The Traffic Section of the Grand Prairie Police Department has an authorized strength of 14 officers and a Sergeant. These officers work primarily at enforcing traffic laws and investigating traffic collisions. All traffic officers have training in collision investigation and most have received specialized advanced training in collision reconstruction. This training is necessary for officers to properly investigate collisions involving fatalities or serious injuries, one of the responsibilities of the Traffic Section. Traffic officers are assigned to either the Motorcycle Unit or the Traffic Investigations Unit.
There are currently 7 officers assigned to the Motorcycle Unit, with plans for future expansion. These officers primarily conduct traffic enforcement, direct traffic and provide escorts.
All motorcycle officers have training in accident investigation and respond to traffic collisions to either investigate the collision or to provide traffic assistance.
These officers have the responsibility of directing traffic at large events, such as Lone Star Park and The Nokia Theatre.
Motorcycle officers have designated training days each month to keep their skills sharp so that they stay safe on the streets.
Grand Prairie's motorcycle officers regularly compete in police motorcycle training competitions and have received numerous awards for their riding skills.
Traffic Sergeant Eric Hansen 972-237-8906 Motorcycle Unit 972-237-8836
While all traffic officers have training in collision investigation, there are seven officers who are specially trained "Accident Investigators", or "AI". These officers are responsible for investigating fatal traffic collisions, collisions involving serious injuries and "fleet" collisions, in which vehicles belonging to the City of Grand Prairie are involved. When not investigating collisions, they primarily conduct traffic enforcement.
There are two investigators that work in the Traffic Office and handle all criminal traffic cases, including DWI and Hit & Run. These investigators may also be called upon to investigate collisions.
The Grand Prarie Police Department is the only law enforcement agency in Texas to operate a fully-funded DWI Unit paid for by the Texas Department of Transportation. Grand Prairie was selected to receive this grant because of the department's aggressive approach to DWI enforcement, as well as a need for increased DWI enforcement due to a high number of collisions involving alcohol in recent years. Two officers are assigned to this unit, and they primarily look for intoxicated drivers, conduct traffic enforcement and enforce other alcohol-related laws. These officers are also accident investigators and are certified drug recognition experts.
Accident Investigators & DWI Unit Mark Calvert Wes Bement Tommy Hendrick Tim Sliva David Rhodes Michael Diaz
