Crossing Guard Requests - Tri-Cities City Bylaws

Public Safety Washington 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Tri-Cities, Washington parents commonly ask how to request a school crossing guard near their child’s route. Crossing guard programs are usually run by school districts in coordination with city traffic or police departments and sometimes with regional Safe Routes to School partners. This guide explains typical steps, who to contact locally in the Tri-Cities area, how enforcement works, and what forms or meetings may be required. Because procedures can vary by district and city, contact the local school district and municipal traffic or police office listed in Resources for the current local steps and any published forms.

How the request process typically works

Most requests start with the student’s school or the district transportation office. A request is evaluated for demonstrated need based on traffic volume, sight lines, existing pedestrian controls, and school arrival/departure patterns. Cities and school districts may consult engineering or police traffic units and may pilot temporary measures before establishing a permanent crossing guard.

  • Contact the school office or transportation department to report the crossing location and safety concerns.
  • District staff or city traffic engineers perform a site review and document hazards.
  • Officials may schedule observation at arrival and dismissal times to confirm need.
  • If approved, the district or city assigns a crossing guard or posts a temporary traffic control plan.
Start by notifying your child’s school office and the district transportation team.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for failures to obey crossing guards or posted crossing controls is typically handled by local police or state traffic enforcement agencies. Specific fine amounts and escalation steps for failing to obey a crossing guard are not specified on the municipal pages referenced in Resources; consult the listed enforcement office for exact penalty amounts and statutory citations. Where a traffic violation is cited, cases may proceed to municipal or district court under standard traffic infraction procedures.

  • Enforcer: local police traffic unit or city code enforcement, and school district safety staff.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited pages; amounts and civil penalties vary by jurisdiction.
  • Appeals/Review: traffic citations are typically contested in municipal or district court; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, traffic education, or court-ordered remedies may apply; specific remedies not specified on the cited pages.

Common violations related to crossing guards and pedestrian safety include failure to stop for a crossing guard, illegal passing in a crosswalk zone, and blocking crosswalks at school arrival/dismissal times. Enforcement and any graduated penalties depend on local enforcement practices.

Applications & Forms

Many districts accept requests by phone or email to the school office or transportation department; some publish an online request or Safe Routes to School form. If no public form is listed, submit a written request to the school principal or transportation office. Fees are generally not charged for a crossing guard assignment; if a paid service or contract is required, that information will be listed by the district or city.

If you cannot find a published request form, submit a written request via email to the school and keep a copy.

How-To

  1. Contact your child’s school office and ask for the transportation or safety coordinator to report the crossing location and time concerns.
  2. Provide photos or a short description of hazards, peak times, and how many students use the crossing.
  3. Request a site observation during arrival or dismissal and note the date you observed the issue.
  4. If the district requires a form, ask the transportation office to email or provide the official request form; submit it per their instructions.
  5. If the district approves, coordinate with the assigned crossing guard supervisor for schedules; if denied, ask for the written reason and any alternative mitigation measures.

FAQ

Who decides whether a crossing guard is assigned?
Decisions are usually made by the school district transportation office in coordination with city traffic or police staff.
How long does the review take?
Review times vary by district and city workload; a site observation is commonly scheduled within weeks but exact timelines are not specified on the cited pages.
Is there a fee to request a crossing guard?
Most districts do not charge a fee for a crossing guard request; if a paid service is needed, the district or city will publish those details.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the school office and transportation department for fastest action.
  • Document the hazard with times and photos to support the request.
  • Expect a site review and coordination between district and city staff.

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