2010 Virginia Beach Police Department Law Enforcement Challenge Entry

Transcription

1 2010 Virginia Beach Police Department Law Enforcement Challenge Entry

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3 2010 APPLICATION Check One: n Municipal Police (City County, or Town) n Sheriff n State Police/ Highway Patrol n Federal Agency n Military Police n University n Private n Tribal n Special Enforcement Agency (DMV, etc.) n State Association n International n Multi-Jurisdictional Special Award Consideration: For each box checked, a separate section must be included at the end of your submission, containing information on why your agency should be considered for this award. n First-Time Entry n Occupant Protection n Impaired Driving n Speed Awareness n Child Passenger Safety n Underage Alcohol Prevention n Technology n Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety n Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety n Motorcycle Safety Agency Name: Address: 2509 Princess Anne Road Municipal Building 11 Phone: ( 757 ) City/State/Zip: Virginia Beach, VA Fax: ( 757 ) Agency Head: Contact Name/Rank: Total # of Sworn Personnel: I. Policy & Guidelines (Agency MUST provide an actual copy of their policy.) This agency has a written policy: YES NO requiring officer safety belt use. YES NO making enforcement of safety belt and child passenger safety restraint laws a priority. YES NO making speed enforcement a priority. YES NO making impaired driving enforcement a priority. II. Training of Officers (Agency MUST provide a narrative or outline of training completed, along with supporting documents. Agencies should also discuss recent past training which is still being utilized today crash reconstructionists, child passenger safety technicians, etc.) (#) of officers who received training in 2010 in occupant protection (#) of officers who received training in 2010 in impaired driving (#) of officers who received speed-related training in 2010 (#) of officers who received any other traffic safety related training in 2010 III. Incentives & Recognition (Must provide narrative and supporting documentation with examples.) This agency participates in: Virginia Beach Police Department Chief J.A. Cervera B.M. LaTuga, Officer YES NO Saved by the Belt/Air Bag (IACP officer and/or citizen award programs). YES NO Officer recognition programs for impaired driving detection and apprehension. YES NO Officer recognition programs for speed detection and apprehension. IV. Public Information & Education Provide a detailed written narrative of all the public information and education efforts conducted during 2010 to address occupant protection, speed, DUI, and all other traffic safety programs. Include photos, newspaper clippings, press releases, etc. See the How-To Guide for additional information. V. Enforcement Activity Provide a narrative explaining what your agency accomplished during Also provide the following data for the last 3 calendar years: Does your state have a Primary Seat Belt Enforcement Law? YES NO Number of Seat Belt Citations: Number of Child Seat Citations: Number of Speeding Citations: , , ,202 Number of Impaired Driving Arrests: , , ,715 Provide the number of Special Enforcement Efforts in 2010 (your narrative must explain what your efforts were): Impaired Driving Roadblocks: Seat Belt Enforcement Zones: Other Traffic Enforcement Efforts: 46 Impaired Driving Saturation Patrols: Special Speed Enforcement Details: 120 Please consult the How-To Guide for clarification on what is and what is not a special enforcement effort. VI. Effectiveness of Efforts Provide a narrative of your agency s effectiveness. Include charts, graphs, and other details and documentation on increases or decreases in enforcement, crashes, crash injuries, and fatalities. Your agency should include efforts to target the worst crash locations. How did your agency make a difference in the community? State s average safety belt use rate in 2010: 80.5 % jcervera@vbgov.com blatuga@vbgov.com 802 Total # of Uniformed Officers working on the street: 361 Jurisdiction s safety belt use rate at the beginning of 2010: 79 % ; At the end of 2010: 83 % Percentage of 2010 fatal and injury crashes related to, Speed: 3.2 % ; Alcohol: 6 % Total roadway crashes: , , ,021 Total fatal crashes: Total injury crashes: APPLICATION MUST BE INCLUDED IN SUBMISSION 5498

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5 Chief J.A. Cervera The City of Virginia Beach has a population of over 437,000 people, making it the most populous city in the Commonwealth and the 39 th largest city in the United States. Almost 3 million people visit Virginia Beach each year. The land size of the city is square miles The Virginia Beach Police Department is made up of four Precincts. The First Precinct is located in the Southern part of the City. The First Precinct is the largest in square mileage and borders the City of Chesapeake to the West, the State of North Carolina to the South and the Atlantic Ocean to the East. The Second Precinct is located in the Northeastern part of the city. The Second Precinct borders the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Chesapeake Bay to the North. The Resort Area of the city is located in the Second Precinct. The Third Precinct is located in the Northwestern part of the city and borders the City of Norfolk to the West and the Chesapeake Bay to the North. Virginia Beach s Town Center is located within the Third Precinct. The Fourth Precinct borders the cities of Chesapeake and Norfolk to the West and it serves the largest population of the City. The primary duty of officers assigned to the each of the four precincts is to answer calls for service. Officers are encouraged to conduct traffic safety investigations when they are not being dispatched to a call. In addition to the four precincts, the Virginia Beach Police Department has a Special Operations Division. This division is comprised of several traffic units whose primary purposes are for traffic safety. The Fatal Crash Team has 6 officers assigned permanently to this team. The primary objective of this team is to investigate serious injury crashes with a complicated nature and all fatal crashes within the city. In addition, those assigned to the Fatal Crash Team are responsible for DUI investigations, speed enforcement, and occupant protection. The Traffic Safety Unit is made up of 7 officers who are assigned to this position. This assignment is considered a three year career enhancement position. The main objective for this team is to conduct DUI investigations and rigorously enforce speeding and occupant protection violations. The Motorcycle Unit has 4 officers permanently assigned to this team. The Motorcycle Unit works daytime hours and its goals are to identify and enforce speed and occupant protection violations. The Motor Carrier Safety Unit is has 3 officers assigned to this team, one of which

6 also investigates fatal crashes with the Fatal Crash Team. Officers assigned to this position are responsible for enforcing commercial motor vehicle violations. K-9 Officers also locate traffic law violators because of their duties in patrolling the entire city. All the officers assigned to the Special Operations Division have demonstrated exceptional abilities in police work. They are chosen from the entirety of the Department. These officers are carefully selected and expected to perform at a higher standard to ensure the success of their respective unit. These officers are among the best of the Virginia Beach Police Department. Virginia Beach is the home of Oceana Naval Air Station, Dam Neck Base, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, and Fort Story. Approximately 32,000 active duty military and civilians work at these installations. In addition to the service members stationed in our city, many of the military service members from neighboring cities choose to reside in Virginia Beach and commute daily. During the course of the year, Virginia Beach hosts as many as 3 million visitors a year. The influx of visitors each summer and the large military presence in the area create a daily challenge for the officers in the area of traffic safety. Some are tourists who bring their families to the oceanfront to relax and enjoy the sandy beaches, entertainment, and fine dining. Many of these visitors enjoy a one week stay at an oceanfront hotel or campground and expect a family-friendly visit. The oceanfront is also a popular destination for young adults. College students, off duty military personnel, and residents from Virginia Beach and surrounding cities arrive in Virginia Beach daily to enjoy a good time out on the town. Among the latter group of visitors are the partygoers who drive to and from the City to enjoy the night life, local clubs, and entertainment. Tourists, permanent residents, and the partying visitors present a special challenge for the Virginia Beach Police Department. Maintaining a positive, family-friendly image of the City of Virginia Beach is a responsibility taken seriously by all Virginia Beach Police Officers. Our City Police Department has earned a solid reputation in traffic safety and takes that role seriously. Officers attend the best traffic safety training available and consistently raise the standard for traffic safety enforcement and knowledge. In addition, officers conduct safety lectures in the Hampton Roads area to promote safe driving to benefit those who live in and visit our beautiful city. Traffic safety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and special enforcement efforts supplement daily traffic enforcement to ensure that we provide the best coverage to the city. The Virginia Beach Police Department recognizes that there are numerous challenges to traffic safety efforts presented daily. However, by upholding the Department s core values in P.R.I.D.E. (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence), Virginia Beach Police Officers know they will meet these challenges head-on and lead all by example.

7 Table of Contents Section Policy and Guidelines... 1 Training of Officers... 2 Incentives and Recognition... 3 Public Information and Education... 4 Enforcement Activity... 5 Effectiveness of Efforts... 6 Special Consideration- Impaired Driving... 7 Special Consideration- Technology... 8

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9 ~Section 1~ Policy and Guidelines 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge

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11 Policy and Guidelines A. Occupant Protection Department Safety Belt Use a) General Order 10.01: Vehicle Policies "All personnel shall wear seat belts when operating any department vehicle, unless said vehicle is exempt from such laws. All passengers, including prisoners, shall utilize restraint devices unless the vehicle is exempt from such laws." The purpose of this General Order is to establish parameters regarding the use of safety belts in department vehicles. Traffic Law Enforcement a) General Order 12.01: Traffic Law Enforcement "Officers will take enforcement action upon the detection of an illegal or potentially hazardous act by persons operating vehicles, bicycles or other conveyances, or pedestrian. Enforcement action may consist of a warning, the issuance of a Virginia Uniformed Summons, or in certain circumstances, a physical arrest." The purpose of this General Order is to establish guidelines for the traffic enforcement function of the Virginia Beach Police Department. A policy on warnings is addressed below. General Order General Order "Officers have the discretion to issue a warning when the officer believes that a warning will achieve the objective of voluntary compliance with the law. The Virginia Beach Police Department does not have a written means for issuing or tracking warnings for traffic violations. Officers are encouraged to note that a warning was issued in the comment section of the case assigned to the traffic stop by the Computer Aided Dispatch System (CADS)"

12 Policy and Guidelines Note: In the state of Virginia, adult safety belt violations (18 or older, driver or passenger) are not a primary violation. Therefore, Virginia Beach officers must have established other reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle prior to issuing a safety belt summons. A copy of G.O : Addressing warnings (above) and Occupant Protection Enforcement (right) Occupant Protection Enforcement Occupant Restraint Violations are addressed in General Order Traffic Law Enforcement on page 5 of 8. "As a result of the department's commitment to traffic safety, we must recognize the importance of these violations and our role in reducing them. The enforcement objectives of the Virginia Beach Police Department is to establish and charge occupant restraint violations which have been set forth in the State Code."

13 B. Impaired Driving Policy and Guidelines Policies This General Order states the expectation that officers will arrest intoxicated drivers. Officers are expected to apprehend, and arrest intoxicated or impaired drivers who come to their attention. a) General Order 12.04: Alcohol Enforcement Countermeasures To establish guidelines for the Department's Driving Under the Influence (DUI) countermeasure program and reduce alcohol related crashes. This General Order establishes the required use of the DUI Procedure Field Guide and directs officers to enforce current DUI State Code. In addition, it directs countermeasures to be included in the Selective Enforcement / Traffic Enforcement priority plan General Order Copy of General Order Copy of General Order Virginia Beach Police Officers on a Checkpoint

14 c) General Order 12.07: Traffic Safety Checkpoints Policy and Guidelines b) General Order 12.06: Selective Enforcement The use of Traffic Safety is primarily intended to accomplish the enforcement of traffic code violations in response to the needs of the community and/or the inspection of vehicles to ensure safe operation. This General Order establishes the guidelines for the implementation of traffic safety checkpoints. A highlighted copy is provided. This General Order establishes selective traffic enforcement polices and practices throughout the department. Our department is committed to promoting traffic safety to the residents and visitors of Virginia Beach. Actions under this policy include: Planned Patrols Traffic Safety Checkpoints Stationary Observation Both Overt and Covert Directed Patrols It establishes a review of crashes, alcohol related crashes, and DUI arrests depicted or controlled by precinct geographical boundaries. It directs the efforts of uniformed personnel toward addressing identified areas of need in support of the Traffic Enforcement Priority Plan. The Traffic Safety Checkpoint Trailer in use

15 Impaired Driving Guidelines Policy and Guidelines a) DUI Procedure Field Guide This unique guide was developed to assist officers in the successful prosecution of DUI offenders. Police Officers are responsible for the prosecution of all misdemeanor DUI cases without the assistance from the Commonwealth Attorney s Office. Therefore a need was recognized to provide a training guide so that the officer would be best prepared to successfully prosecute their case from beginning to end, and thus the creation of the DUI Field Guide. This guide covers several different types of DUI circumstances and how to correctly investigate the offense. All Officers are required by General Order to read, understand, and retain the information in this manual. Topics covered include: DUI Investigations, DUI crashes, hospital blood procedures, juvenile DUI arrests, etc. b) Special Operations Goal Statement "To increase the safety of our roadways through DUI enforcement and education" Special Operations Objectives 1. Target enforcement in locations identified as high DUI locations. a. Analyze existing data for trends in DUI accidents and arrests. b. High visibility traffic safety checkpoints at high DUI locations. c. Saturation patrol along corridors identified as high DUI locations. d. Joint enforcement operations with other police and city agencies. e. Directed enforcement along major corridors during holiday operations 2. Public relations and education campaign to address the DUI problem. a. Work with the media, MADD, State Police, Drive Safe Hampton Roads, and DMV to publicize the problem. b. Provide lectures and traffic safety presentations to military commands, civic groups, fraternal organizations, driving schools and public schools on the dangers of drinking and driving. Copy of DUI Procedure Field Guide Cover

16 Policy and Guidelines C. Speed Enforcement a) General Order 12.01: Traffic Law Enforcement "Accidents resulting from excessive speeds may cause a great deal of property damage, serious injury or death. The enforcement objective of the Virginia Beach Police Department is to establish and charge speeding violations, which are either too fast for road conditions or in excess of posted speed limits. Speeding violations are addressed in General Order Traffic Law Enforcement on Page 5 of 8. b) General Order 12.03: RADAR Operations "Only officers who have successfully completed a departmentally approved police radar operator-training course shall operate RADAR. Only officers who have successfully completed a departmentally approved police LIDAR operator-training course shall operate LIDAR. RADAR and LIDAR units must be set up, tested, operated, and maintained in accordance with the departmental speed measurement training provided during basic RADAR or LIDAR training and recertification classes." This order establishes the policies and procedures for the use of speed measurement equipment and the requirements of operators to use the RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) or LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Copy of General Order page 5 of 8 with highlighted text Copy of General Order page 5 of 8 Copy of General Order 12.03

17 Policy and Guidelines Traffic Enforcement and the Use of Warnings: The Virginia Beach Police Department does not have a No Warnings policy. The Department does not have a policy requiring officers to issue a written warning. The Virginia Beach Police Department does not have the means to issue or track warnings for traffic violations. There is nothing currently in place, or reasonably available, for tracking the number of verbal warnings given during traffic stops specifically for Safety Belt, Child Passenger safety violations, or speed related offenses. Therefore, that number is documented as unknown in the applicable enforcement activity section of the application. Officers are expected to take appropriate action in light of the totality of the circumstances at that time. If the officer determines that a warning is sufficient for a violation that occurred, a verbal notice is all that is required. Officers are encouraged to note that a warning was issued in the comments section of the case associated with the traffic stop via the Computer Aided Dispatch System (CADS). Officers have the capability of reviewing prior traffic stops on vehicles by vehicle license plates. This enables the officer to make a better, more educated, decision on whether the best enforcement action would be a verbal warning or a summons.

