Traffic Unit

The Traffic Unit of the Benicia Police Department is responsible for providing exceptional traffic safety services to the community. This mission is accomplished through the use of Education, Engineering, and Enforcement. Our overall effort is to reduce the number and severity of traffic collisions and to help keep our streets safe for all motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. 

The Traffic Unit has two officers assigned to handle all traffic related issues. 

  • Officer Mark Simonson
  • Officer Collin Fosdahl

The traffic officer’s primary responsibility is to investigate traffic collisions and to enforce traffic laws. Additionally, traffic officers may handle traffic complaints, respond to traffic hazards, assist with special events, provide public education presentations, conduct tow truck inspections, tow yard inspections, and supplement the patrol section by responding to, and covering on, calls for service. 

In an effort to reduce violations and collisions before they occur, the traffic section continues its focus on education as part of its overall traffic safety plan. Traffic safety presentations in schools and at neighborhood meetings cover such topics as DUI, driver/bicycle/pedestrian safety, and current traffic related trends.

The traffic section utilizes a radar trailer and speed counting devices as an educational tool for motorists to monitor their speed in neighborhoods where citizens have identified speed violations. To request a radar trailer to be placed in your neighborhood call (707) 745-3412. 

The Traffic Section conducts random DUI/Driver's License checkpoints throughout the year. The checkpoints are funded in part by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The checkpoints are intended to remove impaired drivers from the roadway. 

Benicia Police Department also participates in the county-wide “Avoid the 10” program. This program is a cooperative effort with other Solano County law enforcement agencies, working together to enforce Driving Under the Influence (DUI) related laws. This is accomplished through the use of DUI/Driver's License checkpoints and saturation patrols.