Traffic Safety Officers must do more than simply complete a series of specified traffic classes; rather, one must have an above average drive and desire to protect human life and welfare on the roads of South Carolina. A Traffic Safety Officer, or "TSO", must also be motivated to seek justice for those who offend the law equally as well as for those who are victims of others’ offenses.
| 
|
The TSO receives training in the detection of speed related offenses and must be certified in the use of both RADAR and LIDAR speed measurement devices. One of the most challenging aspects of the TSO certification is the Traffic Collision Reconstruction courses. All TSOs must attend three, two-week courses in advanced traffic collision reconstruction training. Officers in Phase I of that training learn the basics of estimating minimum speeds in a collision, how to interpret tire marks, and the like.
By the end of Phase III, officers are armed with advanced collision investigation techniques and methodology. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy is the only nationally recognized academy that conducts an actual controlled traffic collision and then requires officers to reconstruct that collision for a grade. Officers are also given the opportunity to testify in a mock trial. After satisfactory completion of all six courses, which amounts to over 300 hours of advanced training, the officers are eligible to receive their TSO certification.
In 2009 the Travelers Rest Police Department formed an official Traffic Safety Team consisting of two certified TSOs, Officers Chris Gilbert and Chris Kendall. The third team member, Officer Patrick Lavery, is currently undergoing the TSO certification process.
|
