The Westfield Police Dept. has purchased two unmarked Mustangs in an effort to target traffic enforcement. The traffic unit will dedicate all of their time to patrolling Westfield streets.
“By purchasing these unmarked Mustangs, we will be able to target two areas that have been difficult for officers to effectively patrol,” said Westfield Police Chief Joel Rush. “The traffic unit will be able to blend in and target offenders in neighborhoods as well as target aggressive drivers on U.S. 31. Aggressive drivers are the cause of accidents and the city is focused on keeping our citizens safe.”
Rush started focusing on traffic enforcement in recent years, as Westfield’s population started to quickly grow. WPD Cpt. Charles Hollowell said the vehicles provide police with “stealth mode” while out cruising the roadways.
“When people see police cars out, they straighten up and drive better. This is designed to get those aggressive drivers,” he said. “We have traffic complaints throughout Westfield. While U.S. 31 South is under construction we want to make sure the workers there remain safe, but we get more telephone calls in residential areas and other city roads than (U.S.) 31.”
The newly formed traffic unit began in January. The unit is part of Mayor Andy Cook’s focus of safe city.
“Lots of times people think of a Safe City as preventing any robberies, burglaries and vandalisms. Safe City goes with making our roads safe – cutting down speeding and crashes,” Hollowell said, adding most crashes occur from traveling too fast, following too close or rapidly changing lanes.
Hollowell said the Mustangs are priced comparable to other police vehicles.
In addition to the unmarked cars, Rush will be participating in “Your Safety Matters,” short video segments that will give residents tips on how to stay safe.
“These short videos will help keep citizens informed of the latest criminal trends and how they can stay one step ahead of them,” Cook said. “We’re proud of the work our police department has done to keep Westfield a safe city, but we know as more people move here, more crime will follow and we want our citizens to always be prepared.”
