The Community Speed Watch Program was established in 1982 as a means to assist residential neighborhoods in deterring speeding in their communities. Participating volunteers operate a stationary radar unit equipped with a visual display board that reminds passing motorists of their travel speed thus encouraging compliance with posted speed limits.
 
 
Volunteers are trained by the Police Department in how to operate the equipment. Volunteers who cannot obey the established guidelines (see below) of this program will be removed from the program.
 
Prospective volunteers MUST be willing to meet the following requirements (for their safety):
 
  • Must be twenty-one years of age or older.
  • Should be passive not aggressive in nature.
  • Should be in sufficient physical condition to lift and carry items such as the marine batteries that power the unit. Volunteers will also have to stand for periods of up to two hours recording speeding vehicle descriptions tag numbers etc.
  • Agree that they will not receive any pay or receive any special favors in exchange for their volunteerism.
  • Will be interviewed and go through a screening process established and conducted by the Prince William County Police Department.
  • Selected volunteers will attend an eight-hour training class conducted by the Police Department that gives an overview of the goals and objectives of the Community Speed Watch Program established procedures to follow use of the Falcon radar set and visual speed display and practical field training in the use of this equipment.
  • Must sign a waiver releasing Prince William County from any liability incurred by volunteers while participating in the Community Speed Watch Program.
  • Must work with the safety of volunteers and the safety of everyone on the roadway in mind at all times. Volunteer safety is a REQUIREMENT of this program.
  • Must work in teams of two.
  • Agree to work within the guidelines established for the Community Speed Watch Program and may not freelance on their own or deviate from these guidelines.
  • May not stop vehicles flag vehicles over or attempt to enforce any law.
 
All radar equipment is kept at a Police Department facility. The equipment must be picked up and returned to the designated facility each time it is used. Two marine-style batteries are used with this equipment so the batteries will also have to be picked up and returned along with the radar equipment.
 
For more information on the Community Speed Watch Program please call our Traffic Safety hot line at 703-792-5919.