Monterey Park : Traffic Safety Program Set

The Monterey Park Police Department has begun a program designed to increase traffic safety in the city.

For the first 45 days, five sworn officers and two reserves on motorcycles will issue warnings, along with a bilingual traffic safety brochure, to drivers committing violations in non-hazardous situations. Those whose infractions might have caused an accident will be cited. After the trial period, drivers who have been issued warnings will be invited to voluntarily attend a two-hour traffic safety program.

The city, which purchased the motorcycles for $80,000, will consider adding more officers to the Police Department if the traffic program is successful, Capt. Joe Santoro said. The department currently has 72 sworn members and 112 reserve officers.