The Watson Institute helps Leet police secure new speed sign

Leet police soon will have a new speed-monitoring device to combat aggressive driving.

The department is in the process of acquiring a new Traffic Logix solar-powered radar speed sign that can be set up along nearly any road and will flash a motorist’s speed as they pass.

The device also records how many cars cross its path and their speed.

Officers can use the data to determine the busiest times on a particular roadway and when may be an optimal time for a traffic detail.

Police Chief Brian Jameson said it is a great tool to help identify problematic areas and deter speeding.

“It slows traffic down,” he said. “When we get complaints about people speeding in certain areas, we put those signs up. It will flash a big warning light if you’re going too fast. They work really well. The one we have already, we move it around a lot. It seems to slow down traffic quite a bit.

“This gives us the ability to keep the signs a little more steady and leave them in places a little bit longer.”

The new purchase was made possible through a partnership with The Watson Institute, a charitable organization that specializes in helping children with special needs. It has four locations, including one along Camp Meeting Road in Leet.

Watson Institute President and CEO Barry Bohn recently presented Jameson and township commission President Martin McDaniel with a $3,500 check to cover the sign’s cost.

“We want to be good community partners,” Bohn said. “We’re a nonprofit in their township. It creates an awful lot of goodwill and a good partnership as opposed to expectations. They help us out a lot, and it’s very much appreciated.”

The institute in 2023 donated a similar amount for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in police cars.

In total, the institute helps more than 600 people ages 3-21 throughout Western Pennsylvania.

The Leet location serves about 270 people from 55 school districts. Buses and vans transport those people daily.

Bohn said Leet police do a great job with patrols and visits making sure everyone is safe.

“They’re always present,” he said. “It just makes everybody feel really good and secure. We have 87 acres here. You see a township car driving through here — the presence of security is just really nice. They go out of their way to make sure that our staff feels safe, our parents and our kids.”

The new speed sign, which is expected to be ready for service by the end of the month, will be used along Camp Meeting Road near the institute.

“They offered (to help) and I wanted to do something that would be beneficial to them as well as the police department since they were donating the money,” Jameson said. “The AEDs are obviously beneficial to everybody. … They are an excellent partner in our community, helping to ensure public safety.”

The older speed sign will be moved to Main Street and Ambridge Avenue.