Traffic
1925 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
901-636-4640
 
Traffic Commander:
Colonel Mary Newsom

Traffic Division

2009 Traffic Stats

Calls: 19,038
Details: 3,618
Crashes: 26,746
Total Citations: 19,225
Physical Arrests: 173

Traffic is divided into four sections: Motorcycle Squad (Motors), Special Traffic Investigation Squad (STIS), Special Traffic Enforcement Unit (STEU) and Police Service Technicians (PSTs).

During 2009, there were 101 traffic fatalities in the Memphis area; 6 fatalities were related to drunk driving. Of those killed, 45 were drivers, 21 were passengers, 10 were on motorcycles, 2 were on bicycles and 23 were pedestrians.

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 the films “21 Grams”, Hustle and Flow", "Black Snake Moan" and "My Blueberry Nights". Motors Officers utilize 9 Kawaski and 23 Harley Davidson motorcycles.

STIS

The 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 85. During 2009, the officers assigned to STIS handled 100 fatal crashes with 18 of those fatal crashes occurring on the interstate system. STIS officers also investigated 54 critical injury crashes.

DUI

The DUI Unit responds to calls in the city and all MPD DUI officers are specially trained in the testing of drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. During 2009, the DUI Unit made 2,065 arrests while processing 2,149 individuals.
Six traffic deaths were attributed to drinking in 2009.

STEU

The Special Traffic Enforcement Unit's (STEU) primary responsibility was enforcement of traffic laws, primarily on the interstate system. The STEU officers handled crashes, direct traffic, assist in escorting dignitaries, assist STIS in fatal and critical crash investigations, and other duties as assigned. STEU was disbanded in 2009 and the STEU officers were reassigned within the Traffic Unit.

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.

---