Glendale City Council Authorizes Significant Police Vehicle Investment To Crack Down On Speeding
The Glendale City Council has demonstrated its commitment to public safety by approving a $600,000 investment to outfit every Glendale Police Department patrol vehicle with state-of-the-art moving radar systems. This move makes Glendale one of the first cities in the Valley to equip every police department vehicle with this type of speed detection technology.
The enhanced radar system marks a significant shift in the city's efforts to curb speeding. Speed-related collisions involving pedestrians have already surpassed the totals from the past two years, with more than half of 2025 still remaining. Serious injuries from speed-related crashes have steadily increased, with more than 100 incidents reported in both 2023 and 2024. In 2023, Glendale was among the Maricopa County cities with the highest number of traffic fatalities, reporting more than 40 deaths.
“The most dangerous thing we do every day is get in our car and drive somewhere,” said Vice Mayor Lauren Tolmachoff. “I’m thrilled this council sees this action as an important investment to help keep our residents and communities safe. People should know that Glendale is not the place to speed.”
The moving radar systems, which will be mounted to the front and rear of the vehicles, will allow officers to measure the speed of cars regardless of the vehicle’s position relative to the officer. All 150 vehicles in the department’s fleet will include the new radar, which allows for greater enforcement compared to the traditional radar tools. This new technology is part of a broader initiative to address unsafe driving behaviors.
“This investment is about saving lives,” said City Manager Kevin Phelps. “I am proud of our city council for taking a proactive approach to improve overall roadway safety. Our residents deserve to feel like they are safe on the roads in their hometown, and this serious effort to enhance speed enforcement is imperative for everyone’s safety.”
“The speed-related fatalities and crashes in Glendale are simply unacceptable, and equipping our department with this tool is a major step forward in enforcement,” said Interim Police Chief Colby Brandt. “Combined with education and community engagement, the city is sending a clear message that speeding is a choice that will not be tolerated in Glendale.”
The rollout of the radar system is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2025.