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19 ~Section 2~ Training of Officers 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge

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21 Officer Training Officers Attending Training Hours Location Total Hours Occupant Protection Traffic Occupant Protection Strategies (TOPS) 17 6 Virginia Beach, VA 102 Child Safety Seat Technician 6 24 Virginia Beach, VA 144 Child Safety Seat Technician- Refresher 5 6 Virginia Beach, VA 30 Occupant Protection Course- (Recruits) 57 1 Virginia Beach, VA 57 Virginia Military and Civilian Transportation 3 9 Fort Eustis, VA 27 Safety Workshop Seatbelt Training Video- Is Today Your Day? Virginia Beach, VA 120 Regional Smart, Safe, and Sober Workshop 3 4 Suffolk, VA 12 Impaired Driver DUI Procedures Field Guide/ SFST Notebook 100% - Virginia Beach, VA - DUI Training- Basic (Recruit) Virginia Beach, VA 3200 DUI Training- Refresher Virginia Beach, VA 260 DUI Conference at Virginia Beach, 11 th Annual Virginia Beach, VA 264 Drug Recognition Expert Conference 2 30 Philadelphia, PA 60 Breath Alcohol Operator Richmond, VA 608 Breath Alcohol Operator- Recertification 53 4 Norfolk, VA 212 Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving 6 16 Virginia Beach, VA 96 Enforcement (ARIDE) Advanced DUI for Prosecutors and Williamsburg, VA, Law Enforcement Blacksburg, VA Advanced DUI/ Drug for Prosecutors and 3 6 Newport News, VA 18 Law Enforcement Regional Smart, Safe, and Sober Workshop 3 4 Suffolk, VA 12 Speed RADAR Operator- Basic Virginia Beach, VA 560 RADAR Operator- Recertification Virginia Beach, VA 624 LIDAR Operator- Basic 7 8 Virginia Beach, VA 56 LIDAR Operator Recertification 22 4 Virginia Beach, VA 88 Pacing the Speed Violator 57 4 Virginia Beach, VA 228 Roll-Call Training/ Bulletins Seat Belt Use by LEO s Bulletin 100% - Virginia Beach, VA - DUI-Drug Indicators and Procedures- Refresher 18 1 Virginia Beach, VA 18 Asset Forfeiture- DUI-3 rd Offense Vehicle Seizures 100% - Virginia Beach, VA - Training Bulletins 100% - Virginia Beach, VA - -House Bill 500, 513, 770 -Senate Bill 219 Seat Belt Training- Making the Right Decisions Virginia Beach, VA 325 DUI Arrest Procedure Changes 100% - Virginia Beach, VA - DUI Blood Draw Procedures 100% - Virginia Beach, VA - Seat Belt Use by Officers, Muster Training Virginia Beach, VA 325 Occupant Protection Guidelines-Refresher 100% - Virginia Beach, VA - Traffic Safety Bulletin (Bi-Annual) 100% - Virginia Beach, VA - Crash Schools/ Other Training Crash Investigations- Basic (Recruit) Virginia Beach, VA 2280 Crash Investigations- Basic Virginia Beach, VA 3520 Crash Investigations- Advanced 8 80 Virginia Beach, VA 640 Crash Investigations- Refresher/ Update 16 2 Virginia Beach, VA 32 Collision Reconstruction- Refresher 6 8 Virginia Beach, VA 48 Collision Reconstruction Instructor Development 2 40 Bedford, VA 80 Total Station/ MapScenes- Refresher 8 8 Virginia Beach, VA 64 Total Station/ Forensic Mapping School 1 80 Chesapeake, VA 80 Crush Energy Analysis in Collision Reconstruction 1 40 Lynchburg, VA 40 Regional Crash Team Training 7 8 Virginia Beach, VA 56 Pursuit and Precision Driving Virginia Beach, VA 7160 In-Car Camera Operator 60 4 Virginia Beach, VA 240 Commercial Motor Vehicle Basic Truck Weighing 3 16 Virginia Beach, VA 48 Motor Carrier In-Service Chesapeake, VA 14 Regional CMV Training 3 8 Norfolk, VA 24

22 A. Occupant Protection Training of Officers In 2010, all sworn officers received updates or new training in occupant protection. Traffic Occupant Protection Strategies (TOPS) 17 officers completed TOPS in Virginia Beach, VA on October 21, The TOPS training consists of six topics; Occupant Protection Risk and Survival, Enforcement and Education, Evaluating Crash Dynamics, Looking Beyond the Ticket, Passenger Restraint, and Child Restraint Laws. National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification/ Recertification 6 officers completed the Basic technician course held September 14-16, 2010 in Virginia Beach, VA. The training totaled 24 hours. Training consisted of classroom instruction, hands-on work with car seats and vehicles, and a community safety seat checkup event where students demonstrate proper installation of child safety devices and teach these skills to the parents. Dangers of improperly installed child safety seats as well as proper selection of child safety seats by age, height, and weight was covered. Child Safety Seat Technicians are certified for 2- years. 5 officers completed a Passenger Safety Technician Refresher Course and recertified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians by completing a verified seat check activity, at least one community event, and 6 continuing education hours. In 2010, Child Passenger Safety Technicians participated in Four (4) Child Safety Seat Checks in conjunction with the Virginia DMV and Tidewater AAA. Occupant Protection Course 57 police recruits received this training in Virginia Beach, Va. The Traffic Safety Unit developed a PowerPoint presentation to educate recruits beyond minimum requirements. This presentation discussed the Department s seatbelt policies and guidelines. It also included occupant protection laws and patrol techniques to observe and enforce violations. PO Kenworthy teaching recruits about Occupant Protection MPO Banks instructing on the installation of a Child Safety Seat

23 Training of Officers Virginia s Military and Civilian Transportation Safety Workshop 3 officers attended this workshop held in Fort Eustis Virginia on November 3 rd and 4 th, This two day course covered a variety of current traffic safety topics such as seatbelt usage, studies conducted on the high risk crash groups, and ways to effectively reduce crashes by educating teens and young adults in the use of restraint systems and the dangers of speed. The workshop offers a venue for military and civilian transportation specialists to meet and discuss problems and solutions that will benefit transportation safety in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Seat Belt Use by Law Enforcement Officers- Impact Video The Virginia Beach Police Department believes that instilling good habits in Law Enforcement Officers begins with basic training and carries through to field training. In 2010 the VBPD implemented a Video titled Is Today Your Day? * This video is played for the Police Training Officers (PTOs) in their yearly in-service training. The Department strives to change the culture concerning seat belt use by officer. The video shows the accounts of many officers whose lives were either saved or lost by the use, or the non-use, of a safety belt system. This video and the accompanying training session have begun to display a strong effect on the training officers at the precincts. Every recruit has viewed this video and given training to supplement the message. Every officer in the department will eventually view this video. Note: The VBPD uses the term Police Training Officer (PTO) in lieu of Field Training Officer (FTO) Regional Smart, Safe, and Sober Workshop 3 officers attended the workshop on August 20, 2010 in Suffolk, Virginia. This workshop discusses and encourages brainstorming around current trends in traffic safety in the Hampton Roads area and Virginia and introduces departments to different methods and perspectives on the issues faced in their area. Statistics and trends are studied and discussed for Seatbelts, Speeding, and Impaired Driving. The attending officer brought back this information and disseminated it to the members of Special Operations and the Police precincts. The information is used to develop and reform enforcement efforts in traffic safety. *Video provided by: IACP Highway Safety Committee s Law Enforcement Stops and Safety Subcommittee Is Today You Day? video played for officers at training

24 Seatbelt Muster Training 650 of Officers received training on seat belt use specific to officers. This PowerPoint presentation stressed the importance of wearing a seat belt and the consequences of failing to do so. Slides from the Seat Belt Muster Training PowerPoint Presentation Training of Officers Occupant Protection Enforcement Guidelines Card 100% of Officers received this card which details the laws and requirements for adults and children when travelling in a motor vehicle upon the highway. The code sections with the elements and exceptions are detailed on one side. The other side shows basic types of child safety seats and proper positioning when in the vehicle. This card was distributed by members of the Traffic Safety Unit during the monthly muster meetings to stress the importance of safety belt enforcement and to provide officers with a quick reference. Seat Belt Use by Law Enforcement Officers 100% Officers received this training in This March 18, 2010 bulletin addressed the life-saving advantage versus the tactical advantage of wearing a seat belt. The bulletin quoted safety statistics and reinforced the department s mandatory seatbelt policy. Additionally, Officers are reminded of the negative fiscal and disciplinary impact that not wearing a seat belt can have. Occupant Protection Enforcement Guidelines Card Training Bulletin #10-06, Seatbelt Use by Law Enforcement Officers

25 B. Impaired Driving Training Training of Officers DUI PROCEDURE FIELD GUIDE VBPD DUI Procedure Field Guide Cover Topics covered included, but are not limited to: DUI crashes, juveniles, refusals, blood tests, and hospital procedures. The table of contents for the DUI Procedure Field Guide is as follows: The DUI Procedure Field Guide is available for review and electronic download to all sworn officers on the City Intranet site, VBPD.net. The guide is also printed for all new officers as they successfully complete the DUI portion of the academy. The guide is reviewed and updated annually. - DUI Investigation - Brief Overview - Forms Needed - Standard DUI Process - DUI - Crashes - DUI - Juveniles - Driving After Illegally Consuming Alcohol - DUI - Vehicle Already Stopped - DUI - Refusal - DUI - Blood Test - Question and Answer - Criminal Complaint Example - Acknowledgement - Declaration of Refusal - SFST Pocket Record A question and answer section was added to the Field Guide. Officer s commonly asked questions are answered and proper situational responses are discussed. The Guide is a valuable tool for officers that do not have the opportunity to make impaired driving arrests regularly. For officers who desire to serve on the Traffic Safety Unit, it serves as a study guide for the selection process. The first page of The Guide provides a flow chart overview of the DUI process. It also includes a table identifying the forms required of all DUI arrests. The main body of The Guide provides officers with a detailed explanation of how to investigate and process a DUI suspect under a number of different circumstances. An example in the Question and Answer Section of the DUI Procedure Field Guide

26 Training of Officers The Special Operations Division consistently receives positive feedback on the DUI Field Guide. Officers indicate that The Guide is simple to follow and a valuable asset while on patrol. The Guide is reviewed for accuracy every July by officers and supervisors assigned to the Special Operations Division. Any law changes or procedural changes are updated. Once any changes are made the Guide is reviewed by the City Attorney and the Commonwealth Attorney s Office. The guide is then redistributed. DUI Check Sheet SFST Pocket Record/Field Notebook The final section of the field guide contains a Standardized Filed Sobriety Test pocket record that officers can print and use for taking notes while administering the SFSTs. In 2010 the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Field Notes Notebook was given to all four precincts. The purpose of this notebook was to assist officers with their note taking and to easily recognize the clues present for each of the 3 S.F.S.T.s. The notebook was made available to 100% of all sworn police officers and is used by many on the street. The Virginia Beach Police Department has created a DUI check sheet which is used by 100% of officers. The DUI check sheet is a four page note taking guide, which assists officers to obtain the necessary information to successfully prosecute their DUI cases. This guide has been replicated across the State by other Law Enforcement Agencies. Page 1 of 4 of the DUI Check Sheet. The Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Field Notes Notebook.

27 DUI Training- Basic Training of Officers 57 recruits were trained in impaired driving detection and apprehension in The DUI portion of the recruit academy consists of a one week, forty-hour, instructional block of education. Recruits receive training in the National Highway Traffic Safety and Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) standardized field sobriety tests to include: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn and the One Leg Stand. A unique aspect of this week is the opportunity for recruits to conduct numerous mock DUI traffic stops. Sworn, plainclothed, officers act as role players, and S.F.S.T. Instructors observe administration of S.F.S.T.s to ensure recruits are applying the tests properly. Grading sheets are used to note areas that a recruit may need extra training on. The goal is to have each recruit proficient in impaired driver detection, and apprehension, and to properly administer Standard Field Sobriety Tests. Recruits receive instruction from MPO Kellogg The Virginia Beach Police Department trains its recruits according to the standards set forth by N.H.T.S.A. s curriculum and guidelines. Therefore, every recruit becomes certified in the use of the three standardized field sobriety tests (S.F.S.T.). In addition to N.H.T.S.A. s 24-hour class and two alcohol workshops, the Virginia Beach Police Department adds 26 hours to enable recruits the opportunity to master application of the S.F.S.T. s. Recruits also receive training on DUI laws, investigation procedures, and courtroom prosecution. MPO Wallace is the S.F.S.T. Instructor while Recruits evaluate roleplayer MPO Nahra During the mock traffic stops the role players will operate a civilian vehicle and the recruits will use a police vehicle. The traffic stops are conducted on a controlled city street to import realism. The recruits are required to safely execute a traffic stop, identify driver intoxication, administer the S.F.S.T. s properly, and effect an arrest of the violator. Role players draw from their real life experiences to ensure that no two traffic stops are alike; the recruits are therefore exposed to a wide variety of situations. Traffic stops are conducted during daytime and nighttime hours. By the completion of the week each recruit has executed the S.F.S.T. s multiple times.

