Since Waterbury Police Chief Gugliotti formed the Traffic Enforcement Unit last August, well over one thousand tickets have been issued to motorists and most city residents have been pleased that something is being done to improve safety in their neighborhoods. “The response we’ve received from people has been very positive” Gugliotti said.  “Whenever we asked community groups what their biggest concerns were, the same two issues kept being repeated throughout the city; blight and motor vehicle complaints.  And the Waterbury Police Department is committed to address both issues.” Obviously not everyone is happy to see these officers, especially if you’re on the receiving end of a ticket. “The goal of the traffic unit is to improve safety through voluntary compliance to traffic laws.” said Lt. Scott Stevenson, head of the unit. “It would be nice if we could just ask motorists to drive slower or put down the phone but we know that doesn’t usually work.  Although police officers don’t enjoy handing them out, tickets are an effective tool in changing driving habits.“