It is an education program designed to raise public awareness of the actual speeds drivers are traveling. Speed Watch is conducted in partnership with the Presidio of Monterey police and Ord Military Community volunteer citizens. Speed Watch originated in Washington State King County's Sheriff's Department since the early 1990s. Speed Watch is operated by volunteers trained by the police. Using portable radar equipment or an electronic digital board volunteers monitor speeds in neighborhoods, particularly school and playground zones.
Drivers get instant feedback of their speed displayed on the reader board as they pass by.
Volunteers pass information about speeding locations onto the police. The number of teams will be determined by availability and need. Citizen volunteers check for speeding in areas selected by police or community members, based on complaints received. The program is one of public awareness and education only. For safety reasons, areas chosen are restricted to two-lane residential, with speed limits up to 30 mph.