As the new school year begins in Prince William County, local residents are likely to see an increased presence of police officers enforcing traffic laws near schools. The Prince William County Police Department’s Traffic Unit is focusing on educating drivers and ensuring safety in school zones as classes resume.
“School zones aren’t just about speed limits,” said Master Police Officer (MPO) Michael Casey, a member of the Unit. “They’re about awareness because kids can be unpredictable and one distracted driver can cause a tragedy.”
The Traffic Unit was originally formed in 1972 as a part-time group with two members. Its initial responsibilities included ceremonial escorts and occasional traffic monitoring. In 1987, the unit became full-time with six members and a supervisory first sergeant, shifting its primary mission to traffic control and speed enforcement.
Today, the unit’s main focus remains enforcing traffic laws to educate drivers and reduce unsafe driving behaviors throughout the county. Over time, their tools have advanced. Officers now use technology to measure vehicle speeds more accurately. They also deploy speed signs that monitor traffic patterns and provide real-time feedback to motorists by displaying current speeds and safety reminders such as turning on headlights during bad weather or wearing seatbelts.
These speed signs are placed mainly in areas where there have been complaints about speeding, helping collect data on vehicle speeds and times to promote safer driving habits. In addition to enforcement activities, the Traffic Unit offers funeral escorts and participates in special events like National Police Week each May. The team includes commercial vehicle inspectors and uses generators to keep traffic lights operational during power outages.
“Every time we stop a driver for speeding or reckless behavior it’s not just about writing a citation, it’s about preventing the next crash” said MPO Shawn Gallagher, another member of the Traffic Unit. “One moment of distraction or poor judgment behind the wheel can change lives forever.”
With the start of another school year, officers urge all motorists and pedestrians to slow down and follow school zone signs as part of ongoing efforts to prevent crashes that could otherwise be avoided.
