Motorcycle officers conduct special operation in Watsonville

Nearly 100 traffic tickets were handed out in Watsonville during a special enforcement operation.

According to Watsonville Police, it’s part of the BADGES program, which stands for Before Aggressive Drivers Get Everyone Stopped. The program brings together motor units from different agencies to focus on traffic safety.

More than a dozen motorcycle officers from across Santa Cruz County were in Watsonville Wednesday for the operation.

Watsonville Police Sgt. Donny Thul said this happens once a month.

“Not only does it bring the agencies together to support a common goal, but also the ability to assist each other’s agencies is huge. We’re able to tap in to different resources and if someone is having an issue, we’re able to help solve those together,” said Thul.

Thul also said each city has its own issues, and in Watsonville they focused on pedestrian and bicycle violations because that is where they have the most deaths.

April is also National Distracted Driver Awareness Month. Police want to remind you they will be keeping a close eye on the roadways watching for distracted drivers.