The Traffic Unit serves the citizens of Grant County in all phases of traffic enforcement, collision investigation, public education and collision prevention.

Goals Involve citizens in community traffic safety. Analyze the causes of collisions - locations, times, and types of violations. Proactively enforce traffic laws to reduce collisions (emphasis: patrols, directed patrols, and DUI patrols). Focus on a tiered approach of education, enforcement, and engineering to promote traffic safety. Utilize the media, public presentations, and innovative programs in our education and enforcement efforts. Promote and maintain cooperative relationships with county departments, other public agencies, and community and business groups. Support the Patrol Unit by being the first line of response to traffic collisions investigations and traffic control. Augment Patrol Unit when necessary with general patrol responsibilities. Promote a professional and helpful image in all contracts with the public, ranging from violation enforcement to public presentations. Assist in training, informing, and procedural development for traffic related issues. Pursue additional funding sources to promote informative educational enforcement for proactive collision prevention.

Public Education WSP Trooper Ryan Raymond and Sheriff's Traffic Deputy Josh Sainsbury warn Wilson Creek High School students about the impacts of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Investigation Deputy Tyson Voss and Sgt. Joe Kriete investigate a serious traffic collision near Ephrata

Investigations "Collisions are not 'Accidents' - they are the result of a Cause and Effect" When the Sheriff was mandated (by State Legislature) to assume responsibility for all collisions on County roads, it was apparent that more than just the "basic" collision investigation taught to all Police Academy graduates, would be needed. Our Unit now has six Investigators that have been through the Basic, Advanced, and Technical Levels of Collision Training. We have three investigators who have completed the next level – Collision Reconstruction. These are demanding courses, based on the laws of physics. The courses teach the Deputies how to compute speeds, reaction times, and acceleration/deceleration over different surfaces (on and off road!). These Deputies are available for "call out" whenever needed by Patrol Deputies. Recognizing the importance of these investigations, the Sheriff purchased a "Total Station". This is laser based survey equipment, which can measure, then "down-load" into a CAD program not only collision scenes, but other crime scenes as well. This allows investigators to draw highly detailed maps of the scene "to scale", for investigation and court purposes.

Motorcycle Unit

In 2006, the Traffic Unit obtained motorcycles in the unit. With the maneuverability and accessibility that comes with the motorcycle, traffic enforcement has been significantly enhanced. The motorcycles are extremely maneuverable, and are an effective tool when used in "heavy" traffic.

Today's motorcycles are specially-equipped Honda ST 1300PA. The motorcycles are approximately 1/3 the cost of a regular patrol car to purchase, and use typically less than 3 gal of gas to operate (per day) - instead of 12 to 16 gallons needed by a car. Each Deputy rider was certified in the operation of police motorcycles through an intense two week specialized course of training.

The Traffic Unit now has six Deputies certified in operation of the "Motors".