On the lookout
No sunset on nighttime speed enforcement in SCV
My team comes out anywhere from 4 in the morning, 4:30, 5 and then we’re out until 9 and 10 o’clock at night.”
Sgt. William Lynch,
with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station’s motorcycle detail
There’s no sunset on speed enforcement in the Santa Clarita Valley. In fact, unsuspecting motorists may see an increased presence of motor detail deputies working past dusk to keep local streets safe, officials said.
Sgt. William Lynch of the SCV Sheriff’s Station motorcycle detail put the brakes on a myth this week, regarding a belief that deputies don’t conduct speed enforcement outside of bankers’ hours — before 9 a.m. and past 5 p.m.
“My team comes out anywhere from 4 in the morning, 4:30, 5 and then we’re out till 9 and 10 o’clock at night,” Lynch said.
After the deputies have completed their daily mission, the baton is handed over to night shift units and those on targeted saturation patrols.
Through teamwork, there’s continuity and around-the-clock enforcement of traffic laws in Santa Clarita, according to deputies.
Lynch finds motorists generally speed during peak hours — the morning rush, lunch hours and the evening commute.
The longtime sheriff’s deputy hopes the enforcement reduces the number of traffic related fatalities to zero. Since the current plan to use motorcycle units began last year, Lynch has observed a drop in the number of people exceeding 80 miles per hour on city streets.
In an increasing number of cases, motorists also are stepping forward and reporting erratic driving and suspected DUI drivers to the sheriff’s station — combine that with proactive police work and it’s a recipe for reducing fatalities, officials said.
“Santa Clarita residents are by far the most involved, most knowledgeable and
most passionate about public safety, crime and traffic,” Lynch said.
Last week, deputies successfully stopped several drunk drivers in their tracks, thanks to tips from the community.
“Don’t hesitate to call,” Lynch said. The sergeant said getting a license plate number and last-known location is a must. Safely maintaining eyesight while
not provoking the driver is generally helpful.
All-in-all, Lynch and SCV Sheriff’s Station Capt. Robert Lewis want drivers to be cautious, maintain safe driving practices and return home to their loved ones.
“The horrendous crashes that we rollup to and see can be avoided and should never happen,” Lynch said.
“The simple answer is pay attention, put your phones down, watch for pedestrians,” Lynch said, “and (stick to the) speed limit.”