Traffic Operational Command Unit
Encyclopedia
The Traffic Operational Command Unit (CO15) is a Central Operations
branch of the London Metropolitan Police Service
. The unit is responsible for policing of the roads, such as the London road network. It has been in existence since 1930, when motor traffic patrols were set up at police stations. The early patrols were soon nicknamed 'Courtesy Cops' as they educated the public about the then new road traffic act.
traffic officers are specialists in road traffic matters, including vehicle examination, driver documentation, collision investigation and hazardous materials. They have responsibility for the investigation of Fatal and the initial stages of Life Changing Road Traffic Collisions Within the MPD
. Sergeants, known as Garage Sergeants are also responsible for the investigation of all injury collisions and damage only collisions that occur outside police premises involving police vehicles. They also download the 'black box' incident data recorders that are fitted to all police vehicles, except motorcycles.
Traffic Officers maintain the free running of strategic trunk roads and motorways falling within the MPD
. They work in partnership with the Highways Agency
. This includes all the 'A' (trunk) roads and small sections of the M1
, M4
, M11
and the M25
motorways.
The stated aims are to:
* Deny criminals use of the roads by enforcing the law
* Reduce road casualties
* Tackle the threat of terrorism
* Reduce anti-social use of the roads
* Enhance public confidence and reassurance by patrolling the roads
* Attend and investigate all fatal collisions
Using intelligence led operations they intend to use a combination of enforcement and education to focus on issues such as:
* Antisocial and criminal use of vehicles on the roads
* Drink and Drug driving
* Speeding
* Seizing uninsured and unlicensed vehicles
* Motorcycle, moped and scooter safety
* Commercial vehicles and the transportation of hazardous materials
* Un-roadworthy and dangerous vehicles
* Road safety at schools
who examine scenes of serious or fatal road traffic collisions and investigate fatal collisions.
uses the code of TDJ to identify the location. The premises is shared with the Territorial Support Group
. Officers have the geographic responsibility for the boroughs of the Tower Hamlets
, Newham
, Barking and Dagenham
, Hackney
, Havering
, Redbridge
, Waltham Forest
and Enfield
.
. The Metropolitan Police Service
uses the code of TDP to identify the location. The premises is shared with the Territorial Support Group
and the Dog Section. Officers have the geographic responsibility for the boroughs of the Bexley
, Greenwich
, Lewisham
, Southwark
, Lambeth
, Bromley
and Croydon
. Since the closure of the Central Garage officers from this garage also provide a traffic response to the Lambeth
.
which is shared with the Dog Section. The second location is at Hampton
. This also houses the traffic training unit. The Metropolitan Police Service
uses the code of TDV (for Merton
) and TDT (for Hampton
) to identify the location. The geographic responsibilities of the two garages are the London Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham
, Wandsworth
, Hounslow
, Richmond Upon Thames
, Kingston Upon Thames
, Merton
and Sutton
.
As of 2011 the Central area is now covered by the South West Garages. This includes pretty much the whole of Westminster, Belgravia, Kensington and Chelsea, as well as Soho and anything that is deemed as Central London.
and the Metropolitan Police Service
uses the code TDQ to identify the location. The geographic responsibilities of the officers from this garage are the London Boroughs of Brent
, Ealing
, Barnet
, Harrow
, London Borough of Haringey
and Hillingdon
.
used the code of TDC to identify the location. Officers had the geographic responsibility for the boroughs of the City of Westminster
, Camden
, Islington
and Kensington and Chelsea
. In the summer of 2010 it was announced that this garage would close due to cost cutting. Officers were invited to move to one of the remaining five garages. The garage closed in March 2011.
The Central area is now policed by the South West Unit. This, along with most cost cutting, has caused issues, mainly the time taken to get there amongst heavy traffic, as well as the time taken to get back to base at the end of the shift as well as the next shift being able to return there and cover the area. It is common that "Central" is unpoliced for around 4 to 6 hours daily whilst crews try to return at the end of a shift and de kit / de brief, followed by the next crew kitting up and briefing.
s and over 130 civilian Police Support Staff employed within the department along with a small number of Special Constables. The Police Officers and Special Constables can be easily recognised by the white covers worn over their uniform caps and shoulder numbers
beginning with the letters 'TD'.
