Kean University honored several area Police Traffic Officers with certificates acknowledging their experience and expertise in the field of Traffic Safety. The brief ceremony was at the Ocean County Police Traffic Officers Meeting in Toms River NJ. Traffic Safety Officer Adam Koeppen received the Traffic Safety Specialist Level – I Leadership designation.
The Traffic Safety Specialist (TSS) program was first established in Maryland to recognize police officers who had attained notable experience, education, training, and proficiency in Highway Safety Enforcement methods and procedures.
Eligibility involves officers enrolling in the program and submitting documentation on employment, completion of appropriate certifications, and permission of employers. Requirements for Level 1 include three years of independent patrol experience, speed detection device certification, standard field sobriety certification, and 30 points of earned electives. One elective point is awarded for each year of military service. Also, points are awarded for documented college experience.
This voluntary program was first piloted through the Ocean County Police Traffic Officers Association in February 2016 by Lieutenant Chris Dudzik of Toms River Police Department and assisted in the development along with Sergeant Antonio Ellis of Manchester Police Department. There are over 100 awardees in New Jersey. Officers are also participating in TSS Level 2, which involves the development and implementation of a technical study to improve traffic safety conditions in the sponsoring community.
Congratulations Officer Koeppen and all of the recipients!