Archived News Release  

Moreno Valley Police Department Enhances Public Safety with the Pedestrian Decoy Program

The Moreno Valley Traffic Team conducted a Pedestrian Decoy Program on Tuesday, March 13, in response to complaints from the public and local crossing guards. The Police Department has received numerous complaints regarding motorists failing to stop for pedestrians in various crosswalks and intersections throughout the City. These intersections are utilized for students walking to and from local schools. Tuesday's Pedestrian Decoy operation was conducted at John F. Kennedy Dr. at La Brisis Way, at Armada Elementary School.

The California Vehicle Code requires motorists to yield to all pedestrians walking anywhere in a crosswalk. On Tuesday, 21 motorists received citations for "failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk" and four vehicles were impounded where the driver was found to be driving while unlicensed or suspended.

The Police Department's goal is to increase motorists' driving vigilance, especially near schools and crosswalks. The Pedestrian Decoy Program is just one aspect of the Police Department's ongoing Directed Enforcement Program, which utilizes an undercover police officer walking in the crosswalk. In previous Decoy operations, many of the cited motorists indicated that they never saw the pedestrian in the crosswalk. This week, in an effort to make our pedestrian more visible, he was dressed in a large "Leprechaun" costume. Even so, many motorists who were stopped again said they never saw the "Leprechaun" in the crosswalk. The Moreno Valley Police Department encourages everyone be aware of our surroundings, especially near schools and crosswalks.

This program is scheduled to repeat throughout the year at various locations throughout the city. For additional information, the Moreno Valley Police Department Traffic Division may be reached at (951) 486-6900.