530/535d tourer along with the Mitsubishi Shogun which is used primarily for towing. The Volvo V70
has been added to the fleet. The cars and 4x4's are fitted with mobile data terminals, with access to the Police National Computer
. They are also fitted with Automatic Number Plate Recognition
cameras to the front and rear. In addition the front-facing camera permanently records to video tape. The motorcycles used are a fleet of BMW motorcycles
. The most common motorcycle used is the BMW 1200RTP although some older 1100cc and 600cc models remain.
Central Operations
Central Operations is a major directorate of the London Metropolitan Police Service that provides operational support to the rest of the service...
branch of the London Metropolitan Police Service
Metropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
. The unit is responsible for policing of the roads, such as the London road network. It has been in existence since 1930, when motor traffic patrols were set up at police stations. The early patrols were soon nicknamed 'Courtesy Cops' as they educated the public about the then new road traffic act.
Responsibilities and AIMS
The Met'sMetropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
traffic officers are specialists in road traffic matters, including vehicle examination, driver documentation, collision investigation and hazardous materials. They have responsibility for the investigation of Fatal and the initial stages of Life Changing Road Traffic Collisions Within the MPD
MPD
-In chemistry:* 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol* m-Phenylenediamine* Methylphenidate-In electronics:* Medium PRF doppler radar used e.g...
. Sergeants, known as Garage Sergeants are also responsible for the investigation of all injury collisions and damage only collisions that occur outside police premises involving police vehicles. They also download the 'black box' incident data recorders that are fitted to all police vehicles, except motorcycles.
Traffic Officers maintain the free running of strategic trunk roads and motorways falling within the MPD
Metropolitan Police District
The Metropolitan Police District is the police area which is policed by London's Metropolitan Police Service. It currently consists of Greater London, excluding the City of London.-History:...
. They work in partnership with the Highways Agency
Highways Agency
The Highways Agency is an executive agency, part of the Department for Transport in England. It has responsibility for managing the core road network in England...
. This includes all the 'A' (trunk) roads and small sections of the M1
M1 motorway
The M1 is a north–south motorway in England primarily connecting London to Leeds, where it joins the A1 near Aberford. While the M1 is considered to be the first inter-urban motorway to be completed in the United Kingdom, the first road to be built to motorway standard in the country was the...
, M4
M4 motorway
The M4 motorway links London with South Wales. It is part of the unsigned European route E30. Other major places directly accessible from M4 junctions are Reading, Swindon, Bristol, Newport, Cardiff and Swansea...
, M11
M11 motorway
The M11 motorway in England is a major road running approximately north from the North Circular Road in South Woodford in north-east London to the A14, north-west of Cambridge.-Route:...
and the M25
M25 motorway
The M25 motorway, or London Orbital, is a orbital motorway that almost encircles Greater London, England, in the United Kingdom. The motorway was first mooted early in the 20th century. A few sections, based on the now abandoned London Ringways plan, were constructed in the early 1970s and it ...
motorways.
The stated aims are to:
* Deny criminals use of the roads by enforcing the law
* Reduce road casualties
* Tackle the threat of terrorism
* Reduce anti-social use of the roads
* Enhance public confidence and reassurance by patrolling the roads
* Attend and investigate all fatal collisions
Using intelligence led operations they intend to use a combination of enforcement and education to focus on issues such as:
* Antisocial and criminal use of vehicles on the roads
* Drink and Drug driving
* Speeding
* Seizing uninsured and unlicensed vehicles
* Motorcycle, moped and scooter safety
* Commercial vehicles and the transportation of hazardous materials
* Un-roadworthy and dangerous vehicles
* Road safety at schools
Locations
Now, its officers work from one of five traffic garages. These garages hold three departments. Response officers respond to serious traffic collisions and enforce road traffic law in accordance with the aims of the unit. Tasking teams are directed to deal with specific traffic and crime problems. The Road Death Investigation Unit have specialist officers, both civilian staff and Police OfficersPolice officer
A police officer is a warranted employee of a police force...
who examine scenes of serious or fatal road traffic collisions and investigate fatal collisions.
North East Garage
The North East Garage is located in Chadwell Heath. The Metropolitan Police ServiceMetropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
uses the code of TDJ to identify the location. The premises is shared with the Territorial Support Group
Territorial Support Group
The Territorial Support Group is a Central Operations unit of London's Metropolitan Police Service consisting of 720 officers, that specialises in public order containment among other specialist policing. The TSG is a uniformed unit of the MPS that replaced the controversial Special Patrol Group...
