Crosswalk sting nets 50 offenders in less than three hours

Simi Valley Police Department's Traffic Unit issued a total of 50 citations and warnings to drivers during a concentrated traffic enforcement detail at Cochran Street near Vista Elementary School on March 19.

The sting, which took place at the intersection of Cochran and Heather streets, was an effort for police to evaluate public concerns about pedestrian safety and speed violations at the site.

Sgt. Jeff Malgren said the location was chosen for its proximity to the elementary school and because it's one of the few remaining un-signalized and un-controlled intersections in the city where there are painted crosswalks.

"All intersections, regardless of whether they have controls, are equally designated as crosswalks and are equally enforceable," Malgren said. "We knew there was a higher traffic volume on Cochran Street, but the number of violators was far beyond my expectations."

Historically, the police department has observed a relatively high number of speeding and pedestrian-related violations on Cochran Street between Sequoia Avenue and First Street, Malgren said. The intersection at Heather Street was ideal for the operation because it is clearly marked by bright yellowgreen signs- to designate it further as a school crossing.

Six officers and one civilian employee, who served as a pedestrian decoy, were stationed with Malgren at the intersection for two and a half hours.

The civilian decoy, who wore no distinguishing clothing, crossed Cochran Street several times during the operation. About 10 other pedestrians also crossed the street during the time period, Malgren said.

Citations were issued to 44 drivers, and six written warnings were given for violation of the pedestrian decoy's right-of-way. At least three of the citations were issued to drivers who failed to stop next to vehicles that had already yielded to the pedestrian.

The officers also impounded four vehicles and arrested one 27year-old Simi Valley resident for driving without a license.

Malgren said the police department plans to repeat the operation in various other locations throughout the city in the near future. - Darleen Principe