Slow It Down Coffee with a Cop Attendees Express Concerns About Speeding

At a recent "Coffee with a Cop" event on March 27 at Happy Duo Café, residents of University Place raised urgent concerns regarding speeding and reckless driving in their neighborhoods. Police Chief Pat Burke, along with Sgt. Ray Readwin and Public Safety Director Jennifer Hales, engaged with the community to gather feedback on public safety issues. In response to these concerns, Chief Burke announced an increase in traffic patrols in residential areas to deter speeding. Additionally, plans are being made to form a traffic safety focus group that will allow residents to contribute ideas on enhancing road safety.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Public Safety Advisory Commission, which aims to address traffic safety comprehensively. Hales noted that the addition of more patrol officers, funded by a public safety levy, will provide the department with greater resources to tackle these issues effectively. Residents interested in joining the focus group are encouraged to email their names with “Traffic Safety” in the subject line. The proactive measures taken reflect the police department's commitment to fostering a safer community.