. Officers have the geographic responsibility for the boroughs of the Tower Hamlets
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is a London borough to the east of the City of London and north of the River Thames. It is in the eastern part of London and covers much of the traditional East End. It also includes much of the redeveloped Docklands region of London, including West India Docks...
, Newham
London Borough of Newham
The London Borough of Newham is a London borough formed from the towns of West Ham and East Ham, within East London.It is situated east of the City of London, and is north of the River Thames. According to 2006 estimates, Newham has one of the highest ethnic minority populations of all the...
, Barking and Dagenham
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
In 1801, the civil parishes that form the modern borough had a total population of 1,937; and the area was characterised by farming, woodland and the fishing fleet at Barking. This last industry employed 1,370 men and boys by 1850, but by the end of the century had ceased to exist; replaced by...
, Hackney
London Borough of Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is a London borough of North/North East London, and forms part of inner London. The local authority is Hackney London Borough Council....
, Havering
London Borough of Havering
The London Borough of Havering is a London borough in North East London, England and forms part of Outer London. The principal town in Havering is Romford and the other main communities are Hornchurch, Upminster and Rainham. The borough is mainly characterised by suburban development with large...
, Redbridge
London Borough of Redbridge
The London Borough of Redbridge is a London borough in outer north-east London. Its administrative headquarters is at Redbridge Town Hall in Ilford. The local authority is Redbridge London Borough Council.-Etymology:...
, Waltham Forest
London Borough of Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is in northeast London, England. Officially, it forms part of Outer London as it borders Essex. However, it can be seen that the NE London boundary does not extend far compared to elsewhere in the city...
and Enfield
London Borough of Enfield
The London Borough of Enfield is the most northerly London borough and forms part of Outer London. It borders the London Boroughs of Barnet, Haringey and Waltham Forest...
.
South East Garage
The South East Garage is located in CatfordCatford
Catford is a district in south London, England, located in the London Borough of Lewisham. It is situated south-east of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London.-Architecture:...
. The Metropolitan Police Service
Metropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
uses the code of TDP to identify the location. The premises is shared with the Territorial Support Group
Territorial Support Group
The Territorial Support Group is a Central Operations unit of London's Metropolitan Police Service consisting of 720 officers, that specialises in public order containment among other specialist policing. The TSG is a uniformed unit of the MPS that replaced the controversial Special Patrol Group...
and the Dog Section. Officers have the geographic responsibility for the boroughs of the Bexley
London Borough of Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley lies in south east Greater London, and is a borough referred to as part of Outer London. It has common borders with the London Borough of Bromley to the south, the London Borough of Greenwich to the west, across the River Thames to the north it borders the London...
, Greenwich
London Borough of Greenwich
The London Borough of Greenwich is an Inner London borough in south-east London, England. Taking its name from the historic town of Greenwich, the present borough was formed in 1965 by the amalgamation of the former area of the Metropolitan Borough of Greenwich with part of the Metropolitan...
, Lewisham
London Borough of Lewisham
The London Borough of Lewisham is a London borough in south-east London, England and forms part of Inner London. The principal settlement of the borough is Lewisham...
, Southwark
London Borough of Southwark
The London Borough of Southwark is a London borough in south east London, England. It is directly south of the River Thames and the City of London, and forms part of Inner London.-History:...
, Lambeth
London Borough of Lambeth
The London Borough of Lambeth is a London borough in south London, England and forms part of Inner London. The local authority is Lambeth London Borough Council.-Origins:...
, Bromley
London Borough of Bromley
The London Borough of Bromley is a London borough of south east London, England and forms part of Outer London. The principal town in the borough is Bromley.-Geography:...
and Croydon
London Borough of Croydon
The London Borough of Croydon is a London borough in South London, England and is part of Outer London. It covers an area of and is the largest London borough by population. It is the southernmost borough of London. At its centre is the historic town of Croydon from which the borough takes its name...
. Since the closure of the Central Garage officers from this garage also provide a traffic response to the Lambeth
London Borough of Lambeth
The London Borough of Lambeth is a London borough in south London, England and forms part of Inner London. The local authority is Lambeth London Borough Council.-Origins:...
.
