Toledo Police Department’s Internal Investigation Division investigates speed guns

TOLEDO, Ohio – When a driver is stopped by the Toledo Police Department’s Traffic Division for a speeding violation, the officer will likely use an LTI 20/20 TruVision radar detector to verify the speed the driver was traveling.

Department policy requires TPD officers to test machines with a tuning fork before and after a shift to ensure accuracy.

However, an anonymous complaint filed last month through Police Chief Michael Troendle’s office alleges TPD’s traffic division is not doing enough to ensure the accuracy of TruVision radar devices. Lt. Sean Jones said the department’s internal affairs division is investigating the claim.

The lawsuit, filed in May, says the transportation agency could further improve the accuracy of the radar devices by requiring the device’s manufacturer, Colorado-based Laser Technology, to recalibrate and certify the devices.

Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Levorchick said many departments like his check the calibration of machines annually as a check-and-balance measure, adding that it is not required under Ohio law.

The complaint also states that the additional step would confirm the accuracy of tests conducted by an impartial provider.

WTOL 11 confirmed through a records request that none of the laser-technology radars used by TPD’s Traffic Division have been recalibrated since the company received them.

Laser Technology told WTOL 11 that many of its machines on various platforms are not regularly recalibrated and are functioning as intended without deviations.

Jones said new details of the investigation would not be released until after it is completed in August.