lighted parking lot or under a street lamp.
   
   
2. Roll down your window and remain seated in your car unless the officer instructs you to do otherwise. Officers may approach your vehicle from either side, so you may want to roll down both windows. While awaiting the officer's approach, keep your hands on top of your steering wheel where the officer can see them. Passengers may want to place their hands on either the dash or top of the seat in front of them.
   
   
3. Be courteous. Whether or not you feel you were doing anything wrong, please listen carefully to the officer as he/she explains the reason for the traffic stop. Be ready to provide the officer with your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card.
   
   
4. If you carry a firearm or other weapon in your vehicle, please inform the officer of its location before you go near it to remove your vehicle registration or insurance information. If you have a permit to carry a concealed firearm, please advise the officer of such and inform the officer where the firearm is located. Some officers may ask you if they can hold the firearm during the traffic stop. For information regarding firearms safety, please visit Remington's firearms safety page . You can also find information regarding Florida's firearms laws by clicking here .
   
   
5. Never argue with the officer. If you feel that the traffic citation is in error, save your argument for court. Arguing will never get you out of a ticket. Listen carefully to the officer's instructions regarding the citation so that you'll know how to properly take care of it.
   
   
6. Contrary to the belief of some, Florida law does require that you sign the citation whether you feel it is right or wrong. Failure to sign a traffic citation could result in your arrest.
   
   
7. If a police canine is on the scene, please keep your hands inside your vehicle. Police canines are often used on traffic stops of all types to check for the odor of narcotics. If the canine officer informs you that the police canine has alerted to your vehicle, please follow his instructions carefully.
   
   
8. If you're involved in a "high risk" traffic stop, please follow the officer's instructions carefully. Whether or not you're involved in the alleged offense will be determined only after all subjects inside the vehicle have been safely detained.
   
   
9. Lastly, please remember that traffic enforcement is for the safety of all motorists. In today's hustle and bustle world, it's easy to lose track of how fast you're going or to be distracted by a busy schedule or cellular phone call. Keep in mind that traffic stops are reminders of how important safe driving really is. Smile, be courteous and treat the officer with respect.

For more information please contact Capt. Robert Hicks at 352-728-9786 ext 3839 or Sgt. Scott Gray at 352-728-9786 ext 3838.