Sherwood Police Department Expands Photo Safety Enforcement To Residential Areas And School Zones (Photo) - 05/22/26
Sherwood Police Department Expands Photo Safety Enforcement to Residential Areas and School Zones
May 22, 2026
The Sherwood Police Department will expand its photo enforcement program to include residential areas and school zones beginning Monday, May 25th, 2026. The expansion builds on the city’s existing photo enforcement program, which has operated at signalized intersections since 2010.
The decision follows extensive review by the Sherwood Police Advisory Board and Sherwood City Council work sessions, both of which recommended implementation. Oregon Law (ORS 810.434-810.444) specifically authorizes photo enforcement in residential areas and school zones.
The City of Sherwood contracted with Verra Mobility, a leader in speed safety technology, to administer this safety program. The cameras will capture images of vehicle license plates, vehicle operator, and send them through secure video. Verra Mobility’s automated enforcement cameras are not surveillance cameras. They are proprietary cameras programmed to execute specific requirements like speed violations. Verra Mobility does not own or share the data that is collected from the cameras. The data is owned by the City of Sherwood and is utilized within the specific scope of traffic enforcement. All data is permanently destroyed after 60 days if an event is found not to be a violation, and after 5 years if it is. The program will operate under the same legal framework that has guided Sherwood’s intersection cameras for the last fifteen years.
“Our residents have consistently told us that speeding in neighborhoods and near school zones is one of their top safety concerns,” said Police Chief Ty Hanlon. “We hear from our community on a regular basis about their concerns of speeding and distracted driving. This is a proven tool that gives us coverage where we can’t always have an officer parked and the goal is simple: to slow drivers down and change driving behavior.”
How the Expansion Works
- Photo enforcement units will operate in residential areas and school zones throughout the city.
- The photo enforcement units will be clearly visible and remain in one location for a minimum of 30 days. When the units are moved to a new location, this information will be transparently posted on social media and the city’s website each time they are moved.
- Each enforcement location will be marked with a “Traffic Laws Photo Enforced” sign 100 to 400 yards in advance, along with a real-time speed display board.
- A one-time 30-day warning-only period will be in effect from May 25th – June 22nd, 2026.
How the Cameras Work
- The cameras are configured to detect a vehicle driving 11mph or more over the posted speed limit, consistent with the signalized photo enforcement program since 2010. The City is considering lowering the speed limit threshold during school hours in school zones. If that is implemented, we will provide additional communication and outreach prior to any changes taking effect.
- A trained reviewer evaluates the captured images for accuracy and quality.
- A sworn police officer reviews and signs every citation.
- Citations will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle within 10 business days; recipients have 30 days to respond.
After the 30-day warning period, citations will be issued for all speeding violations, even if the mobile photo enforcement units move locations. The presumptive fine amount for each violation type is set by Oregon Law (ORS 811.111). A photo enforcement citation carries the same fine as a citation issued by a police officer in person and is processed through the Sherwood Municipal Court. Under ORS 811.235, speeding violations in school zones carry enhanced fines. The fine amounts for each violation are:
- Class C Speed Violation (11MPH – 20MPH): $165
- Class B Speed Violation (21MPH – 30MPH): $265
- Class A Speed Violation (31MPH +): $440
School Zone Enhanced Citations:
- Class D Speed Violation (1MPH – 10MPH): $225
- Class C Violation (11MPH – 20MPH): $325
- Class B Violation (21MPH – 30MPH): $525
- Class A Violation (31MPH +): $875
Where does the revenue go?
Under ORS 153.650, $66 of every citation goes to the State of Oregon and Washington County. The remainder supports the photo enforcement program’s operating costs – equipment, vendor services, citation processing, and staff time. Any revenue beyond program costs is directed to traffic safety initiatives within the City of Sherwood. The program will be evaluated every two years per ORS 810.434(3)(b), with results presented to the Oregon Legislative Assembly.
A Message from Chief Hanlon
Speed limits in our residential areas and school zones exist for a reason – they reflect the reality that these are places where people walk, kids cross streets, and the margin for error is small. If you drive the posted speed limit, you will never receive a photo enforcement citation in Sherwood. This program is funded by speeding violators, not by taxes. The community controls the outcome; the less speeding occurs, the less revenue the program generates. Zero violations would mean zero revenue, and we’d consider that a successful outcome.