DeKALB | Past dreams of becoming a police officer are now a reality for some DeKalb residents.

The Citizen Speed Control Program allows citizens to help address speeding problems within their area by providing them with radar equipment they can use in their homes.

“Using citizens to record speeds with a radar unit will help educate them on speeding laws, radar and the limits of police enforcement,” said DeKalb police Sgt. James McDougall.

Citizen enforcement can help the police force in tackling the growing speeding problem in DeKalb.

“The need to address speeding is one of our most frequent requests and this program has been established to meet the needs of our community members,” McDougall said.

DeKalb citizens will be properly trained with the correct equipment and report the data they collect back to the DeKalb police department. The citizen is in no way qualified to take enforcement at anytime regarding their duties.

When data is collected and a problem vehicle is determined, an educational letter is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. No tickets are issued.

“If the DeKalb P.D. determines from the accrued data that there is a speeding problem, direct traffic enforcement can be scheduled,” McDougall said.

Citizens wishing to become involved in this program should notify the DeKalb Police Department.

“Community members wanting to proceed with the program are briefed on the requirements expected, such as proper data collection, use of the equipment and the proper behavior of the participants while conducting data. A radar unit is loaned out to community members free of charge for a one-week period.” McDougall said.