Traffic Safety

The patrol division currently has two officers assigned as traffic safety officers (TSO). Both officers focus on high visibility enforcement, crash investigations, and education while working to succeed in the overall goal of crash reduction.

The traffic safety officers are each assigned a gray police package Dodge Charger purchased out of the Department’s Drug Fund. The cost to outfit both vehicles was made possible by a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. The department was also awarded a two-officer grant, making it possible to create a full-time traffic safety program.

Special Units

Motorcycle Unit
Alcoa Police Department has three Kawasaki KZ1000 motorcycle units and three certified motor officers. As with the bicycle patrol, these officers must also conquer extensive training before they hit the road. The duties of the motor officer do not differ from that of an officer who drives a cruiser (patrol car). His only limitation is that a motor officer cannot transport anyone (victim nor suspect). The motors are also used during special events and dignitary visits.

Bicycle Unit
Alcoa Police Department has five police bicycles and seven certified bicycle patrol officers. These officers must successfully complete rigorous training in order to be assigned to this unit. They patrol the areas around schools, parks, businesses, and neighborhoods. Bicycle officers have been known to pull cars over and write citations.

K-9 Unit
Alcoa Police Department is proud of its K-9 Patrol Program. Although currently boasting one K-9 Unit, plans are in the works to increase that number. Lieutenant David Carswell is credited with proposing, designing, and initiating APD’s K-9 Program. He was the first officer to have a K-9 partner under a formal program. He met his K-9 partner, Ike (German Shepherd), in July 1996, and made great contributions to the department. In September 2002, K-9 Ike was officially retired from duty with honors. December 2003 marked the beginning of K-9 Ozkar’s “Oz” (Belgian Malinois) career at the Alcoa Police Department. Officer Ed Bowman and Oz made up the fourth team. Currently, Oz is partnered with Officer Hank Morris, making the fifth team and is crossed trained in criminal apprehension, article search, tracking, handler protection, patrol, and narcotics detection of marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin, and methamphetamines. Former K-9 Teams include: FTO Darin Gallow and his partner, Nitro (Belgian Malinois), paired-up in February 2000, to become our second K-9 team. Officer Dek Melton and Mako (Belgian Malinois) were introduced in October 2000, to make our third team.