Cranford Cops Designated Safety Specialists

CRANFORD, NJ - Detective Steven D’Ambola, Sgt. Russell Luedecker, Det. Lt. Craig Marino, and Detective William Pietrucha of the Cranford Police Department have upped their traffic enforcement game by earning the Traffic Safety Specialist, Level I certificate.

This leadership designation at the Bergen County Police Traffic Officers’ Association event held today on Wednesday, Oct. 17. The Traffic Safety Specialist (TSS) program was first established in Maryland to recognize police officers who had attained notable experience, education, training, and proficiency in Highway Safety Enforcement methods and procedures.

Eligibility involves officers enrolling in the program and submitting documentation on employment, completion of appropriate certifications, and permission of employers. Level 1 requirements include three years of independent patrol experience, speed detection device certification, standard field sobriety certification, and 30 points of earned electives. One elective point is awarded for each year of military service. Also, points are awarded for documented college experience.

This voluntary program was first piloted through the Ocean County Police Traffic Officers Association in February 2016. There are over 100 awardees in New Jersey. Several officers are also participating in TSS Level 2, which involves the development and implementation of a technical study to improve traffic safety conditions in the sponsoring community.

(Photo courtesy of the Cranford Police Department)

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