CWA Local 1182

December 20th, 2008

Communications Workers of America Local 1182 received its charter June 1, 1968 though Traffic Agents had been employed by the City of New York as early as 1962.

The position of enforcement agent was created because of the burden of traffic enforcement on police officers. The creation of TEA’s freed up police officers to deal with harsher penal code violations, such as murders, rapes, robberies, etc. An all female work unit in its inception, the agents were originally attached to the Department of Transportation working out of police precincts. In 1966, men were offered the position. The uniform, which was originally blue, was changed to brown by then Transportation Commissioner Benjamin Ward. Commissioner Ward is also credited with instituting and promoting the level two position of traffic control in 1972. the agents were now empowered with the responsibilities of controlling traffic flow as well as enforcement throughout the city. Subsequently, the towing unit was created as well as the truck enforcement and traffic intelligence units.

In a major metropolis such as New York City, traffic fllow is of the utmost importance. In our society, the transfer of goods and services is essential, enabling emergency response units to get to their destinations in a timely fashion saving lives and property. Simply enabling our every day citizens to travel as swiftly and safely as possible helps keep our city on an even tone. Citizens get to work on time and get home on time, but it does not stop there. Traffic agents have pulled drivers to safety from burning vehicles. They have helped deliver babies and when necessary, they have captured or helped capture criminals. During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it was a Traffic Agent working the Battery that first made the call about a low flying plane. Agents Calvin Francis and Ismal Quinnones also distinguished themselves on September 11, 2001 by putting others lives in front of their own by helping to pull victims from the rubble to safety. In fact, on that day we had more heroes than we have space to mention. During the blackout, Traffic Agents worked around the clock to keep this city moving. Traffic enforcement agents are as necessary as the air we breathe.

Over the years, we have been referred to as brownies or meter maids, but the proper civil service title is Traffic Enforcement Agent, code number 71651.

You may not like getting that ticket or being asked to make a turn you do not want to make, but New York City Traffic Enforcement Agents are necessary to the good order of our city. We are proud to serve as NEW YORK’S TOUGHEST.

LEVELS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Level One – Issue summonses*
• Level Two – Direct traffic*
• Level Three – Tow vehicles
• Level Four – Traffic Intelligence

*Local 1182 represents levels one and two.

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