South West Garages
The South West area is divided into two garages, one is located on an industrial estate in MertonLondon Borough of Merton
The London Borough of Merton is a borough in southwest London, England.The borough was formed under the London Government Act in 1965 by the merger of the Municipal Borough of Mitcham, the Municipal Borough of Wimbledon and the Merton and Morden Urban District, all formerly within Surrey...
which is shared with the Dog Section. The second location is at Hampton
Hampton
-In Australia:*Hampton, Queensland*Hampton, Victoria*Hampton East, Victoria*Hampton Island*Hampton Park, Victoria-In Canada:*Hampton, New Brunswick*Hampton, Nova Scotia*Hampton, Ontario*Hampton, Prince Edward Island-In the United Kingdom:...
. This also houses the traffic training unit. The Metropolitan Police Service
Metropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
uses the code of TDV (for Merton
London Borough of Merton
The London Borough of Merton is a borough in southwest London, England.The borough was formed under the London Government Act in 1965 by the merger of the Municipal Borough of Mitcham, the Municipal Borough of Wimbledon and the Merton and Morden Urban District, all formerly within Surrey...
) and TDT (for Hampton
Hampton
-In Australia:*Hampton, Queensland*Hampton, Victoria*Hampton East, Victoria*Hampton Island*Hampton Park, Victoria-In Canada:*Hampton, New Brunswick*Hampton, Nova Scotia*Hampton, Ontario*Hampton, Prince Edward Island-In the United Kingdom:...
) to identify the location. The geographic responsibilities of the two garages are the London Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is a London borough in West London, and forms part of Inner London. Traversed by the east-west main roads of the A4 Great West Road and the A40 Westway, many international corporations have offices in the borough....
, Wandsworth
London Borough of Wandsworth
The London Borough of Wandsworth is a London borough in southwest London, England, and forms part of Inner London.-History:The borough was formed in 1965 from the former area of the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea and much of the former area of the Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth, but...
, Hounslow
London Borough of Hounslow
-Political composition:Since the borough was formed it has been controlled by the Labour Party on all but two occasions. In 1968 the Conservatives formed a majority for the first and last time to date until they lost control to Labour in 1971. Labour subsequently lost control of the council in the...
, Richmond Upon Thames
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is a London borough in South West London, UK, which forms part of Outer London. It is unique because it is the only London borough situated both north and south of the River Thames.-Settlement:...
, Kingston Upon Thames
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is a borough in southwest London, England. The main town is Kingston upon Thames and it includes Surbiton, Chessington, New Malden and Tolworth. It is the oldest of the three Royal Boroughs in England, the others are Kensington and Chelsea, also in London,...
, Merton
London Borough of Merton
The London Borough of Merton is a borough in southwest London, England.The borough was formed under the London Government Act in 1965 by the merger of the Municipal Borough of Mitcham, the Municipal Borough of Wimbledon and the Merton and Morden Urban District, all formerly within Surrey...
and Sutton
London Borough of Sutton
The London Borough of Sutton is a London borough in South London, England and forms part of Outer London. It covers an area of and is the 80th largest local authority in England by population. It is one of the southernmost boroughs of London...
.
As of 2011 the Central area is now covered by the South West Garages. This includes pretty much the whole of Westminster, Belgravia, Kensington and Chelsea, as well as Soho and anything that is deemed as Central London.
North West Garage
The North West Garage is located on an industrial estate in AlpertonAlperton
Alperton is a district in the London Borough of Brent in northwest London.There is a high incidence of Indians living in Alperton . There is also a small Sri Lankan community in Alperton , and 10% stated as others....
and the Metropolitan Police Service
Metropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
uses the code TDQ to identify the location. The geographic responsibilities of the officers from this garage are the London Boroughs of Brent
London Borough of Brent
In 1801, the civil parishes that form the modern borough had a total population of 2,022. This rose slowly throughout the 19th century, as the district became built up; reaching 5,646 in the middle of the century. When the railways arrived the rate of population growth increased...
, Ealing
London Borough of Ealing
The London Borough of Ealing is a borough in west London.-Location:The London Borough of Ealing borders the London Borough of Hillingdon to the west, the London Borough of Harrow and the London Borough of Brent to the north, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to the east and the London...
, Barnet
London Borough of Barnet
The London Borough of Barnet is a London borough in North London and forms part of Outer London. It has a population of 331,500 and covers . It borders Hertfordshire to the north and five other London boroughs: Harrow and Brent to the west, Camden and Haringey to the south-east and Enfield to the...
, Harrow
London Borough of Harrow
The London Borough of Harrow is a London borough of north-west London. It borders Hertfordshire to the north and other London boroughs: Hillingdon to the west, Ealing to the south, Brent to the south-east and Barnet to the east.-History:...
