In many neighborhoods, the disregard of motorists for posted speed limits is a significant safety risk. Research consistently shows a direct correlation between vehicle speed and the severity of injuries and fatalities, especially for pedestrians. The faster a motor vehicle is traveling when it hits a pedestrian, the greater the likelihood of a pedestrian fatality. To allow residents to help reduce speeding violations on residential streets, the Oswego Police Department has implemented a Speed Watch Program. 

Through the Speed Watch Program, Village of Oswego residents can request to borrow a radar unit from the Oswego Police Department free of charge for a week. The resident will be allowed to use the radar unit while at their residence to record the speed and license plate numbers of speeding vehicles on their street. This recorded information will be provided to the police department to aid in determining if special traffic enforcement is warranted. Additionally, police may send the vehicle owner a letter informing them of the observed violation, encouraging them or other drivers of their vehicle to adhere to posted speed limits, and educating them on the negative impacts of speeding.

Interested residents can apply to participate in the program by completing registration forms available at the Oswego Police Department. The process includes gathering signatures from fellow residents on their street. Training on how to properly collect data, operate the radar equipment, and conduct monitoring responsibly will be provided to program participants by the Oswego Police Department. The Oswego Police Department is located at 3355 Woolley Road, Oswego, and is open to the public Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.