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Sheriff Jett is proud of traffic safety record

Date published: 7/11/2006

By LEE WOOLF

W HEN YOU talk to Stafford County Sheriff Charles Jett about traffic safety, you might be surprised to hear him speak of partnerships and teamwork before he mentions radar and speeding tickets.

"Everyone pretty much recognizes now that the traditional style of law enforcement is not the best way to deal with traffic safety," Jett explained.

He said when his office used to get a complaint about speeding in a neighborhood, for example, the traditional response would be to send out someone to run radar for a day or two and write a lot of tickets.

"That would address the problem in the short term," Jett said. "We were very incident driven in our response and it was like we were chasing our tails. We weren't solving the root of the problem.

"What works is community policing. That's the same problem-solving approach we took in dealing with crime a few years ago, and now it's proving effective in dealing with traffic issues."

Jett said his department's problem-solving approach is based on a military model.

"First, we scan the situation, then analyze the factors causing the problem and then formulate a response," he said.

"Sometimes, analyzing the situation means using traffic data; sometimes, it might mean going door to door in a neighborhood talking to residents. But then, based on all of the information we gather, we tailor a response for the long term."

The last step in the process is an assessment after a period of time has passed. If the problem persists, then deputies take a fresh look at the situation.

In addition to listening to residents, Jett said his deputies have formed strong working relationships with school administrators, and representatives of the Virginia Department of Transportation, county government staff and local insurance companies.

This approach allows for more creativity, the sharing of resources and community input. Ultimately, the goal is to change the driving habits of otherwise law-abiding citizens.

"We've been successful because we all work together and no one has a territorial attitude," Jett said.

The fruit of these partnerships include programs that promote public information and education as well as more traditional law enforcement techniques.

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Date published: 7/11/2006