Records Show Flaggers Saving State $12 Million

It is estimated that Massachusetts has saved upwards of $12 million dollars since it started using civilian flaggers instead of police officers to direct traffic at construction sites. However, many police officers feel it is still necessary to keep officers on the job site because of their ability to contact other police, ambulances, and fire officials within the community, which flaggers currently cannot do. Also, there have recently been multiple complaints by drivers on the behavior of flaggers in construction sites. On more than one occassion, flaggers have been replaced by police officers after confrontation. It seems drivers do not understand that flaggers have full authority to issue orders while they are on duty, and drivers are expected to follow those orders. After observing an increased amount of savings in recent years, drivers can expect to see more flaggers on the roadway for years to come.