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LPD Traffic Division reinstated

LAWTON, Okla. – Police officers are watching traffic in Lawton closer than ever and handing out more citations because of it and it is all part of a patrol division that was recently reinstated after being removed from the department several years ago.

Police say the traffic division is focused on problem traffic areas, such as school zones and other streets that seem to attract speeders.

Police say their focus is not to hand out more tickets, but to deter reckless driving and speeding.  They say they have seen a drastic decrease in high speed problem areas because drivers know they are watching and watching closely.

"Speed limits are there for a reason," said Lawton Police Lt. Jim Cowley.  "We do have some people that run radar that aren't seen but are waiting there to make a stop."

Cowley says his guy may not be the most popular...

"The people that call and complain are some of the ones that get the citations.  It's a catch 22," said Cowley.

…but popular or not, they are looking out for your safety and for good reason.

"Some of the speeds out there are outrageous."

Cowley says drivers sometimes fail to realize the dangers of speeding.

"Sometimes it appears that you might be travelling that fast and if you're trying to go through a stop sign or making a lane change, before you know it, you're right on top of someone."

And that is why his guys are there to remind you.

"Most of the time it's up to the officers discretion to write you a ticket or not."

But he says if you are caught speeding chances are you will be warned or cited.  And if you get a ticket, do not try to get out of it.

"A lot of women and men try different excuses and try what we call schemes to get out of one, ‘I'm late.' ‘It's a new car.'  They don't work."

Police say they are not just issuing tickets for every violation, but are issuing verbal and written warnings.  

LPD says the traffic division is focused on traffic violations and serious car accidents.  And that patrol is focused on minor accidents and monitoring the streets for other crimes.