, London Borough of Haringey
London Borough of Haringey
The London Borough of Haringey is a London borough, in North London, classified by some definitions as part of Inner London, and by others as part of Outer London. It was created in 1965 by the amalgamation of three former boroughs. It shares borders with six other London boroughs...
and Hillingdon
London Borough of Hillingdon
The London Borough of Hillingdon is the westernmost borough in Greater London, England. The borough's population was recorded as 243,006 in the 2001 Census. The borough incorporates the former districts of Ruislip-Northwood, Uxbridge, Hayes and Harlington and Yiewsley and West Drayton in the...
.
Central Garage (now closed)
The Central Garage was located in Euston. The Metropolitan Police ServiceMetropolitan Police Service
The Metropolitan Police Service is the territorial police force responsible for Greater London, excluding the "square mile" of the City of London which is the responsibility of the City of London Police...
used the code of TDC to identify the location. Officers had the geographic responsibility for the boroughs of the City of Westminster
City of Westminster
The City of Westminster is a London borough occupying much of the central area of London, England, including most of the West End. It is located to the west of and adjoining the ancient City of London, directly to the east of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and its southern boundary...
, Camden
London Borough of Camden
In 1801, the civil parishes that form the modern borough were already developed and had a total population of 96,795. This continued to rise swiftly throughout the 19th century, as the district became built up; reaching 270,197 in the middle of the century...
, Islington
London Borough of Islington
The London Borough of Islington is a London borough in Inner London. It was formed in 1965 by merging the former metropolitan boroughs of Islington and Finsbury. The borough contains two Westminster parliamentary constituencies, Islington North and Islington South & Finsbury...
and Kensington and Chelsea
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is a central London borough of Royal borough status. After the City of Westminster, it is the wealthiest borough in England....
. In the summer of 2010 it was announced that this garage would close due to cost cutting. Officers were invited to move to one of the remaining five garages. The garage closed in March 2011.
The Central area is now policed by the South West Unit. This, along with most cost cutting, has caused issues, mainly the time taken to get there amongst heavy traffic, as well as the time taken to get back to base at the end of the shift as well as the next shift being able to return there and cover the area. It is common that "Central" is unpoliced for around 4 to 6 hours daily whilst crews try to return at the end of a shift and de kit / de brief, followed by the next crew kitting up and briefing.
Staffing
There are now around 680 Police OfficerPolice officer
A police officer is a warranted employee of a police force...
s and over 130 civilian Police Support Staff employed within the department along with a small number of Special Constables. The Police Officers and Special Constables can be easily recognised by the white covers worn over their uniform caps and shoulder numbers
Collar number
A collar number, also known as a shoulder number, Force Identification Number or occasionally as Force Number , identifies uniformed officers, Police Community Support Officers , and some police staff in UK police forces. Although now displayed on epaulettes A collar number, also known as a...
beginning with the letters 'TD'.
Equipment and Vehicles
Officers patrol in the BMW 5 SeriesBMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles....
530/535d tourer along with the Mitsubishi Shogun which is used primarily for towing. The Volvo V70
Volvo V70
The Volvo V70 is a mid-size five-door estate car / station wagon manufactured by Volvo Cars since 2000. It is closely related to the S70, S60 and S80 saloons, as well as the four-wheel drive Cross Country and XC70....
has been added to the fleet. The cars and 4x4's are fitted with mobile data terminals, with access to the Police National Computer
Police National Computer
The Police National Computer is a computer system used extensively by law enforcement organisations across the United Kingdom. It went live in 1974 and now consists of several databases available 24 hours a day, giving access to information of national and local significance.From October 2009, the...
. They are also fitted with Automatic Number Plate Recognition
Automatic number plate recognition
Automatic number plate recognition is a mass surveillance method that uses optical character recognition on images to read the license plates on vehicles. They can use existing closed-circuit television or road-rule enforcement cameras, or ones specifically designed for the task...
cameras to the front and rear. In addition the front-facing camera permanently records to video tape. The motorcycles used are a fleet of BMW motorcycles
BMW motorcycles
BMW's motorcycle history began in 1921 when the company commenced manufacturing engines for other companies. Motorcycle manufacturing now operates under the BMW Motorrad brand...
. The most common motorcycle used is the BMW 1200RTP although some older 1100cc and 600cc models remain.