Undercover police officer dressed as giant traffic cone helped catch illegal motorists

After receiving a flood of complaints from the public and school crossing guards, the Moreno Valley Traffic Team in California conducted a Pedestrian Decoy Program at the intersection of Eucalyptus Avenue and Running Deer on Oct. 4.

In an effort to give the driving public fair warning, the undercover officer was dressed in an oversized traffic cone costume.



During the decoy operation: 13 motorists received citations for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. 3 motorists received citations for using their cell phones. 3 vehicles were impounded due to the driver being unlicenced or driving with a suspended licence.

Of the people who were given citations, many said they did not see the decoy festooned in the bright outfit. “Our goal is to make motorists more aware of their surroundings and to be vigilant while driving, especially near schools and crosswalks,” Sgt. Jim Bengston said.