Police Using Data Collection Technology to Their Advantage

Since the spring of this year, many Portsmouth residents may have noticed a yellow “Your Speed” sign hanging on a telephone pole in their neighborhood at one time or another.

These signs, according to the Portsmouth Police, not only alert drivers of their current speeds in an attempt to keep them in check with the existing speed limit, but they also collect traveling vehicular data which proves to be extremely useful to the department.

“We are able to determine average speeds at any given time of day during the week, total number of vehicles that have passed through the location, maximum speeds and minimum speeds,” said Patrol Captain Frank Warchol in a press statement. “This type of information allows us to effectively and efficiently deploy our personnel to areas that are proven to be of concern based upon the data collected.”

Currently, the department has one of these devices, which are manufactured by a company called Traffic Logix.

Warchol stated there are two more on order and has hopes that all three can be utilized throughout the city at once.

“This is just one way for us to better utilize available modern technology to address the number one quality of life concern with the citizens of our community,” he noted.