Special Reports

2 Investigation Brings Changes To Traffic Control

CHICAGO (CBS) ― The Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) is handing out new equipment and instructions to traffic control aides as a result of a report by the 2 Investigators.

CBS 2 Investigator Pam Zekman reports at their morning roll call, traffic aides were reportedly told by angry supervisors that they were lucky they still had jobs after a CBS 2 report.

Their bosses passed out new fluorescent wands to be used by all aides and began a refresher course, starting with the proper hand signals to direct traffic and pedestrians.

Jack Killackey, who oversees the 1,000 traffic control aides, said he plans to improve the way the department supervises its aides.

"We have to get supervision out there on a more regular basis to be paying attention to these things," Killackey said.

And as for footage the 2 Investigators filmed of three traffic aides standing on one corner, doing nothing.

"We're going to do a whole re-evaluation of where we put people and how many people we use at these intersections," Killackey said.

We did hear from some traffic control aides Friday who asked to remain anonymous. Some thought they got an unfair rap. Others complained about the new demands. One said they can't hold their wands, their radios and direct traffic at the same time, as required by the training manuals. Their boss says they'll work that one out.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---