28 2010 DUI Conference Training of Officers The Virginia Beach Police Department hosted the 11 th Annual Mid-Atlantic DUI Conference in The conference was held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. 227 attended, representing 3 different states and 111 agencies. The two day conference was held on March April 13 th and 14th. The Virginia Beach Police Department has created a unique relationship with Anheuser- Busch, Decatur Electronics. Through this relationship private funds are used to educate public employees at a reduced cost. Anheuser-Busch was the primary sponsor for Virginia Beach s 2009 DUI Conference. A break-out session covering Esophageal Reflux and the Breath Test Chief J.A. Cervera presenting the Opening Ceremony Additionally, this year the U.S. Navy and Chesapeake Bay ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Program) joined in sponsoring the conference. The Virginia Beach Police Department takes its role as a leader in DUI education and enforcement seriously. Not only does the department want to provide the most current training to its own officers, but it invites officers and many others from throughout the east coast to receive and benefit from the training as well. Proven by the high number of attendees from departments and agencies along the east coast; Virginia Beach provides high quality training that is valued by all who attend the conference. The Virginia Beach Police Department has made this commitment for 11 years. A benefit of hosting the annual DUI conference is the ability to send officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department to this training at little cost to the department. In 2010, 24 Virginia Beach Police Officers attended the DUI conference.

29 During the two day conference attendees welcomed Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell who spoke on the importance of the jobs of Police and Prosecutors in DUI enforcement and reduction. Training of Officers Presentation from the Anoka County DWI Task Force Capt. LaPorta, VA Governor Bob McDonnell, Dep. Chief Zucaro, and Sgt. Hession at the 2010 DUI Conference in Virginia Beach During the conference, attendees are given the opportunity to discuss new technology with a variety of vendors. Attendees received valuable training on a wide variety of topics. Topics included: Judge Virginia Cochran of the Virginia Beach General District Court on successful DUI prosecution, testimony, and courtroom demeanor DUI Case Prosecution by Amy James of the Chesapeake, VA Office of the Commonwealth s Attorney Ignition Interlock by Carl McDonald Standard Field Sobriety Test Updates by MPO Tom Kellogg of the Virginia Beach Police Department Fatal Crash Team In-Car Camera Use in the Field and for Prosecution by Ted Walters of the Virginia Beach Police Fatal Crash Team Saturation Patrols by an Anoka County Police Sergeant Lifenet Operations by Teresa Norrell. Street Smart by Anheuser-Busch Breakout Sessions included 6 topics for attendees to choose from An Intoxilizer, Inc. representative with a student from the conference. 17 vendors participated as well as other demonstration booths in the 2010 DUI Conference: Decatur Electronics, Inc., Drager Safety, Anheuser-Busch, Kustom Signal, Inc., Pelican, Intoxilizer, Digital Ally, IVision Technology Corp., Integrian, Inc., Virginia DMV, MetroScoot, Securetec, CMI, Inc., Drajon Tactical Outfitters, Stalker Radar, MarVel Extreme Equipment, Chesapeake Bay ASAP, MADD, LifeNet Health, U.S. Navy, Whelen, ABTES/Intoximeters, Streikers, and L3 Communications.

30 Training of Officers Static displays of vendor s products filled the common areas. These products were demonstrated for the officer and made available for purchase. Every attendee was provided a DUI manual and a CD that contained DUI related articles, model field guides and policies, speaker biographies, power point presentations, and research papers that officers could utilize to help train their agencies after returning from the conference. Officers and business representatives were given the unique opportunity to network with a wide variety of agencies during several events throughout the week. A catered social outing with provided transportation was held at the Virginia Beach Police Department s Police Benevolent Association headquarters. The Virginia Beach Police Department hosts catered lunches each day. These events created an opportunity for fellowship and open channels of communication to advance efforts in traffic safety. In addition, officers from different states are able to share ideas and develop contacts. IACP Training Conference on Drugs, Alcohol, and Impaired Driving 2 officers attended the 3 day Conference sponsored by the Drug Recognition Experts Section of the IACP, The Pennsylvania DUI Association, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This conference spanned from July 22 st - July 24 th, The conference covered updates from NHTSA, current drug trends, drugs that impair, current defense trends, new antidepressants and their effects, prescription drug diversion, and HGN and pupil size. The VBPD recognizes that multiple factors have an effect on human behavior and that alcohol is not the only intoxicant contributing to endangering the highways. Students fill the ballroom for the 2010 DUI Conference

31 Training of Officers Breath Alcohol Operators The Virginia Beach Police Department had 200 Breath Alcohol Operator Technicians as of Operators are licensed and certified by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science on the Intoxilyzer EC/IR II. The Virginia Beach Police Department maintains 3 EC/IR II instruments for the City. We also have access to, and regularly use, 4 instruments maintained by the U.S. Military and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Police Department. Intoxilyzer EC/IR II utilized by the Virginia Beach Police Department. Breath Alcohol Operator Certification 38 officers completed Breath Alcohol Operator Technician certification in Officers completed a 3 day 16 hour course in Richmond, Virginia to become Breath Alcohol Operator Technicians. The course includes, the history of the breath alcohol, the types of breath test equipment, Intox EC/IR II, printer functions, how to run a subject test, operator instrument messages, the use of breath as a sample, operating principles, dry gas as a standard, alcohol nomenclature, alcohol types, production of alcohol, Physiology, and Pharmacology. Breath Alcohol Operator Recertification 53 officers completed a 4 hour Breath Alcohol Operator Technician Recertification course in This course was held throughout the Hampton Roads area during Instruction is a 4 hour block with an exam which must be passed in order for officers to retain certification as a Breath Alcohol Operator Technician certification. Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) 6 officers completed the ARIDE training held in Virginia Beach, Virginia on May 5 th and May 6 th, coordinated by IACP s Ernie Flogel. This was a 16 hour course that bridges the gap between SFST and DRE. During the course officers learned how to observe, identify and articulate the signs of impairment related to drugs, alcohol or a combination of both. Topics of the course included the concept of drugs in the context of DUI enforcement, the role of eye examinations in disclosing the possibility of impairment, medical conditions and other situations that can produce similar signs of impairment. Also discussed was identification of the major categories of drugs and the observable effects of each of the seven major categories of drugs, the physiological effects likely to result from various combinations of drugs, and appropriate procedures for dealing with drug-impaired or medically impaired suspects. Standardized Field Sobriety Test update, legal issues associated with impaired driving, and pre- and postarrest procedures. The course was so well received that it resulted in several DUID arrests the following weekend.

32 Training of Officers Advanced DUI for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement 5 officers and 3 prosecutors attended this training in Williamsburg, Virginia and in Blacksburg, Virginia. Officers went to the training with a Virginia Beach Assistant Commonwealth s Attorney. Attending this course with a member of the Commonwealth Attorney s Office helps to build a rapport with the attorneys and aids in better testimony and prosecution of DUI cases. Officers spent 3 days and 30 hours with prosecutors learning applicable laws and recent cases. Topics included blood draws, checkpoints, standard field sobriety tests, breath tests, and DUI crashes. Advanced DUI-Drug for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement 3 officers and 2 prosecutors attended an 8 hour Advanced DUI-D Training for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement course in Newport News, Virginia. Topics included recognizing the drugged driver, keys to prosecuting DUID cases, common officer and prosecutor oversights, SFSTs, and blood testing issues. Regional Smart, Safe, and Sober Workshop 3 officers attended the workshop on August 20, 2010 in Suffolk, Virginia. This workshop discusses and encourages brainstorming around current trends in traffic safety in the Hampton Roads area and Virginia and introduces departments to different methods and perspectives on the issues faced in their area. Statistics and trends are studied and discussed for Seatbelts, Speeding, and Impaired Driving. The attending officer brought back this information and disseminated it to the members of Special Operations and the Police precincts. The information is used to develop and reform enforcement efforts in traffic safety. DUI Training- Refresher 26 Officers completed a 10 hour course that covers a DUI from driving observations to case prosecution. DUI laws and any new case law that may affect the prosecution is covered. The Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team developed the DUI Refresher course to help officers that require additional training in DUI detection. The precinct supervisors were asked to evaluate their officers and select officers who would benefit most from the training.

33 C. Speed Enforcement Training 2010: 459 current RADAR operators 29 current LIDAR total operators 28 Officers completed RADAR School 156 Officers completed RADAR Recertification Training of Officers RADAR Operator- Recertification 156 officers completed a RADAR Operator Recertification course in Virginia Beach, VA in The course serves as a refresher on the theory and operation of RADAR. An exam is required for recertification. LIDAR Operator- Basic The Virginia Beach Police Department mandates that officers complete 20 hours of RADAR field training with an RTO, which is over double of what DCJS recommends. The hours are completed through a set amount of daytime and nighttime hours to expose the officers to all types of environments to better enhance their skills. The DCJS requires only 8 hours of practical experience. In addition, the Virginia Beach Police Department s RADAR school is 20 hours in length as compared to DCJS 16 hour requirement. This is another example of how the Virginia Beach Police Department goes above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure each officer has a complete understanding of the tools they utilize for speed enforcement. RADAR Operator- Basic 28 officers completed a Basic RADAR Operator course in Virginia Beach, VA in The course covers the scientific theory of RADAR, how RADAR works in different environments, errors that may occur during operation, operating and testing the unit, and testimony in court for RADAR summonses. 7 officers assigned to Special Operations completed LIDAR Operator school. Special Operations has 29 total LIDAR Operators. This training was conducted in Virginia Beach, VA. Special Operations is the only command that utilizes LIDAR. This training covers the basics of LIDAR scientific theory, use and testing of the unit, and field exercises with the unit. LIDAR is not available to officers assigned in the four precincts due to the economic unavailability. The department issues EACH operator a LIDAR unit to use in their daily enforcement activities. LIDAR Operator- Recertification 22 officers assigned to Special Operations completed LIDAR Recertification in Virginia Beach, Virginia in It serves as a refresher for LIDAR operators on the theory, uses, and limitations of the instrument. Pacing the Speed Violator 57 officers received this training. Every Virginia Beach Police Department patrol vehicle has a calibrated vehicle speedometer, which is tested and certified, for accuracy every 6 months. The accuracy of RADAR is compared to the vehicle speedometer. Officers receive training on the requirements of pacing vehicles as they complete the Law Enforcement academy. This training is beyond what is required by DCJS.

34 D. Roll-Call Training/ Bulletins The Virginia Beach Police Department requires, as a minimum, monthly Roll Call Training to be conducted by first line supervisors. Roll call training is conducted at the start of each shift during the Briefing. Training Bulletins are implemented into Roll Call Training as an additional training tool to augment roll-call training concerning important issues. Seat Belt Use by Law Enforcement Officers Training of Officers DUI-Drug Indicators and Procedures 18 Officers received this training conducted on December 18 th, 2010 at the VBPD s Second Precinct for the evening and midnight musters. The squads received a refresher on DUI-Drug indicators, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, hospital blood draw procedures, and court procedures. Asset Forfeiture- DUI-3 rd Offense Vehicle Seizures 100% of officers received training in the procedures and guidelines for the civil seizure of private vehicles as required by law in 3 rd offense DUI violations. 100% Officers received this training in This March 18, 2010 bulletin addressed the life-saving advantage versus the tactical advantage of wearing a seat belt. The bulletin quoted safety statistics and reinforced the department s mandatory seatbelt policy. Additionally, Officers are reminded of the negative fiscal and disciplinary impact that not wearing a seat belt can have. Legislative Changes 100% of officers received this training in the June, 2010 bulletin familiarized officers with new laws affecting law enforcement. HB-500, HB-513, HB-770, and SB-219 were covered. These laws addressed issues such as: admissibility of the Certificate of Analysis; permitted impoundment of a suspended driver s vehicle; arrest without a warrant or personal observation for DUI arrests; safety belt requirements for any passenger under age 18 and the designation of violation of such an offense as primary (previously only passengers under age 16 were required to wear a safety belt). Making The Right Decisions Training Bulletin #10-06, Seatbelt Use by Law Enforcement Officers 650 officers received this Seat Belt training during muster. Officers were encouraged to look inward and at their peers to realize the importance of seatbelt use and the impact of alcohol abuse and driving after using alcohol. This training slideshow was used to address the many issues plaguing departments across the United States with seat belt related crashes and alcohol abuse among officers.

35 Warrantless DUI Arrests 100% of Officers received training in arrests for un-witnessed DUI offenses. This training bulletin expanded upon the legislative update and explained the implications of the new law. The law allows for officers to make an arrest for DUI when the offense is not witnessed by the officer. This is similar to a DUI crash situation where an arrest may be made after the fact. Now, any citizen or officer may observe the violation and serve as the witness for the basis of an arrest. DUI/ DUI-Drug Blood Draw Procedures 100% of Officers received training on this November 8, 2010 training bulletin detailing the situations in which offenders should and should not bring a suspect for an alcohol content blood sample. The Department is also attempting to reduce the monetary and time costs associated with blood analysis. Additionally, the hospital guidelines for an efficient and safe blood draw are outlined as a refresher. Seatbelt Muster Training 650 of Officers in 0.5 hours received training on seat belt use specific to officers. This PowerPoint presentation stressed the importance of wearing a seat belt and the consequences of failing to do so. Training of Officers Occupant Protection Enforcement Guidelines Card 100% of Officers received this card which details the laws and requirements for adults and children when travelling in a motor vehicle upon the highway. The code sections with the elements and exceptions are detailed on one side. The other side shows basic types of child safety seats and proper positioning when in the vehicle. This card was distributed by members of the Traffic Safety Unit during the monthly muster meetings to stress the importance of safety belt enforcement and to provide officers with a quick reference. Occupant Protection Enforcement Guidelines Card Slides from the Seat Belt Muster Training PowerPoint Presentation

36 Training of Officers The Traffic Safety Bulletin The Traffic Safety Bulletin is a bi-annual traffic safety newsletter published by officers assigned to Virginia Beach Police Department s Special Operations Division. Each issue is distributed electronically to 100% of all sworn officers and civilians, to include those assigned to administration and investigations. Present and past issues of the Traffic Safety Bulletin are available on the department s intranet, VBPD.net. The purpose of the Traffic Safety Bulletin is to update all officers on changing law, to educate about traffic enforcement and technological advances in traffic safety. The bulletin also provides officers with occupant protection, impaired driving, and speed enforcement updates The bulletin is used to recognize officers who excelled in traffic safety enforcement in the areas of occupant protection, speed enforcement and impaired driving enforcement. enforcement. The January 2010 issue of the Traffic Safety Bulletin was distributed to 100% of sworn employees. As always, it featured the Top Performers for the previous 6 months in the areas of Seatbelt, Speed, and DUI arrests. The Bulletin also provided valuable training to officers on the importance of writing a summons on a crash scene if fault can be determined. The criminal investigative function, civil function and public policy function were explored. Department policy on the matter was reviewed. This bulletin also showcased the 16 th Annual Driver Appreciation Day for Commercial Motor Vehicles. The event provided food and thanks for safe CMV operations. Publishing this provides department members outside of Special Operations with a perspective on CMV officer s role in Traffic Safety and encourages registration for courses focused on Commercial Motor Vehicles.

