The San Jose Police Department announced plans to add more traffic patrols to increase pedestrian safety thanks to a state grant. Michelle Roberts reports.
The San Jose Police Department announced plans to add more traffic patrols to increase pedestrian safety thanks to a state grant.
The Thursday announcement comes after an alleged drunk driver hit and killed a 74-year-old woman in East San Jose on Tuesday. The victim, Rogeilna Lino, is the 21st pedestrian to be killed in the city this year.
"We have to be a little smarter with our enforcement," Sgt. Steven Payne said of increasing patrols on city thoroughfares where there are a lot of pedestrians.
"We're taking officers on their days off or before or after," Payne said. "We're putting them in an area specifically for those type of violations."
The $350,000 state grant will be used to pay for officers to warn and cite drivers rolling through stops and speeding. The stretched-thin police department welcomes the funding. Last year there were 36 motorcycle cops patrolling the streets. There are only 12 motorcycle cops patrolling San Jose streets this year.
Police said they will be targeting areas like Willow Glen, where there are busy roadways and a lot of foot traffic.
Many pedestrians welcome the increased enforcement.
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"I think people go really fast," said Cindy Wilson, a San Jose resident. "They're looking for parking spaces that could be hard to find or they're looking around."
