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The Valley Today is a radio show and podcast dedicated to shining a light on the vibrant community leaders and local events that make the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia truly special.  Insightful conversations, engaging stories, and event details connect listeners with the heart and soul of the valley, showcasing its unique culture, initiatives, and people.
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Public Safety Thursday: Cameras, Kindness, and the Law

May 7, 2026

Host Janet Michael sits down with Captain Warren Gosnell ("Goz") from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for another edition of Public Safety Thursday. The two kick off with some relatable chaos — a mic that wasn't turned on, a misplaced phone, spring allergies, and a hilarious on-the-way-in story involving blue lights and a very startled driver. Then they get into the real meat: why Frederick County is leaning into automated traffic enforcement, how LIDAR works, and why treating people with kindness — whether you're the officer or the driver — goes a long way.

Spring Chaos & Getting Here

  • Janet's mic was off at the top of the show (she was almost perfect)
  • Goz's busy week: Apple Blossom Festival, a teaching trip to Roanoke, and a bout of bronchitis
  • Spring means more people, more events, more traffic — and longer days on the cul-de-sac

On the Way In Stories

  • Goz grabbed KFC nuggets, then flashed his blue lights back at a driver who tried to warn him of a cop ahead
  • Janet watched a car blow a red light right in front of her on Route 522

Is It Illegal to Flash Your High Beams?

  • Letter of the law vs. spirit of the law
  • Flashing lights on ordinary vehicles technically aren't permitted as signals
  • The real goal: slow people down and keep roads safe
  • Law enforcement doesn't mind if you warn others — if it prevents crashes, it's a win

Automated Traffic Enforcement in Frederick County

  • School zone speed cameras already in place
  • Red light cameras under consideration at high-crash intersections
  • Possible construction zone cameras on the horizon
  • Why the shift? The county has grown to nearly 130,000 people across 416 square miles — not enough deputies for both calls for service AND proactive traffic enforcement

How LIDAR Works

  • Radar beams spread wide (thousands of feet); LIDAR beams stay under 6 inches at 1,000 feet
  • LIDAR operates at the speed of light — vehicle-specific, no room for error
  • Camera only activates if speed exceeds 10 mph over the limit
  • No human bias, no "why didn't you stop that other car?" arguments

Kindness on Both Sides of the Window

  • Goz is large and loud — doesn't mean he's mean; body cam footage has cleared him more than once
  • He now tells every driver: "I'm not yelling at you, I'm trying to be heard over traffic"
  • Story of the Ohio driver who ran a red light and accused Goz of "ruining his perfect driving record"
  • Goz's own history: multiple speeding tickets after moving back from Houston, where 75 mph was survival speed

The Bottom Line

  • Automated systems aren't replacing officers — they're filling gaps human hands can't cover
  • Deterrence is the goal; if you follow the rules, cameras don't affect you
  • "Safety over convenience."