37 The July issue of the Traffic Safety Bulletin was electronically distributed to 100% of all sworn employees and featured a stark reminder for all Officers to wear their safety belts by addressing the Law Enforcement Officers Retirement System s additional benefits for those injured or killed while wearing a safety belt system. The bulletin states the following warning in bold letters: WEAR your seatbelt on duty and offduty. Your life may depend on it! Additionally, the bulletin covers relevant law changes with regard to the DUI laws, seat belt requirements, impoundment of motor vehicles, and eluding police. Training of Officers July, 2010 Traffic Safety Bulletin cover page. The Bulletin gives the warning: WEAR your seatbelt on duty and off-duty. Your life may depend on it!

38 E. Traffic Related Training Basic Crash Investigation 57 recruits completed basic academy crash investigation instruction. This course consists of basic skills such as safely arriving on scene, locating witnesses, interviewing the involved parties, assessing the scene and mechanism, and correctly completing the necessary crash paperwork. Training of Officers 44 officers attended Two (2) Basic Crash Investigation Schools in Virginia Beach, VA. This school was instructed by officers of Virginia Beach Police Department s Fatal Crash Team. Basic Crash Investigation School is a two week training program covering crash scene measurements, speed calculations from skids, scuffs, and yaw, scaled diagramming, and identifying roadway evidence to determine crash causation. Previously crashed vehicles are also studied to determine in retrograde how the crash occurred. This training is open to officers from nearby jurisdictions as well. Virginia Beach Police Department offers this school to nearby jurisdictions so that we can not only provide the highest quality training to our officers, but also to officers throughout the Hampton Roads area. The sharing of resources also assists in building unity and camaraderie between departments. Advanced Crash Investigations 8 Officers completed advanced crash investigation training. This course is an 80 hour school granting a more in-depth study of the curriculum in Basic Crash Investigation. This includes the dynamics of crashes and reconstruction of the crash scene. The students employ mathematical analysis of vaults, flips, force, velocity, gravity, and momentum on the vehicle, the occupants, and the crash scene. Officers measure skid marks in Advanced Crash Investigations There are 17 Crash Reconstructionists at the Virginia Beach Police Department. These members maintain their certifications and knowledge through frequent training and actual use of their skills on serious injury and fatal crashes throughout each year. Crash Investigations Refresher 16 Officers completed this 2 hour course refreshes officer on the basics of crash investigations to include scene size-up, treatment of evidence on the scene, witness interviews, determination of mechanism, and documentation of the crash. Collision Reconstruction- Refresher 6 Officers completed this refresher in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Officers received 8 hours of training on reconstruction by working a mock crash scene with skid calculations, crush analysis and Total Station review.

39 Training of Officers Collision Reconstruction Instructor Development 2 Officers completed this instructor development course in Bedford, VA. This was a 40 hour training section covering teaching methods for the specialized Collision Reconstruction School. The attending officers brought this valuable information back and shared it with other Crash Reconstructionists and Instructors. Total Station/ MapScenes Refresher Training 8 officers completed this training in Virginia Beach, VA on June 24, The course was 8 hours of instruction as a refresher course. Topics included: MapScenes Interface and Workflow, Baseline-Offset input, Advanced Baseline-Offset Input, Triangulation Measurement Input, Entering Total Station Measurements manually, Data Collector Integration, Automatic Line Connectivity Features, Sokkia SDR Map Codes, Nikon AIMS Integration, Evidence Recorder use and Data Download (AuotSync), Modifying Parts and Parts Libraries, and Printing with MapScenes. Total Station/ Forensic Mapping School 1 Officer completed this course. An 80 hour course held the week of July 12 th, 2010 in Chesapeake, VA. Topics included: MapScenes Interface and Workflow, Baseline-Offset input, Advanced Baseline- Offset Input, Triangulation Measurement Input, Entering Total Station Measurements manually, Data Collector Integration, Automatic Line Connectivity Features, Sokkia SDR Map Codes, Nikon AIMS Integration, Evidence Recorder use and Data Download (AuotSync), Modifying Parts and Parts Libraries, and Printing with MapScenes. Crush Energy Analysis in Reconstruction 1 Officer completed this course in Lynchburg, Virginia. This was a 40 hour training section that covered crush analysis in determining a vehicle s speed, momentum based upon intrusion of crush. Regional Crash Team Training 7 officers completed this training on October 4 th, 2010 in 8 hour of instruction. This training covered skid analysis and measurement, crash reconstruction, and investigation techniques. This training was conducted in conjunction with surrounding Law Enforcement Agencies including Chesapeake Police, Norfolk Police, Portsmouth Police, and Newport News Police. MPO Kellogg using the Total Station to map a crash scene

40 Training of Officers Pursuit and Precision Driving 716 officers completed Pursuit and Precision Driving in Virginia Beach, VA in The course of instruction covered driving in the routine mode of policing as well as high-speed and precision driving. The department strives to greatly reduce or eliminate crashes involving police vehicles. Seat belt use by law enforcement was a highly stressed topic in this training and received its own course of instruction. Other topics covered were the dangers of engaging in pursuits, factors to consider, lane-driving, handling skids (using the Department s dedicated wet skid pad), driving techniques, and department policy. Practical pursuit and precision scenarios were conducted on Virginia Beach s dedicated precision and pursuit driving track. One type of crash the VBPD strives to eliminate through extensive driver training There are 213 Trained In-Car Camera Operators at the Virginia Beach Police Department. The Department s goal is to have every officer trained in the use of the system and every car outfitted with the system. Every new car is outfitted with a digital in-car camera as funding permits. In-Car Camera Instructor The VBPD Dedicated Skid Pad In-Car Camera Operator 60 officers completed the In Car Camera course in Virginia Beach, VA throughout The course of instruction included how to operate the system, data integrity, use of the system to the full benefit, and the department s policies and procedures for in car camera use. 28 officers continued their roles as In-Car Camera Instructors in The instructors are responsible for conveying the training to officers at the precincts. Instruction included the functions and settings of the camera, the operating system, and downloading of data. Officers from each precinct have been trained as instructors in order to have each precinct train their respective officers in use of the In-Car Camera. The In-Mirror Camera/ Video System utilized by the VBPD

41 Training of Officers Motor Carrier Driver Inspectors Cargo/ Tank Inspectors 4 officers at the Virginia Beach Police Department are Basic Motor Carrier Safety Inspectors certified through the U.S. Department of Transportation- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The one week (40 hour) training consists of choosing a safe place for inspection of a CMV, observing the driver and driver s compartment, collecting the drivers license, vehicle registrations, Medical Examiner s certificate, skill performance evaluation (SPE) certificate, record of duty status, driver s daily inspection report, documentation of periodic inspection, operating authority, Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), shipping papers and /or bills of lading and receipts or other documents that may be pertinent to the trip or used to verify the driver s record of duty status. Cylinders and Packages Hazardous Materials Inspectors 3 officers at the Virginia Beach Police Department are Basic Motor Carrier Safety Inspectors certified through the U.S. Department of Transportation- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This level of training is detailed in inspecting cylinders (smaller size) propane tanks and other bulk packages. 3 officers at the Virginia Beach Police Department are Basic Motor Carrier Safety Inspectors certified through the U.S. Department of Transportation- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This level of training incorporates detailed inspections of cargo tankers (gasoline haulers, etc.) for compliance with safety regulations, and proper inspections on the tanks themselves. Motorcoach and Bus Inspector 1 officer at the Virginia Beach Police Department is a Basic Motor Carrier Safety Inspector certified through the U.S. Department of Transportation- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This level of training is for inspection of passenger carrying CMVs such as charter buses, private school buses, 16-passenger vehicles, etc. They look at the different requirements operating passenger carrying vehicles, escape exits, and different suspension systems. Hazardous Materials Inspectors 3 officers at the Virginia Beach Police Department are Basic Motor Carrier Safety Inspectors certified through the U.S. Department of Transportation- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This course includes training on inspecting CMVs transporting hazardous materials, learning how to read the hazardous materials tables and Materials Safety Data Sheets, and determining correct packaging. MPO Franklin conducts a Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection

42 F. Commercial Motor Vehicle Training of Officers Basic Truck Weighing 3 officers completed this course in Chesapeake, VA in This 2 day, 16 hour, course of instruction was held on May 11 th and 12 th and instructed by MPO Godwin of the Virginia Beach Police Department s Motor Carrier Unit. The training covered the dangers of overweight trucks, identifying overweight trucks, calculations of truck weights based on axles and their spacing, as well as practical truck-weighing exercises. Motor Carrier In-Service 4 officers completed the In-Service training in Chesapeake, VA on May 14 th, The 2010 Motor Carrier In-Service was sponsored by STSC and the Virginia Beach Police Department. In attendance were certified US DOT Roadside Inspectors. Six surrounding jurisdictions and the Virginia State Police participated in the training. The Virginia State Police provided a four-hour video of materials to cover. Additional classroom training provided the inspectors and officers with valuable discussion and a better understanding of updated Federal Regulations. Basic Motor Carrier Inspectors Officers taking notes at Basic Truck Weighing School Regional Commercial Motor Vehicle Training 3 officers completed this training in Norfolk, VA on April 18, This 8 hour regional training was hosted by the Virginia Beach Police Department and Drive Safe Hampton Roads. Conducted in conjunction with the local State Police, and all seven surrounding Police Departments, the training covered commercial motor vehicle and covered truck inspections, citations, weighing, and various other topics in the training. 4 officers at the Virginia Beach Police Department are Basic Motor Carrier Safety Inspectors certified through the U.S. Department of Transportation- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is a Level- I inspectors position where the entire vehicle and its load is inspected. The process consists of inspecting all lights, windshield and wipers, wheels, rim, hub and tires, brakes, brake linings, brake warning systems, exhaust system, trailer connections, frame and body, air lines, load-securement and devices, fuel systems, steering, suspension, and axle assemblies.

43 ~Section 3~ Incentives and Recognition 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge

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45 Incentives and Recognition Law Enforcement Challenge Award The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP) presented the Virginia Beach Police Department with 1st place in the Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge at the Law Enforcement Challenge Award Luncheon during VACP s Annual Conference in Reston, Virginia, on August 9, The Virginia Beach Police Department also received the VACP s Special Consideration Award for Impaired Driving Awareness and Technology for its 2009 entry. Click It or Ticket Award On August 20, 2010 the Virginia DMV presented the Virginia Beach Police Department with the Click It or Ticket Award for the Most Improved Safety Belt Use at the Smart, Safe, and Sober workshop in Suffolk, VA. The Virginia Beach Police Department accomplished this achievement with education and proactive enforcement. The Chief of Police made occupant protection a high priority in Officers responded and their enforcement efforts for occupant protection enabled the Virginia Beach Police Department to win this award. Deputy Chief T. Zucaro, Sgt. S. Wichtendahl, and PO J. Trout accept the first place award for the 2009 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge Award Governor s Traffic Safety Award The Green Run High School s Traffic Safety Club, lead and sponsored by Virginia Beach Master Police Officer Robyn O Brien, was presented with the Governor s Transportation Safety Award in the category of Impaired Driving. Participation in Every 15 Minutes, and over 200 other traffic safety activities, showed the group s desire to curb impaired driving and educate teens. The Virginia Beach Police Department committed hundreds of hours to ensure the success of these programs. Above : Officer B. Kenworthy accepts the 2010 Click It or Ticket-Most Improved Safety Belt Use Award; Left: 2010 Most Improved Safety Belt Use Award; Below: The Governor s Transportation Safety Award for Impaired Driving Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

46 Incentives and Recognition Class Act Award The Virginia Beach Police Department utilizes the Class Act Award recognition program which is awarded by the Virginia Beach Police Department command staff. Class Act Awards are designed to provide immediate feedback to officers for their efforts and accomplishments. Nominations may be submitted by supervisors and coworkers. Approved awards are placed in the officer s personnel file and the officer will be recognized at an awards ceremony conducted during the departments command staff. The officer will also receive an item of everyday use such as a coffee mug, pen set, or binder as a reward for hard work and dedication. Traffic Safety Challenge Coin Due to the budget constraints, the City of Virginia Beach suspended the Class Act Award. The Virginia Beach Police Department Traffic Safety Unit designed a challenge coin to recognize officers in the four precincts for their dedication to traffic safety. The areas of recognition were for each precinct s top performers in three categories: occupant protection, impaired driving, and speed enforcement. Officer Kline receiving the Traffic Safety Challenge Coin from Chief J.A. Cervera and Captain M.J. Glendon The recipients were as follows: Occupant Protection Enforcement (Seat Belt and Child Restraint) Special Operations: 1 st B.R. Kenworthy 465 Summons 2 nd PO B. LaTuga 355 Summons 3 rd MPO J. Medlin 235 Summons First Precinct: PO C. Boyette 43 Summons In 2010 officers were nominated for the award by Sgt. Scott Wichtendahl of the Special Operations Division- Traffic Safety Unit. Officers assigned to Special Operations received a Class Act Award while officers in from the precincts received the Traffic Safety Challenge Coin Award. Chief Cervera presented the officers with the award for their exceptional efforts in traffic safety. Officers who receive the challenge coin for impaired driving also use the coin as an invitation to attend our annual DUI Conference. Second Precinct: PO B. Butler Third Precinct: PO B. Foss Fourth Precinct: MPO T. Schultz 284 Summons 138 Summons 275 Summons Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

47 Incentives and Recognition Impaired Driving Enforcement Special Operations: 1 st PO B. Kenworthy 100 Arrests 2 nd PO B. LaTuga 84 Arrests 3 rd PO B. Wesseler 72 Arrests First Precinct: MPO M. Sorce Second Precinct: PO B. Butler Third Precinct: PO D. Reader Fourth Precinct: PO E. Kline Speed Enforcement 70 Arrests 84 Arrests 59 Arrests 21 Arrests Special Operations: 1 st MPO J. Medlin 773 Summons 2 nd PO B. Kenworthy 668 Summons 3 rd MPO C. Faxio 623 Summons First Precinct: PO C. Stoudt 227 Summons The Traffic Safety Challenge Coin. The coin is awarded to the top precinct officers in seatbelt, speeding, and DUI enforcement. Traffic Safety Wheel and Wings Pin This pin, added in 2010, is to be awarded to members of the Traffic Safety Unit and the Fatal Crash Team upon completion of milestones within the unit. The pin remains with the officer throughout their career as a symbol of pride and the elevated awareness of the importance of traffic safety in the community. The pin also serves as a notice to other officers that the bearing officer has the knowledge and experience to answer questions and assist with traffic related issues. The officer must meet requirements to earn and display the pin. Each requirement must be met while a member of the Traffic Safety Unit or the Fatal Crash Team. These requirements are: 60 DUI Arrests, 4 Traffic Safety Lectures, RADAR Certification, and Basic Crash Investigation School. Second Precinct: PO B. Butler Third Precinct: MPO T. Freeman Fourth Precinct: MPO J. Self 428 Summons 345 Summons 930 Summons The Traffic Safety Pin Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

