CPD’s Traffic Enforcement Unit Helps MIT Students Research Virtual Traffic Stop Technology

Cambridge Police Officer Matt Brown is in our Traffic Enforcement Unit. A group of MIT Students recently reached out to CPD to learn more about the mechanics of a traffic stop as they research the idea of doing them virtually. Officer Brown invited them on a ride-a-long to learn more about the process.

Ethan Robertson, an MIT Computer Science and Finance student, is leading the project. Robertson says they are researching how to engineer an app that would allow remote motor vehicle stops. The goal would keep the officers and driver safer by limiting contact and making the stop quicker. “The driver and officer would be connected digitally. They would be able to communicate through video, text, or voice chat,” said Robertson.

Officer Brown helped Robertson understand why that initial in-person interaction can help an officer identify a potential issue. “That face-to-face conversation kind of lets you see, are his answers fluid, do they make sense, is he nervous,” said Officer Brown. Robertson says this time on the street with CPD will help his team create the right technology. “Just making sure everything is smooth as possible,” said Robertson.

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