Starting Tuesday, the Oxford Police Department will implement a new initiative aimed at curbing speeding in school zones along Sisk Avenue and Bramlett Boulevard. The program, which leverages innovative radar and camera technology, will operate during school zone hours: 7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

The program involves the use of handheld radar devices equipped with cameras to monitor vehicle speeds and capture license plate information.

According to Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen, this technology can only be used in school zones to ensure safety during high-traffic times.

“We’re introducing this to address the numerous complaints we’ve received about speeding in these areas, particularly during morning and afternoon hours,” McCutchen said. “Our goal is to create a safer environment for students and families.”

Officers will be visibly stationed in the school zones in the first week, with blue lights on patrol cars as a warning signal. During this period, drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by 10 mph or more will likely receive a warning ticket.

The following week, officers will continue monitoring with the same technology but transition to mailing citations to violators. The radar devices will record the speed and capture license plate information, which will then be processed through software to issue official citations.

“This approach has proven successful in other cities, like Hattiesburg, where similar programs dramatically reduced speeding in school zones over a few months,” McCutchen said.

McCutchen said officers will be highly visible, and the department has shared details widely to ensure public awareness.

“We’re not hiding behind bushes. We’re bright and visible in school zones,” he said. “If you’re speeding with a patrol car present, you don’t have much to complain about.”

The new system also ensures due process for violators. Citations will come with a court date, allowing individuals to contest the ticket if necessary. Additionally, the program operates through a diversion model, meaning violations won’t impact drivers’ insurance rates.

“Your ticket price will remain comparable to standard traffic citations, but it won’t go on your record,” McCutchen said.

The ultimate goal of the program is to prevent accidents and ensure safety in school zones.

“The last thing anyone wants is for a child to be hurt or for an accident to occur,” McCutchen said.