48 Incentives and Recognition The VBPD Update Newsletter The Virginia Beach Police Department publishes a monthly newsletter, the VBPD Update, which provides updated information to the department. This newsletter reports on officers that have received awards for their performance in addition to current news connected with the police department such as retirements, projects and events. The City of Virginia Beach also publishes the recipient s name in their newsletter. Traffic Safety Bulletin The Virginia Beach Police Department also recognizes top performers in traffic safety enforcement in each edition of the Traffic Safety Bulletin. The top three officers in each precinct and in special operations are recognized in the following categories: Seatbelt Violations, Total Summonses, Speed Enforcement and DUI Arrests. The Traffic Safety Bulletin not only recognizes individuals for the efforts, but also helps to motivate officers in the precinct, by showing them that their efforts are noticed and that officers will be recognized for these efforts. Selections of the articles rewarding officers in the VBPD Update Page 2 of the July 2010 Traffic Safety Bulletin Highlighting the Top Performers Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

49 Incentives and Recognition Officer of the Quarter/Year Each command in the department has an Officer of the Quarter and Officer of the Year Program that recognizes officers who have significantly contributed to the command and/or police department mission. The Officer of the Quarter is recognized for their efforts. Police Officer Brandon Butler of the Police Department s Second Precinct was awarded as an Officer of the Quarter for Officer Butler was assigned to the Oceanfront Community Policing (OCOP) Unit and lead the 2 nd precinct in traffic summonses, arrests, incident investigation and reporting. In a 3 month period Officer Butler had 61 arrests, 20 of which were DUIs and wrote 250 traffic summonses. He worked checkpoints, DUI grants and seatbelt grants. His dedication to traffic safety was particularly exemplary and was awarded as the 2 nd Precinct s Officer of the Quarter in VFW Police Officer of the Year On March 24, 2010 MPO Godwin was presented with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) General Mac Arthur Memorial Post 392 Law Enforcement Award. MPO Godwin is a member of the department s Motor Carrier Safety unit and a lead investigator on the Fatal Crash Team. MPO Godwin is the Co- Chairman of the Specialized Transportation Safety Committee for Drive Safe Hampton Roads which is responsible for unifying hauling regulations of oversized loads for the Hampton Roads area. MPO (Master Police Officer) Godwin works with AAA and Drive Safe Hampton Roads to coordinate the Get it Together Program to educate teens on safety belt usage. MPO Godwin is knowledgeable in all aspects of traffic safety and conducts presentations for AAA of Tidewater in the Dare to Prepare program, bringing new drivers and their parents together for an interactive experience. Chief Cervera with MPO Godwin, VFW Officer of the Year Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

50 Incentives and Recognition LifeNet Lifetime Achievement Award PsAdvance Awards and Journal Entries MPO Kellogg of the Virginia Beach Police Department s Fatal Crash Team received the LifeNet Lifetime Achievement Award in MPO Kellogg has devoted considerable time and effort into reducing the fatalities on Virginia roads through education and enforcement. LifeNet is an organ donor service that retrieves organs from donors and donates them to patients in need of lifesaving transplants. MPO Kellogg has assisted in the organ donor process by notifying LifeNet of a victim that may be willing to save the life of another in the event of their ultimate demise. This award reflects his ambition to save lives and improve traffic safety in the community. PBT and Tint Meters as Awards Every quarter Lt. Backman, the Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team supervisor evaluates the performance of the officers in each precinct. Special Operations has the opportunity to distribute additional Preliminary Breath Testing instruments as well as Tint Meters for DUI and tinting enforcement. The top performers in DUI and traffic safety enforcement are awarded with a PBT or tint meter, or both, when their enforcement efforts are exemplary. Attendees of Advanced DUI schools and advanced traffic training will also on occasion find themselves rewarded for their desire to enforce the DUI and traffic laws. The ability to assign individual PBTs and tint meters helps to alleviate the strain on the precinct s supply and on other officers having to respond with the instruments. The Virginia Beach Police Department has implemented an officer management system where officers can view their activity in the department by year, month, or on an ad hoc basis. The activities include, but are not limited to, the following: Appraisals, Resisting Arrests, Calls for Service, Incident Investigations, Leave, Overtime, Summonses, Arrests, Complaints, Training, Uses of Force, etc. A very useful aspect of the system is the Journal and Awards entries which are memorialized forever. Any formal Letter of Appreciation/ Recognition is under the officer s Awards and can be viewed by the officer and their direct-line supervisors. The Journal serves a similar function but allows other officers and supervisors to immediately recognize an officer or group of officers without constructing a formal paper memorandum to be entered into the system. This award system is another way that supervisors and officers demonstrate their appreciation for the traffic safety efforts of their coworkers. A screen capture of an award entry made from Chief Cervera recognizing the Traffic Safety Unit for a productive month of July despite other obligations. The TSU wrote 1100 summonses and arrested 61 DUI s. A PBT and/ or Tint Meter assigned to a specific officer is an effective reward of a job well done Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

51 A. Occupant Protection Incentives and Recognition Saved by the Belt For the year of 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department recognized five citizens and one Officer with the Saved by the Belt award. The Virginia Beach Police Department realizes the significant potential of utilizing this award for what some would consider a life saving decision. The department utilizes the Saved by the Belt Award to help encourage citizens and fellow Officers throughout the city to wear their seatbelts. We believe this award has had a positive impact on our seatbelt usage rate. On December 13, 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department held an award ceremony to present and honor the recipients with their awards. This year the ceremony involved several individuals that were involved in serious crashes that had they not been wearing their seatbelts they would have been seriously injured or even killed. It is critical for our safety and for others to wear a seatbelt while in a motor vehicle. Two friends recognized this year were Samuel Barnes and William Fentress who were traveling to school early on the morning of December 15, It had rained the evening before and the temperature had fallen below the freezing mark. The vehicle they were in hit a patch of black ice causing Mr. Barnes the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicles momentum sent them out of control and off the roadway into the trees. Both Barnes and Fentress chose to wear their seatbelts preventing them from being seriously injured. MPO Cason investigated the crash and nominated them for the Saved by the Belt award based on the circumstances involved. On June 17, 2010 MPO Ed Bidot was carrying out his daily duties for the City of Virginia Beach when he was stopping to assist a citizen in the median. Before Bidot exited his vehicle he heard tires squealing. When he looked to see where the noise was coming from, he saw a vehicle hit the median behind him and careen towards his cruiser. Bidot made a futile attempt to move. The vehicles collided. Sgt. Wichtendahl of the Traffic Safety Unit investigated the crash. He determined that if Bidot had not been wearing his seatbelt he would have sustained serious injury or death. Based on the choice to wear his seatbelt Bidot was awarded the Saved by the Belt award. A Saved by the Belt Certificate Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

52 Incentives and Recognition Traffic in Virginia Beach can become quite congested after the work day is over. On February 24, 2010 Ms. Davis was stopped in that traffic when another vehicle in her lane did not give sufficient distance to stop. The other vehicle was also traveling above the posted speed limit. These two factors caused the driver to collide with the rear of Ms. Davis vehicle. Davis vehicle was thrust out of its original position from force of impact. Officer Lazar, the crash investigator, determined that Davis was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash and avoided serious injury and possibly death because of her diligence to buckle her seat belt. Based on the choice to wear her seatbelt Officer Lazar nominated Davis for the Saved by the Belt award. Officer Bidot s Police Car after being struck by another vehicle Chief Cervera, MPO Bidot, DMV s Mary Ann Rayment and Dwight Jenkins, at the Saved by The Belt Awards Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

53 Incentives and Recognition 2010 John T. Hanna Award John T. Hanna, the namesake of the awards, is widely known in the Commonwealth for his years of service dedicated to improving traffic safety in Virginia. Hanna served as the Deputy Commissioner for Transportation Safety at the state Department of Motor Vehicles and worked in the traffic safety field for more than 60 years. The award was presented in Virginia Beach on December 7, 2010 by Drive Safe Hampton Roads, a 22 year-old coalition comprised of safety advocates representing multiple civilian and military agencies. In 1991, Concerned Citizens Advocating Traffic Safety instituted the JOHN T. HANNA AWARDS. Named after Virginia s Father of Transportation Safety, these awards honor those who share Mr. Hanna s tireless dedication and commitment to improving traffic safety on Virginia s highways. In 2008, she re-introduced the Get It Together Seat Belt Challenge to the school. Due to her incredible involvement in pushing the seat belt message, Green Run High School won Get It Together that year. She has been a driving force behind the Green Run High School Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) Club, a teen driving club, the first in Virginia Beach. Using classroom techniques, after school programs, a stepteam demonstration at football games, as well as costumes and other media, MPO Watson has constantly advocated empowering the students with the positive messages of safety. John T. Hanna remains the cornerstone of transportation safety in Virginia. The unparalleled zeal for safety that hallmarks his career is an inspiration to every parent, police officer, judge, teacher, and citizen who is committed to saving lives through traffic safety. Master Police Officer Robyn Watson was awarded the John T. Hanna award for Youth Traffic Safety. Since taking over as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Green Run High School in 2007 due to the death of her colleague, MPO Watson has dedicated herself to promoting traffic safety to the entire school. She also encourages the students to partner with area traffic safety groups. MPO Watson receiving the John T. Hanna award. MPO F. Wallace, John T. Hanna, MPO Watson, Deputy Chief T. Zucaro Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

54 B. Impaired Driving In Addition to the awards noted previously, including: Traffic Safety Pins, Traffic Safety Challenge Coins, VBPD Newsletter recognition, Officer of the Quarter, Traffic Safety Bulletin recognition, and Class Act awards, Impaired Driving recognition is given through other avenues as well Regional Awards Ceremony Incentives and Recognition C. Speed Enforcement Each of the four precincts have a few unmarked patrol vehicles in their assigned fleet. These vehicles are similar to the vehicles assigned to the Special Operations fleet in that they do not have any markings of the Virginia Beach Police Department on them, and the lights are hidden from common view. At the precincts these cars are generally rotated between officers and used for traffic and unobtrusive neighborhood enforcement. Four members of the Virginia Beach Police Department received awards at the Regional Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony held on September 03, 2010, at Regent University This awards ceremony was sponsored by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and the Chesapeake Bay and Southeastern VASAP (Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program) to recognize officers efforts in DUI Enforcement. Officers who demonstrate a high level of performance in traffic enforcement may be transferred to the Special Operations Traffic Division. Officers in Special Operations are permanently assigned an unmarked car to use for traffic enforcement efforts. This is an incentive that Special Operations officers enjoy as a result of their traffic enforcement efforts. An unmarked police patrol vehicle assigned to Special Operations. Award recipients: MPO Shunk, MPO Butler, PO Trout, and MPO Baker (not pictured) The Officers recognized were: MPO Shunk for 95 DUI Arrests, PO Butler for 64 DUI Arrests, MPO Trout for 100 DUI Arrests, and MPO Baker for 80 DUI Arrests. These officers had the highest total of DUI arrests out of every other agency in attendance. Within Special Operations there are four units which consist of officers that have demonstrated a high level of competence and expertise with regards to traffic safety. Due to their hard work and dedication to traffic safety their selection to this unit is a reward for their efforts. The four units are the Traffic Safety Unit, the Motorcycle Unit, the Fatal Crash Team, and the Motor Carrier Safety Unit. These positions have rigorous selection processes. Selected officers who fill these positions receive the best training available to make them as proficient as possible. They are considered the best the department has to offer in traffic safety. Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

55 Traffic Safety Unit The Special Operations Division Traffic Safety Unit is a squad that is made up of six sworn police officers whose primary duties are traffic enforcement. This is a temporary three year, career enhancing specialty assignment. The goal behind limiting this position to three years is to allow more officers the opportunity to receive the specialized training and experiences that can be shared with their peers when the return to the precincts when their term is completed. Incentives and Recognition The squad s primary focus is on impaired driving (DUI) and traffic enforcement in areas geared toward crash reduction. The Traffic Safety Unit maintains hours between 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Thursday - Saturday in order to best achieve its mission of DUI enforcement. Wednesdays the Traffic Safety Unit works 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to work traffic complaints from citizens and precincts, and to work high crash intersections to reduce crashes. The Traffic Safety Unit also provides traffic safety lectures to Civic Leagues, and Military commands in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. In 2010 the Traffic Safety Unit issued 8,524 traffic summonses, made 424 DUI arrests, 585 misdemeanor arrests, and 30 felony arrests. The opportunity to become a member of the Fatal Crash Team is another opportunity for members of TSU after the three year term is completed. This opportunity is a great motivator and encourages Traffic Safety Unit members to do more than just enforce traffic laws. TSU members study every aspect of traffic safety. They learn to recognize and research problem areas and implement traffic strategies to combat problems, educate other officers, and communities allowing them to grow and become experts in all aspects of traffic safety. Sworn officers compete for this coveted position by participating in an oral interview board interview that tests the officer s knowledge in traffic safety to include occupant protection, impaired driving, and speeding enforcement. The officers background and employment history are also considered. Officers selected for this assignment have the opportunity to patrol through the entire city in unmarked patrol vehicles. Motorcycle Unit In addition to the Traffic Safety Unit the Special Operations Division has a Motorcycle Unit. The primary responsibility of this unit lies in the reduction of traffic related incidents and deaths through aggressive speed enforcement. The Motorcycle Unit responds to all traffic related calls for service and incidents including: traffic crashes, disabled vehicles, funeral escorts, parades, marathons and dignitary protection escorts. To be chosen for this unit an officer must have demonstrated an above average expertise in occupant protection and speed enforcement efforts. To qualify for the unit officers must pass a rigorous selection process that includes an 80 hour motorcycle school. Officers on the unit train monthly to remain proficient with their assigned motorcycle. Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

