Survey of State Law Enforcement Personnel on Work Zone Enforcement Practices

An important first step in maximizing the effectiveness of work zone law enforcement is to determine how officers operate. Although transportation professionals may understand the benefits of different enforcement strategies, does this translate to improved enforcement methods in the field? A survey was developed and administered to determine the problems encountered by various state law enforcement agencies when enforcing work zones. The survey was also an attempt to identify areas of improvement and innovative practices worthy of further development. State law enforcement agencies from 20 states were contacted by telephone to determine how work zones were enforced in their respective states. Officers were asked questions regarding funding for work zone enforcement; techniques used by law enforcement at work zones; locations in or near work zones where officers are typically stationed; the level of coordination between law enforcement, the state highway authority, and the construction contractor; and initiatives that helped maximize the effectiveness of law enforcement in work zones. A strategy identified in this research was the formation of specialized units to patrol work zones and to train other officers to effectively patrol work zones. A second strategy allows local law enforcement officers and retired officers the opportunity to enforce work zone practices on state roadways to overcome a chronic shortage of available officers.