The San Marcos Traffic Unit is responsible for traffic enforcement and collision investigations for the City of San Marcos. The California Highway Patrol has the same responsibilities for the unincorporated areas of Escondido and Lake San Marcos.

The City of San Marcos contracts all of its traffic enforcement with the Sheriff's Department, which deploys its black-and-white-units and motorcycles around the clock, throughout the year.

Traffic Deputies are equipped with Radar and Lidar (laser) monitoring equipment. In addition, there are two radar trailers used in the City of San Marcos. They advise the motorist of the speed limit in the area as well as the motorist's speed.

Special Enforcement Details

The Traffic Unit employs a variety of special enforcement details. The Traffic Unit puts on a DUI checkpoint quarterly. Additionally, the Traffic Unit holds Driver's License/Safety Checkpoints and School Bus Enforcement Programs throughout the year. The details have proven very successful in dealing with these issues.

The Traffic Unit is composed of six deputies in marked patrol cars and two Motorcycle deputies. A Traffic Sergeant supervises the unit.

Lieutenant Vince Albini is the Station Lieutenant for the San Marcos Station. He supervises the COPPS Sergeant, the Detective Sergeant, and the Traffic Sergeant, as well as the Administrative Sergeant who is in charge of the overall logistical functioning of the San Marcos Station