Capt. Paul Chignell: Pedestrian "Stings" on Taraval

During the last three weeks in November, members of the Taraval Police Station and the citywide traffic bureau have been conducting pedestrian "stings" at key intersections, under the direction of Sgt. Steve Quon.

Our most recent operations were on Sloat Boulevard, near 19th Avenue; and Taraval Street at 16th and 21st avenues.

These operations have been conducted due to complaints from school authorities and community members who are worried about pedestrians being nearly hit in crosswalks, particularly by speeding cars.

The "stings" employ plainclothes police officers who cross in a crosswalk. Vehicles that fail to yield to the pedestrians are cited for a state vehicle code section. Only the most egregious violators are tagged - meaning drivers who continue through the intersection within inches of officers who are in the middle or near the middle of the crosswalks.

The Taraval Police District has almost one fourth of the geography of San Francisco and we have the dubious distinction of leading the City in traffic injuries. The pedestrian "stings" will help educate folks to slow down and to yield to pedestrians. Your safety is of paramount importance to us.

Capt. Paul Chignell is the commanding officer at the Taraval Police Station.