56 Incentives and Recognition This unit is made up of both permanent positions and limited duration career enhancing positions. The Motorcycle Unit maintains a schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to ensure the best coverage to allow them to enforce school zones, neighborhoods and the areas that receive various citizen traffic complaints. In 2010 the Motorcycle Unit was responsible for 4,611 total summonses, 35 Misdemeanor arrests, and investigated 109 crashes VBPD Motorcycle. Fatal Crash Team The Fatal Crash Team is highly trained in cash investigation and reconstruction. This team is available 24-hours a day to respond to all crashes involving: deaths, serious injury, police and/or city vehicles where injuries occur and any motor vehicle crash of a complex nature where their specialized training and expertise would be beneficial. The team investigates on average of 20 fatal crashes per year. Selection to this unit is reserved only to those who have demonstrated an above average excellence in traffic safety knowledge and enforcement efforts. In addition, officers assigned to this unit are allowed to take their assigned vehicle home and their vehicle cannot be used by another officer Each officer assigned to this unit has over 240 hours of additional training in crash investigation. This training consists of basic crash investigation, advanced crash investigation, reconstruction school and numerous specialty crash schools such as motorcycle and pedestrian crash school. When the members of this team are not investigating crashes they are performing many other duties throughout the city. They work very closely with the Traffic Safety Unit. In fact, those who excel in the roles as a Traffic Safety Unit member are selected to serve on the Fatal Crash Team when an opening is presented. The opportunity to become a member of the Fatal Crash Team is a great motivator and encourages Traffic Safety Unit members to do more than just enforce traffic laws, but to study every aspect of traffic safety, to recognize and research problem areas and implement traffic strategies to combat problems, educate other officers and communities, allowing them to grow and become experts in all aspects of traffic safety. The hours for this unit vary according to their responsibilities. There are 6 officers assigned permanently to this unit. In 2010 the Fatal Crash Team issued 4,410 traffic summonses, made 215 DUI arrests, 49 misdemeanor arrests, 20 felony arrests, and investigated 167 crashes. Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

57 Incentives and Recognition Motor Carrier Safety Unit Motor Carrier officers are highly trained and work hard to obtain a position on the Unit. These officers are selected from those that excel in traffic enforcement. They are often selected from the Traffic Safety Unit or the Fatal Crash Team. The Motor Carrier Safety Unit conducts roadside inspections of commercial motor vehicles to locate and enforce equipment defects, logbook violations, hauling permit violations, overweight vehicles and hazardous material violations. The Virginia Beach Police Department s Motor Carrier Safety Unit officers are experts, through countless hours of training, in the commercial vehicle field. The Motor Carrier Unit regularly conducts safety demonstrations, safety lectures, and training to the Police Academy and other local Police/Sheriff s Departments. The Motor Carrier Unit offers this training to private commercial carriers in Hampton Roads as well. Educating commercial vehicle drivers of the necessary precautions that need to be taken to help prevent crashes involving commercial motor vehicles is the best way to prevent them. In addition to their roles, two officers assigned to this unit are supplemental members for the Fatal Crash Team. Therefore, they are available 24-hours a day to assist with fatal or serious injury crashes. The Motor Carrier Safety Unit works with others agencies such as the United States Coast Guard, Virginia State Police, and United States Customs at the local shipping ports helping inspect commercial motor vehicles. The unit also works with agencies throughout the entire Hampton Roads area to conduct commercial motor vehicle safety inspections. This is done because commercial motor vehicles travel regionally, and by working with other agencies allows for all agencies to share the same objectives, and to allow safer travel of commercial motor vehicles in Virginia Beach and other cities. The Motor Carrier Safety Unit is part of the Specialized Transportation Safety Committee of Drive Safe Hampton Roads which focuses on regional safer moves of over dimension/ overweight moves through out Hampton roads. The Motor Carrier Safety Unit was responsible for: - Overweight Citations Issued Liquidated Damages $430,287 - Motor Carrier Inspections Number of Out of Service Traffic Summonses (total) 1,688 - Seatbelt Summonses DUI Arrests 8 Virginia Beach Police Department- Law Enforcement Challenge 2010

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59 ~Section 4~ 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge Public Information and Education 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge

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61 Public Information and Education Executive Summary The Virginia Beach Police Department participated in and initiated numerous traffic safety programs in The department has developed and maintained a strong partnership with many other city departments, numerous military commands, and outside organizations in an effort to deliver quality police services to the community. Our traffic safety programs and initiatives are a result of efforts in education, enforcement and engineering. A summary of public information and education is provided: Virginia s Click it or Ticket and Saved by the Belt Programs receive high priority Participate jointly with multiple agencies in support of NHTSA s Over the Limit- Under Arrest campaign. AAA Dare to Prepare program is conducted with AAA-Tidewater Virginia Beach Police Officers participated in Drive Safe Hampton Roads Get It Together program promoting safety belt use in high schools The (YOVASO) Youth of Virginia Speak Out program continues in Virginia Beach Drive Safe Hampton Roads Old, Used, Borrowed, and Abused Child Safety Seat Roundup was conducted among many Child Seat Checks A Visitor s Guide prints a Safety Belt advertisement for the Department Virginia Beach Police Department officers conducted the Every 15 Minutes high school impaired driving program The RAID Program encourages citizens to Report All Intoxicated Drivers. A DUI/Traffic Safety Checkpoint trailer is used in support of Over The Limit Under Arrest Program and Checkpoint Strikeforce Program The Do Not Tow program encourages sober transportation The Department partners with MADD to spread awareness of impaired driving The Establishment Review Task Force reviews establishments with alcohol related incidents reported by officers Planned Patrols and enforcement in Traffic Calming areas are frequently performed The Department utilizes Speed Trailers Officers conduct Step-outs to enforce neighborhood traffic laws Traffic Safety Lectures for Civic Leagues and the Military are a top priority to spread community awareness 35 traffic related media releases were made in 2010 Local Girl Scout Troops frequently request and receive Traffic Safety Lectures Bicycle and Traffic Safety Pamphlets are available at all precincts and most city buildings DUI Awareness Posters were situated in businesses across the city to curb DUI Local Radio Shows have featured the Traffic Safety Unit and discussed DUI law The Department advertises and participates in red light photo-enforcement The Courts have partnered with the VBPD to conduct a Juvenile Traffic Court slideshow and Bus Ride Program The School Bus Safety Program encourages reporting dangerous drivers Traffic Safety Statistics are widely available and transmitted to the community at large Twitter, Facebook, and Podcasts are utilized to educate citizens on traffic statistics, checkpoints, traffic laws, and bicycle facts Community Service Officers assist motorists with a multitude of common roadway issues

62 A. Occupant Protection Click It or Ticket Public Information and Education Saved By the Belt The Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the 2010 Click It or Ticket mobilizations from May 23 through June 6, 2010, and November 14 through November 21, The Chief of Police sent a department-wide memo showing his support for Click It or Ticket It; and explaining the importance of this campaign. A total of 4,668 summonses were issued during these enforcement periods, and of those 486 were occupant protection summonses. The department conducted saturation patrols and checkpoints as a part of the enforcement efforts. Click It or Ticket signs were placed in targeted enforcement areas and officers were asked to make an extra effort in seat belt and child restraint enforcement in all precinct areas throughout the city. Officer enforcement efforts were in conjunction with the airing of numerous radio advertisements that reminded Virginia residents to buckle up. The Virginia Beach Police Department increased its involvement in the Saved By the Belt program. Officers are encouraged to nominate potential recipients to the Chief of Police through their respective commands. 5 citizens and 1 Officer were recognized in 2010 for properly utilizing their safety belt. The department utilizes the Saved by the Belt Award to help encourage citizens and fellow Officers throughout the city to wear their seatbelts. We believe this award has had a positive impact on our seatbelt usage rate. AAA- Dare To Prepare Program The Virginia Beach Police Department also works with AAA Tidewater to conduct the Dare to Prepare Program. The 2-hour program is not merely a lecture on the dangers of alcohol, seat belt use, or a driver education course. It is an interactive program designed as a forum for parents and soon-tobe driving teens to facilitate discussion about issues such as seat belts and answers questions about the learning-to-drive process. MPO Dean Godwin of the Department s Motor Carrier Unit has presented in this program numerous times in 2010 and addressed over 31 students and parents. Click It or Ticket magnetic sign on a Police vehicle MPO Dean Godwin teaching Dare to Prepare

63 Public Information and Education Get It Together \ Members of the Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the Get It Together Program sponsored by Drive Safe Hampton Roads. The purpose of this program is, to reduce injuries and fatalities by increasing seat belt usage in Hampton Roads high schools. This will be accomplished through a regional safety belt challenge providing education to area high school students. Resources will be provided to schools to accomplish these goals. MPO Godwin represented the Virginia Beach Police Department for this event and provided safety awareness lectures as part of this program to area high schools. All School Resource Officers were encourages to participate in the G.I.T. program. All 11 Virginia Beach High Schools participated this year in the program. MPO Godwin presented the Get It Together Program at Indian River High School, Princess Anne High School, Norfolk State University, Kempsville High School, and Bayside High School in the 2010 year. Green Run HS Get It Together T-Shirt This year all 11 Virginia Beach High Schools took part in the program and all 11 Virginia Beach High Schools had an increase in seat belt usage during the program period. Over 51,000 students have participated in this program from 9 jurisdictions including Virginia Beach. The students of Green Run High School in Virginia Beach won Second Place in the overall program out of 34 High Schools in Hampton Roads. Students sign their Seat Belt Pledge for the Crash Dummy MPO Dean Godwin presents a Get it Together Certificate to a Salem High School student

64 Public Information and Education Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety The Virginia Beach Police Department was the first in the Hampton Roads area to start the Youth Of Virginia Speak Out program, that emphasizes traffic safety among high school students. MPO Watson has been the Green Run High School Resource Officer (SRO) since the untimely death of Master Police Officer Randy Vaiden in October Since that time MPO Watson has dedicated herself to promoting traffic safety to the entire school by promoting seatbelt usage and safe driving. MPO Vaiden, the former SRO, was instrumental in introducing the Get It Together program at Green Run High School. The school removed itself from the program after MPO Vaiden s death and MPO Watson reintroduced it. Three Green Run High School students were tragically killed in an automobile crash and again the school attempted to remove itself from the program. MPO Watson made it clear that she was determined not to let the Get it Together program be suspended again. Green Run High School won an award from the Get It Together program despite the emotional setbacks for that school year. MPO Watson attended a unique seminar on her own time during the summer of 2009 called Youth of Virginia Speak Out program or YOVASO. This is a teen safe driving club for Virginia high schools. YOVASO is a youth leadership organization focused on saving the lives of teenage drivers by educating, encouraging and empowering teenagers to be traffic safety advocates in their schools and communities. YOVASO Members participating in the homecoming paradeat Green Run High School MPO Watson introduced YOVASO to Green Run High School students for the school years with great success. Green Run High School has the only YOVASO chapter in Virginia Beach city school system. With this introduction MPO Watson has promoted youth traffic safety to each and every student in attendance at Green Run High School by educating the students about traffic safety with use of classroom techniques, after school programs that involved a step - team demonstration at the season opener football game along with the use of the crash test dummy costumes along with the school mascot wearing a seatbelt. MPO Watson encourages the students by constantly increasing the number of students that become active members of the YOVASO program. MPO Watson empowers the students with the positive use of the media at the after school activities. Because of MPO Watson, Green Run High School hosted the "Every 15 Minutes" demonstration in the spring of 2010 for the first time in the history of the school. This program impacts approximately 1100 students. MPO Watson recently received a donation of traffic safety vests for the students to use during before and after school activities from the Virginia Beach City Schools Safe Schools office. The YOVASO students also assist with the gathering of data for the Get It Together program.

65 Public Information and Education Old, Used, Borrowed and Abused Child Safety Seat Roundup The Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the Drive Safe Hampton Roads Annual Old, Used, Borrowed and Abused Child Safety Seat Roundup on March 26, The Fatal Crash Team supervisor, Sgt. Hession, was the Chair of the Occupant Protection Committee for Drive Safe Hampton Roads and organized this event. This program encourages citizens to bring in child safety seats that are in poor working condition so that they may be properly destroyed. Over 800 seats were collected during the event. The purpose is to avoid having children use these seats which may not perform safely in the event of a crash. Media Coverage of the Safety Seat Roundup Officers collect and Deposit child safety seats Into the dumpster VBPD Officer Kline engaging with a parent on the proper use and fit of a Child Safety Seat

66 Public Information and Education Civic League Lectures Sunny Day Guide The Virginia Beach Police Departments Traffic Safety Unit developed a presentation to reach out to Civic Leagues and the citizens in the community. The presentation discussed the benefits of properly utilizing their safety belts, reducing their speed and not driving after they have consumed too much alcohol. Members of the Traffic Safety Unit provided the presentation to civic leagues in every precinct. The presentation was provided by the Traffic Safety Unit officer assigned to that precinct. This enabled the members of the community to not only learn about traffic safety, but to also meet the officer from the Traffic Safety Unit that serves as a liaison for their community. The officers provided the citizens with their contact information along with their precinct to report traffic safety issues. For over 35 years, millions of tourists have relied on the Sunny Day Guide to help them plan their next travel adventure. Sunny Day Family Guides provide coverage of a dozen select vacation spots including the City of Virginia Beach. The Sunny Day Guide features articles and listings on local events, shows, attractions, activities, shopping, dining and nightlife. The Sunny Day Guide is available to all hotels and restaurants in the city. It is also accessible to be mailed or downloaded from the internet. In the 2010 guide the Virginia Beach Police Department continued to publish the Virginia seat belt laws. The advertisement was donated by the Sunny Day Guide and provided more than 400,000 tourists information on occupant protection laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation. The advertisement reminds visitors of the child restraint laws as well as a reminder to drive safe and sober. Traffic Safety Lecture at a Civic League Meeting. The seat belt advertisement in the Sunny Day Guide

67 B. Impaired Driving Public Information and Education In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the Over the Limit. Under Arrest. national campaign, and the regional Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign. Every 15 Minutes Program The Virginia Beach Police Department held the Every 15 Minutes program. The Program s title comes from a statistic that every 15 minutes at least one person is killed as the result of an alcohol related incident. Over the years this program has had farreaching impacts on thousands of students and their families. The program hopes to demonstrate to students that their choices and actions have consequences not only to themselves, but to their families, friends, and classmates. In 2010, Cox High School and Green Run High School hosted the program. This was the first year that Green Run High School has ever hosted the program. Approximately thirty members of each senior class were selected to be the active participants. Every 15 minutes the Grim Reaper entered a classroom and removed a pre-selected student. A police officer would then read the student s obituary, which was written by the student s parents. A police officer would subsequently arrive at the student s home and notify the parents of the student s death. The realistic staging of the crash scene and this deceased student compounds the real potential of this very situation A mock DUI crash was staged at each school. Selected students played the role of the driver and passengers. Members of the Virginia Beach Police Department, Virginia Beach Fire Department and Department of Emergency Medical Services participated in the demonstration. This crash is staged outside of Cox High School with hundreds of student onlookers while the Fire, EMS, and Police work together Fire Department personnel utilized the Jaws of Life to extricate the injured occupants of vehicle. EMS personnel simulated the treatment of injuries of the crash victims. One student was deceased at the scene and was later transported from the scene by a funeral home hearse.

