Key Responsibilities:
Aggressive Driving Detection and Apprehension: The primary mission of the ADAT is to identify and intercept drivers engaged in reckless or aggressive driving, such as excessive speeding, tailgating, illegal passing, or weaving in and out of traffic. This includes both spontaneous offenses and coordinated street racing activities.
Pursuit Management: ADAT officers are trained in high-speed pursuits and are often tasked with safely intercepting and pursuing vehicles involved in dangerous driving, particularly when suspects attempt to flee from routine traffic stops or engage in evading tactics.
Street Racing Enforcement: The unit focuses heavily on illegal street racing, using proactive patrols and surveillance to detect and disrupt street racing events, preventing dangerous stunts and high-speed races that put the public at risk.
Traffic Safety Operations: ADAT officers set up and manage roadblocks, checkpoints, and speed enforcement areas to monitor and reduce aggressive driving behaviors in high-risk locations, such as busy intersections, highways, or residential areas.
Collaboration with Other Divisions: Work closely with other LSPD units (such as Traffic Enforcement, Criminal Investigations, or K-9) to identify trends in aggressive driving and share intelligence on known offenders. ADAT may also coordinate with neighboring law enforcement agencies on regional pursuits or multi-jurisdictional street racing events.
Use of Technology: Utilize advanced tools, including speed radar, license plate readers, dash cams, and aerial surveillance (e.g., drones or helicopters) to monitor and track aggressive drivers and street racing activities, gathering evidence for arrests and prosecutions.
Public Education and Awareness: Participate in public awareness campaigns, outreach programs, and community events to educate the public about the dangers of aggressive driving and promote safe driving habits.
Accident Investigation: Investigate collisions involving aggressive driving, street racing, or hit-and-run incidents, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and filing detailed reports to support criminal and traffic prosecutions.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Law Enforcement Experience: Significant experience as a police officer, with a strong background in traffic enforcement, patrol, or pursuits. Experience in high-speed driving or pursuit training is highly beneficial.
Advanced Driving Skills: Officers in the ADAT must be highly skilled in defensive and offensive driving techniques, able to safely perform high-speed pursuits and vehicle intercepts while minimizing risk to the public and fellow officers.
Knowledge of Traffic Laws: In-depth understanding of local and state traffic laws, particularly those related to reckless driving, street racing, and traffic safety.
Physical Fitness: High levels of physical fitness and quick reflexes to respond effectively in high-speed and high-stress situations, which may include running, chasing suspects on foot, or physically intervening in apprehensions.
Communication Skills: Strong communication skills for coordinating pursuits, relaying information to other officers, and interacting with the public, both during enforcement activities and community outreach.
Tactical Problem Solving: Ability to think on your feet and adapt quickly during high-speed pursuits or rapidly changing traffic situations to ensure safety and make sound decisions under pressure.
Equipment and Tools:
Patrol Vehicles: Equipped with high-performance police vehicles, including pursuit-rated cars and motorcycles designed for speed and maneuverability in high-speed situations.
Radar Guns and Speed Detection Devices: For monitoring traffic speeds and identifying violators of speed laws.
License Plate Readers: Used for tracking and identifying vehicles involved in illegal activities or suspect vehicles during pursuits.
Dash and Body Cameras: To record interactions, traffic violations, and pursuits for documentation and evidence purposes.
Spike Strips and Roadblocks: Tools used in pursuit management to safely stop or slow down fleeing suspects.
Helicopter or Drone Surveillance: Aerial support for tracking and monitoring vehicles involved in aggressive driving or street racing activities.
Work Environment:
The ADAT operates in high-pressure, high-stress environments. Officers may be deployed in urban streets, highways, or areas known for street racing or aggressive driving. The role requires officers to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, as aggressive driving incidents often occur during peak traffic times or late-night street racing events. Officers must maintain a high level of readiness to respond to fast-moving situations, including high-speed pursuits, vehicle stops, and traffic collisions.
The ADAT plays a vital role in keeping the streets of Los Santos safe by proactively targeting aggressive driving behaviors, apprehending dangerous drivers, and preventing traffic accidents before they occur. Officers in this division must be quick-thinking, skilled drivers, and committed to ensuring the safety of the public while managing high-risk situations.