(The following story by Jamar Younger appeared on the Arizona Daily Star website on May 14, 2010.)
TUCSON, Ariz. — What: Tucson police joined with Union Pacific Railroad police Thursday for operation Railroad C.O.P.S – Crossing Operation for Public Safety. The operation was aimed at enforcing traffic laws at railroad crossings west of downtown and on the city’s south side.
Police officers rode in a locomotive while observing driver behavior at traffic crossings while 18 motor officers were deployed along the route to issue citations.
Why: There have been reports from train crews about motorists driving around railroad crossing gates, stopping on the tracks and knocking down crossing gates, Union Pacific officials said.
The crews also complained about people walking along the tracks.
Where: The operation focused on the train tracks that run across West Sixth Street, near North Stone Avenue.
Officers also focused on the tracks that stretch east of Sixth Avenue between East 22nd Street and East Valencia Road.
Citations: Officers issued 54 citations during the operation.
Most vehicles, along with some pedestrians and bicyclists, were cited on violations such as failure to stop for an approaching train and going around a lowered crossing gate.