68 Public Information and Education News Channel 13 Interviews a Green Run High School Student participating in Every 15 Minutes The driver of the at-fault vehicle went through the DUI investigation procedures in front of the student body. This investigation includes the administration of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. The driver was then arrested and transported away from the scene by a police officer. Students from Cox High School watch as the defendant s defense counsel argues in front of a Judge Those students then went to dinner at a local restaurant and spent the night away from their families to simulate them actually being taken away. During this time the students and parents then wrote a letter to each other emphasizing the feelings and emotions the experience created for them. The next morning during a school assembly, hundreds of students and parents watched a very emotional and powerful presentation of scenes from the previous day. This assembly included testimonials and reactions from their fellow students and their parents, as well as experiences from actual crash survivors. Officer Mike Baker observes while EMS cares for the critically injured student The living dead students visited a local hospital trauma unit, attended a mock DUI trial at the City Courthouse and then toured the Virginia Beach City Jail. A portion of the Officers involved at the Green Run High School Every 15 Minutes Program. Officer J.T. VanderHeiden serves as the Grim Reaper

69 Public Information and Education The critically injured student is whisked away in the VBPD Helicopter Unit s Air Ambulance Governor s Traffic Safety Award MPO McElligott makes his presentation to the students. The Every 15 minutes program is coordinated by the Virginia Beach Police Department and involves a highly coordinated effort from numerous departments, agencies, organizations, and the support of local businesses. Some of the participants and supporters included: The Virginia Beach Fire and E.M.S. departments, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney, and the local media. The Green Run High School s Traffic Safety Club, lead and sponsored by Virginia Beach Master Police Officer Robyn O Brien (formerly Robyn Watson), was presented with the Governor s Transportation Safety Award in the category of Impaired Driving. Participation in Every 15 Minutes, and over 200 other traffic safety activities, showed the group s desire to curb impaired driving and educate teens. The Virginia Beach Police Department committed hundreds of hours to ensure the success of these programs. The Every 15 Minutes program was organized in 2010 by VBPD MPO Jim McElligott. The Governor s Transportation Safety Award presented to the Green Run High School s Traffic Safety Club for Impaired Driving awareness and education The VBPD Special Operations is recognized in the Smart, Safe & Sober Newsletter for its DUI Checkpoints and Enforcement on St. Patrick s Day; this also mentions the Do Not Tow Program

70 Public Information and Education DRUG CRASH RISK STUDY The Virginia Beach Police Department was approached by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) to participate in a "Crash Risk Study. The purpose of the study is to determine a subject s risk of being involved in a collision if they are under the influence of drugs. The information gained from this 17-month project, implemented in 2010, will help shape effective policies and procedures nationwide. The Virginia Beach Police Department agreed to partner with this project because of our commitment to improving traffic safety not only in our city, but the entire nation. The procedure involves police officers transporting data collectors to actual crashes on the street. The Data Collector then interviews the driver and asks for samples to determine their level of impairment. Participants are asked to answer a series of questions, provide a breath test, an oral fluid sample, and a blood sample. A survey team will also collect data at the same location one week later. The data collected is then subjected to a rigorous analysis to determine whether, and to what degree, these drugs individually and in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol, affect crash risk. The project will involve at least 2,500 crashinvolved drivers and 5,000 non crashinvolved drivers. This survey is one of the largest, most comprehensive, and most carefully controlled study of this issue ever. It is the first in-depth study of its kind in the nation. With the survey information, PIRE will be able to assess the influence drugs have on the risk of crash involvement. This will provide information that will be used to develop effective policies and procedures to make our roads safer for years. Above: A PIRE employee collecting a volunteer s data and samples. Right: News Release on the NHTSA/PIRE Crash Risk Study Sgt. C. Elliot standing-by and providing protection for the study

71 Public Information and Education DUI Awareness Poster Radio Shows The Virginia Beach Police Department also realizes the powerful impact that radio media can have on the public. In conjunction with, and in an effort to increase awareness of, Checkpoint Strikeforce, the Traffic Safety Unit Supervisor, Sgt. Wichtendahl, and MPO Wesseler of the Fatal Crash Team took part in a wet lab demo on Hampton Road s popular morning radio show, The Mike and Bob Show on 96X [WROX-FM]. The live radio show aired on December 13, 2010 and served to demonstrate the effects of impairment while calling for safety during the holiday season. A poster displayed in alcohol establishments reminding drivers of the consequences of DUI. The Virginia Beach Police Department created a 12 x 18 poster to deter intoxicated driving. This was accomplished in conjunction with Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services, Smith & Williams Funeral Home, and Beach Taxi Company. Over 150 posters were distributed. Liquor is sold only in Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) stores in Virginia. This poster is displayed in every ABC store in the city as well as every 7-11 convenience store and a majority of the ABC establishments (restaurants, bars, and nightclubs). Drinkers are reminded by this poster that the decisions they make are their own but the consequences affect everyone. MPO Wesseler in the 96X Studio administering a Breath Test while on-the-air A 96X radio personality performs the One Leg Stand on-the-air

72 Public Information and Education R.A.I.D. Program DUI/Traffic Safety Checkpoint Trailer The Virginia Beach Police Department reminds citizens to call the police when they locate a suspected intoxicated driver. The Report All Intoxicated Drivers (RAID) program reminds citizens to call 911 when they believe they have identified a driver who may be impaired. RAID bumper stickers are posted on the rear bumper of all police vehicles. RAID broadcasts are made over all police precincts. Dispatchers make an attempt to get the vehicle s description, license plate information and the direction of travel so that officers can be on the lookout for the vehicle in question. The Virginia Beach Police Department realizes that officers cannot be everywhere. Therefore, by encouraging citizen involvement, more intoxicated drivers are located, arrested, and prosecuted. There were 2,966 RAIDs called in by citizens in 2010; 105 of these calls resulted in a DUI arrest. The RAID program promotes police and citizens to work as a team to improve traffic safety and to save lives, which improves the safety of the overall community. The Virginia Beach Police Department utilizes a Checkpoint Trailer in support of the Over the Limit Under Arrest and Checkpoint Strikeforce programs. The trailer serves as a rolling and stationary billboard and provides a high visibility approach to the efforts of reducing alcohol related crashes. The sides of the trailer are clearly marked, TRAFFIC SAFETY CHECKPOINT TRAILER. The DUI trailer contains all of the equipment necessary for setting up and conducting a traffic safety checkpoint, including: gas generator, halogen lighting, traffic cones, signs, flares, traffic safety vests, and informational handout materials. The DUI trailer allows for an efficient means to quickly set up and break down a checkpoint. This allows multiple checkpoints to be completed over one shift, which is particularly useful during holidays. RAID bumper sticker is placed on all patrol vehicles. The DUI Trailer and the Traffic Safety Unit Supervisor s Vehicle on a traffic safety checkpoint.

73 Public Information and Education Do Not Tow Program The City of Virginia Beach maintains several municipal parking lots at the resort oceanfront area. These parking lots provide a great location for locals and tourists to park. However, lots close at 2:30 a. m. to maintain security and to cleanup for the next day. Previously, after lots closed, remaining unattended vehicles would be towed at the owner s expense. The Virginia Beach Police Department realized that intoxicated individuals were driving their vehicles home to avoid a tow charge. To discourage intoxicated individuals from driving, the VBPD created the Do Not Tow Program. A Do Not Tow Billboard This program allows citizens to approach an officer and inform them that they have consumed too much alcohol to drive home. The officer will then place a Do Not Tow Sticker on the vehicle and it will remain in the municipal lot for the driver to retrieve the next day. The officer will ensure the driver has a safe ride home by taxi service or by identifying a friend who has not consumed any alcohol. The program has enjoyed another successful year in 2010 where 296 people used Do Not Tow. This program is advertised heavily through billboards and in news releases. The department views this as 296 individuals that made the right decision to not drink and drive. WAVY TV 10 News Story on DUI Checkpoints where subtitle reads Police Remind Drivers of NO TOW Program

74 Public Information and Education MADD The Virginia Beach Police Department has partnered with the local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in an effort to help inform the citizens of Virginia Beach of the importance of not driving impaired. This partnership has been successful and beneficial to both organizations. Officers attended and spoke at the Statewide MADD Red Ribbon Kickoff and the MADD Candlelight Vigil to honor those who were killed by drunk drivers. Virginia Beach Police Officers at the MADD Red Ribbon Kickoff Establishment Review Task Force The Virginia Beach Police Department, along with several other city departments and state agencies created a group in 2004 called the Establishment Review Task Force (ERTF). The objective of the ERTF is to conduct proactive inspections of businesses that maintain licenses to serve alcohol, and enforcement of public safety, building and environmental codes and regulations. The task force is coordinated by a captain of the police department, but includes members from the Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, Office of the City Attorney s Office, Fire Department, Planning Department/Building Inspections, and Department of Public Health. The purpose of this task force is to monitor alcohol establishments and to prevent them from becoming a business that may lead to problems for the community. The task force developed a reporting form that records when an establishment is involved in an incident that is directly related to the alcohol business. The forms are then entered into a database that is monitored to track the establishments for problems. When a Virginia Beach Police Officers arrests an intoxicated driver and is able to identify the establishment where the alcohol was consumed then an ERTF report in generated. This information is often utilized to direct enforcement efforts to reduce impaired driving.

75 C. Speed Enforcement Deterrence & Education Public Information and Education Planned Patrols The Virginia Beach Police Department encourages citizens to become involved in traffic safety and speed enforcement within the city. Citizens are encouraged to visit or call any police precinct to report speeding violations or provide areas where they feel additional speed enforcement is necessary. Civic League Lectures Civic Leagues and Neighborhood Associations are encouraged to maintain their ongoing communication with community policing units with regards to traffic safety. In 2010, Sgt. Wichtendahl and Officer Trout continued to deliver a presentation to reach out to Civic Leagues and Neighborhood Associations. The presentation gave the citizens knowledge about laws focusing on Occupant Protection, Speeding, DUI and our enforcement efforts. One goal is to show that traffic enforcement is a crime deterrent. The presentation also included contact information for the Traffic Safety Unit member assigned to their precinct so that members of the community would have a point of contact to discuss concerns they may have. Speed and traffic related complaints are recorded on a VBPD Planned Patrol form and forwarded to the appropriate precinct for attention. Planned patrols are then generated by the information received and used to document the enforcement efforts. The citizen or group responsible for generating the complaint is subsequently informed of the results. Officers from the precincts, Motorcycle Unit, Traffic Safety Unit, and Fatal Crash Team work together to aggressively address the complaint by saturating the particular area. The goal is to answer the complaint and create a high visibility police presence. In an effort to better address traffic related complaints, the Traffic Safety Unit supervisor, Sergeant Wichtendahl, modified the Traffic Safety Units schedule so that 25% of their time would be devoted to daytime operations. A schedule was created and strictly adhered to ensuring each of the four precincts had equal coverage during these times. While unusual, this proved to bolster enforcement efforts because the Traffic Safety Unit typically works at night. Traffic Safety Lecture at a Civic League Meeting

76 Public Information and Education Shore Drive- Speed Enforcement Shore Drive is one of the most utilized roadways in Virginia Beach for cyclists, runners, pedestrians, and vehicles. Thousands of people enjoy the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay each year. The road spans 11 miles and reaches the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. A 4.5-mile segment of Shore Drive, from Pleasure House Road to Kendall Street, is a high population area. The beauty and safety of Shore Drive is devastated each year. Alcohol, speed, and carelessness have lead to motor vehicle related incidents resulting in serious injury or death; Shore Drive has been aptly referred to as the deadliest road in Virginia Beach. The community has experienced an immense increase in population density from party-goers and beachcombers alike. Because of this drastic increase there have been greater crashes, pedestrians hit, and bicyclists struck. Six fatalities have occurred on Shore Drive since The most recent of which occurred in April, 2010, when a pedestrian was killed crossing Shore Drive. Speed Limit Change The Virginia Beach Police Department and City Engineers did a comprehensive study of Shore Drive as part of the Education, Enforcement, and Engineering approach to traffic safety. These studies involved local Civic Groups and establishments; each participated with the Police Department and City Engineers. The support and assistance from these groups was vital. In May 2010 the speed limit was reduced A Virginia Pilot Newspaper clipping detailing the speed limit changes from 45 MPH to 35 MPH in a half-mile residential section of Shore Drive. This initial action created a safer area for many local residents to cross Shore Drive to the beach and exit residential areas in their vehicles, but did not assist the high-density of bars with the less-than sober clientele. The speed limit was also later changed from Pleasure House Road to Great Neck Road. Now a total four and one-half mile stretch of Shore Drive is a 35 MPH speed zone. Additionally, bright-green pedestrian crossing signs were erected to give warning that pedestrians would be crossing. In all, over-sized and positively-lit signs were posted and officers were dispatched. Signs erected on Shore Drive to address pedestrian safety and speeding concerns

77 Enforcement Public Information and Education Initially a 30-day grace period for speed-only violators allowed acclimation to the change. Speeding vehicles were stopped and warned for violations that would have otherwise been legal in the previous 45 mph zone. After 30 days the enforcement efforts were continued and violators were vigorously cited. Speeders and pedestrians in the roadway were cited, and DUI arrests topped any other road in Virginia Beach. The increase in speeders and DUI arrests are in part related to the heightened enforcement efforts in reducing speed and alcohol related traffic incidents. As a result of these efforts, Shore Drive has been safer and has resulted in significantly less incidents. There have been no fatalities in the affected area on Shore Drive since the enforcement campaign. The Traffic Safety Unit, Fatal Crash Team, and precinct officers launched an intensive patrol on Shore Drive. The Virginia Beach Police Department participates in the Over the Limit- Under Arrest and Checkpoint Strikeforce campaigns. The Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team conducted 24 saturation patrols and 15 checkpoints on Shore Drive. Officer Trout with the Traffic Safety Unit issues a speeding citation as a 35 MPH speed limit sign, complete with orange flags, looms in the background These efforts resulted in 203 traffic summonses, 21 DUI arrests, 3 felony arrests, 12 misdemeanor criminal arrests, and 2 driving after illegally consuming alcohol arrest. 2,737 vehicles were checked on Checkpoints. The Traffic Safety Awareness Fliers were modified to ask motorists to watch for pedestrians in the area and mentioned Shore Drive specifically. This program has permitted us to educate citizens about specific issues occurring in the area that they are traveling. These bulletins were distributed on traffic stops and checkpoints.

