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Wheeling Police ‘Operation Detention’ Yields 75 Citations in School Zones

The Wheeling Police Department's "Operation Detention" yielded 75 traffic citations during the effort aimed at deterring motorists from speeding in school zones.

The operation, held Oct. 16-20, focused mostly in the areas of Triadelphia Middle, Bridge Street Middle, and Woodsdale Elementary Schools.

During the operation, 62 traffic stops were made resulting in 51 citations were issued for speeding in a school zone; seven for no insurance; six for prohibited use of a cell phone; three for no registration; two for U-turns/improper turning; two for no operators; one for driving suspended; and one for possession of marijuana.

Officers worked a combined total of 45.5 hours during the operation.

Wheeling Police Department Cpl. Gerald Mitchell, who participated in the operation, said the department was somewhat surprised by how many citations they ended up issuing during the weeklong enforcement.

"We knew for sure there was a problem going on, but we didn't know to what extent," he said.

Mitchell said the idea for the operation came about after one of the school resource officers had received complaints from students' parents about driving speeding and running red lights.

During the operation, Mitchell said some drivers said they didn't know they were going too fast. Others said they did not see the yellow school zone lights flashing.

"I think people are in a rush and don't really care anymore. They're more concerned with themselves than the safety of others," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said since the operation the department has noticed people slowing down in the school zones.

Whether their good behavior continues in the future remains to be seen.

"We hope it deters a lot of people," he said. "We're asking people to pay attention and observe the signs and slow down for the kids."

Mitchell said when the yellow lights are flashing motorists cannot go faster than 15 mph. He noted the lights are left on an extended time before and after school hours to cover potential late arrivals and late pickups.