Government > Departments > Police > Special Operations > Traffic Safety > Public Service Officers

Public Service Officers

Overview

Led by supervisor A. Pitts, the 12 public service officers (PSO) are assigned to zones each day with the goal of enforcing parking regulations in the City of Albany.  From 7 AM to 6 PM, PSO maintain traffic flow and provide critical support to the Police Department by ticketing vehicles in violation in the 12 zones they patrol.  PSO are also asked to provide traffic direction and control at demonstrations, city events, fire scenes, and school crossings.  These uniformed civilians are also in contact with the traffic division and parking violations division by radio.  They can call to verify scofflaw and arrange for a traffic safety aide to boot or tow.  They are also able to dispatch police units to calls for service in their patrol areas.

Traffic safety aides (TSA) are assigned to units that travel throughout the city.  The TSA have many functions that assist special operations meet its objectives.  The TSA tow or immobilize vehicles that are determined to owe more than $150.00 in unpaid parking tickets.  They are also responsible for posting, removing, and enforcing (by towing violators vehicles) emergency no parking areas in the city.

The supervisor maintains the daily functions of the unit as well as insuring the tickets are properly downloaded and delivered to the parking violations bureau.  The supervisor also assists in the preparation of ticket cases by checking signs and verifying signage.  The supervisor will also coordinate special details such as handicapped parking or boot sweeps.