78 Public Information and Education The major speed limit change occurred in June of 2010 following the tragic death of a pedestrian in April A 30-day grace period followed for speeds that would have been legal in the 45 MPH zone. In July 2010, the Virginia Beach Police Department began vigorous enforcement efforts. Total traffic summonses increased 112% from 2009 and in July the number of speeding summonses issued increased by 1300% from Effectiveness of Efforts A number of statistical comparisons have been made to quantify the impact that the Virginia Beach Police and the change in speed limit have had on the Shore Drive area. The Virginia Beach Police Department has seen the greatest impact in the complete lack of fatalities on Shore Drive since the enforcement efforts began. Overall there has been a 19% decrease in crashes on Shore Drive since the change. The April 2010 death of a pedestrian crossing Shore Drive stressed the importance of immediate action. Since then, there have been no fatalities on Shore Drive since April 2010 and the speed limit change in June Reported crashes also decreased tremendously in This is directly attributable to the vigorous enforcement efforts and high-visibility saturation patrols by the Virginia Beach Police Department.

79 Public Information and Education D. Other Efforts Speed Trailers The Virginia Beach Police Department has several speed trailers that are available for precincts to utilize in areas where speeding complaints were made. The trailers are available in one week increments for as long as needed. The police department utilizes the information gathered from these trailers for future enforcement efforts. Step Outs In 2010, cities and states across the nation were still being affected by an economic crisis, including Virginia Beach; Therefore,the Traffic Safety Unit Supervisors, Sergeant Wichtendahl and Lieutenant Backman, continued the use of step out enforcement patrols in 2010, which were originally implemented in Officers from Special Operations identified neighborhood streets with speed limits of 25 mph that required traffic enforcement. Officers would park their patrol vehicles and turn them off in an effort to save fuel. Then officers, wearing the traffic safety vests, would then stand on the side of the roadway and utilize RADAR and LIDAR to locate speed offenders. Speed trailer in use. Traffic Calming Areas Citizens may also petition for areas of their neighborhood to be designated a Traffic Calming Area. Once traffic engineering has approved the area, it is added to the traffic calming areas as designated in City Code Enhanced penalties are assessed for speeding violations in these areas. Overtime is regularly available through a grant to ensure regular enforcement is taken in these designated areas. Once identified, the officers were able to quickly and safely step out into traffic and stop the violator. This method also proved quite useful in identifying drivers who were not utilizing their safety belts because the officer was in a much better position to observe the violation. Click it or Ticket signs were posted on the side of the road prior to reaching the officers. The sign attempted to promote the Click it or Ticket Campaign while attempting to gain voluntary compliance. *NOTE* - Seatbelt Violations are not a primary offense in the state of Virginia. Reasonable suspicion to stop the vehicle must be independent of the seat belt violation.

80 Public Information and Education Military Lectures During step out patrols, officers would stop speed violators at less than normal thresholds, e.g mph in a 25 mph. A vehicle stopped under normal thresholds where all occupants were wearing their safety belts correctly a warning would be issued for the speed offense. Alternatively, if a safety belt was not correctly in place then a safety belt summons would be issued while a speed warning would still be granted. Occupants were thanked for diligent safety belt use by the officers. This fostered a positive interaction between the officer and the individual(s) involved. This has been a successful method to encourage safety belt use by all vehicle occupants encountered. The Virginia Beach Police Department Special Operations Division felt the need to be a role model during the economic crisis of This patrol method assisted in saving the city valuable funds by cutting back on the amount of fuel consumption without diminishing the Traffic Safety Unit s overall effectiveness. In 2010, the Traffic Safety Unit conducted 18 Military Lectures with 2,008 service members in attendance. These presentations are designed for overall traffic safety issues in the areas of occupant protection, speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, DUI enforcement, and other Virginia motor vehicle laws. Typically these presentations are made to military commands in the Hampton Roads Area. During 2010, the Traffic Safety Unit continued a relationship with the United Fleet Forces personnel to assist the unit in providing safety lectures to military personnel in the Hampton Roads area. This relationship yielded a more efficient schedule, an increased number of lectures provided to the Military, and a decreased impact on the Police Department. Over 7,000 military personnel have been exposed to a traffic safety lecture articulating the importance of seatbelt use, travelling at a safe speed, and not driving intoxicated. Command-specific options were also covered to prevent the sailors from driving drunk. This work resulted in the John T Hanna Traffic Safety Award for both the Traffic Safety Unit and the United Fleet Forces. VBPD Traffic Safety Unit Officer E. Flanagan giving a Traffic Safety Lecture to US Navy Personnel

81 Public Information and Education Media Relations The Virginia Beach Police Department Media Relations completed 35 traffic related media news releases in Media Relations Officers are the official representatives and voice of the Virginia Beach Police Department. Examples of the traffic press releases include special traffic initiatives and holiday weekend DUI/traffic safety checkpoints. The Virginia Beach Police Department also realizes the powerful impact the media has on dispatching relevant traffic related news to the citizens. Therefore, the media is often invited to traffic safety events such as checkpoints and award presentations so that the message can be distributed to as many individuals as possible. Example of a Virginia Beach Police Department traffic press release for the Drunk Driving- Over the Limit, Under Arrest Campaign. Girl Scout Troops A News Channel 3 and a Wavy News 10 Story on a DUI and a DUI Checkpoint on New Year s Eve Officer Trout of the Traffic Safety Unit conducted lectures at local Girl Scout Troops to instill good habits and prevent harmful events when children are more receptive to sound advice and warnings. The aspects of traffic safety are covered from good driving habits, why the laws are important to obey, seatbelts, and avoiding alcohol and drugs especially if driving. The presentation is always very well received. Officer Trout with a Girl Scout Troop after a Safety Lecture

82 Public Information and Education Traffic/ Bicycle Safety Pamphlets The Virginia Beach Police Department has developed a tri-fold pamphlet providing detailed information to motorists. This pamphlet is available at all police precincts and at most public municipal buildings and libraries. The Department recognizes the importance of keeping the public informed. Virginia Beach Police Department s Traffic Safety Pamphlet This pamphlet includes information on: What to do in Motor Vehicle Crashes; DUI and the penalties; Underage Drinking and Driving; Motorcycle, Moped and Bicycle Safety; the RAID and Do Not Tow programs; and Occupant Protection and Child Restraint Laws. Additionally, contact information is included for all police precincts and specifically the Traffic Safety Unit. This pamphlet provides valuable information to citizens while promoting cooperation and communication. Virginia Beach Police Department s Bicycle Safety Pamphlet

83 Public Information and Education Traffic Safety Awareness Fliers In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department developed the Traffic Safety Awareness program in an effort increase citizen awareness of significant traffic safety issues in certain areas. The department developed a simple one page flier that briefly discusses traffic safety and asks the citizens to help us improve traffic safety in the area. The flier starts out by informing the citizens that police department has recognized an increase in traffic related incidents in the area. The flier then goes on to let them know they will see an increased police presence in the area in an effort to increase traffic safety. The flier then asks the citizens to assist us by reducing their speed, wearing their seatbelt and by not driving intoxicated. The flier is then distributed to citizens in the area while the officers are conducting saturation patrols checkpoints and even routine patrols. The fliers are printed on card stock paper in the office utilizing a local color printer. This allows us to have a virtually unlimited supply of the fliers. It allows us to personalize the flier to specific problems. One area of our city that we noticed an increase in traffic crashes and incidents was our Shore Drive corridor. Many of the incidents involved vehicles striking pedestrians attempting to cross the road. The Traffic Safety Awareness Fliers were modified to include asking the motorists to watch for pedestrians in the area and also mentioned Shore Drive specifically. This program has permitted us to educate citizens about specific issues occurring in the area that they are traveling. The fliers also increased the interaction between the citizen and the office making the contact. The officer would hand the citizen the flier and briefly explain its content. This permitted both the officer and the citizen to have an active part in increasing traffic safety in the area.

84 Public Information and Education PhotoSafe In 2010 Virginia Beach Police mentored the cities of Newport News, Chesapeake, and Albemarle County in the PhotoSafe Program. PHOTOSafe is a registered trademark of Virginia Beach. The PHOTOSafe program monitors 106 lanes in 20 approaches at 13 intersections in the City of Virginia Beach. Of the 106 lanes, 36 are left turns, 54 are straight lanes, and 16 are right turns. Multiple street signs bear the PhotoSafe Logo and serve as a constant reminder to stop for red lights. Signs at PhotoSafe intersections, as well as non-photosafe intersections, remind drivers that RED Means STOP! School Bus Safety Program The Virginia Beach Police Department has a program that puts drivers on notice that they passed a school bus in the process of loading or unloading children. In Virginia this is a Class 1 Misdemeanor. School bus drivers notify police dispatchers of the circumstances and the location of the violation. The information is recorded on a form and forwarded to Special Operations. MPO Whitehead, the program manager, mails a letter notifying the registered owner that their vehicle was reported to have disregarded the flashing red lights on a school bus. In 2010 letters were sent to 350 registered owners of vehicles observed committing a violation. No charges are filed, but the letter serves as a notice that the violation occurred and that the driver s actions did not go unnoticed. PhotoSafe Red Light Camera at a Virginia Beach Intersection The PhotoSafe Logo displayed on street signs throughout Virginia Beach City

85 Citizens Police Academy (CPA) Public Information and Education The Virginia Beach Citizens Police Academy (CPA) provides an excellent opportunity for citizens, who work and live in the City of Virginia Beach, to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the police department. The program runs for nine weeks and is organized by MPO J. Eaton.. In 2010, the Virginia Beach Police Department held two Citizens Police Academies, which graduated on May 25, 2010, and on December 14, Citizens gain a better understanding of the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, demands, personnel, equipment, policies, and laws that guide the Department s decisions. Citizens have the opportunity to hear the accounts and experiences of a wide variety of police personnel and engage in hands-on activities. Topics cover all operations of the Police Department and include devoted sessions to Traffic Safety. Lessons cover DUI detection and enforcement, speed enforcement methods such as RADAR and LIDAR, the importance of wearing a seat belt, and the consequences of not wearing one. Also, the PhotoSafe Red Light Enforcement Program is covered. Citizens are also exposed to driver training in traffic stops and pursuit driving. Citizens are given the opportunity to ride-along with patrol officers and Traffic Safety Unit officers to gain a better understanding of their jobs. Additionally, citizens are given tours of the multitude of forums that Police Officers experience from Basic Training facilities to the Jail and Court. Citizens are able to experience training on Traffic Stops, pursuits, and the vehicle skid track at the Virginia Beach Police Department s Creeds Training Center. A participant of the CPA experiencing the Skid Track at Creeds Training Facility Participants of the CPA at Creeds Training Facility

86 Public Information and Education CMV Driver Appreciation Day- DAD Virginia Beach MPO Godwin co-chairs the Specialized Transportation Safety Coalition which is a committee of Drive Safe Hampton Roads. This coalition focuses on motor carrier safety involving over dimensional and overweight hauling by commercial motor vehicles. The coalition sponsors projects such as Regionalized Heavy Hauling Permit Regulations, Sharing the Road Services (NC), Correct Tie-Down Procedures and Seat Belt Safety. In 1993, MPO Godwin was instrumental in starting a program called, Driver Appreciation Day. The program is now sponsored by Drive Safe Hampton Roads and the Specialized Transportation Safety Coalition. This program would not be successful without its many dedicated volunteers The donated beverages and food from Chick- Fil-A and Golden Corral makes the interaction as enjoyable as possible. MPO Godwin has received overwhelming positive feedback from the drivers since the program s inception in MPO Godwin at the 2010 CMV Driver Appreciation Day. The program is meant to bring holiday cheer, fellowship, and carrier safety to the commercial motor vehicle drivers traveling the interstate. This year the program was held on December 20, MPO Godwin and numerous volunteers provided a free breakfast to those who stopped. News Channel 13 Reporter at DAD with DMV s Mary Ann Rayment

87 Public Information and Education Juvenile Traffic Court Slide Show Traffic Safety Committees The Virginia Beach Police Department and the Eastern Virginia Medical School collaborated and developed a presentation on the impact of driving decisions. The presentation runs continuously in the juvenile traffic courtroom. Parents and children view the presentation while waiting for their case. The presentation lists the cause of the crash over the photographs. The highlighted crashes involve youth in Virginia Beach and of the same age group as those attending court. Crashes involve those that have been killed or seriously injured from speeding, not wearing a seat belt, and driving impaired. This program continues to receive positive feedback. It is not unusual for the judge to reference the slides during a trial. The Virginia Beach Police Department follows the philosophy that a successful traffic safety program should incorporate the three E s; they are Education, Enforcement and Engineering. Officers from the Fatal Crash Team and Traffic Safety Unit have been assigned to committees that address each of the above categories. Recommendations made in the committees are acted upon or forwarded to a representative who brings the concerns to the appropriate city department. The Education Committee discusses ideas to improve training in the department. Additionally, the committee reviews how to better educate the public in traffic safety. The Enforcement Committee reviews those areas requiring added patrol and determines effective ways to provide the necessary enforcement to have a lasting impact. The Engineering Committee identifies roadway defects and problems with traffic in corridors or neighborhoods throughout the city. A partnership with traffic engineering has been developed to share ideas and concerns over roadway issues to include traffic flow during major holidays or events. Juvenile Courtroom Slideshow Juvenile Traffic Court Bus Ride Program Another program that is utilized specifically by the judges of Juvenile and Domestic Court is the Bus Ride Program. This program requires juveniles who have committed their first minor traffic violations to ride their school bus for a specified number of trips. This teaches the students the importance of traffic safety and that their license to drive is a privilege not a right. Patrol officers are directed to report all roadway defects that they identify during routine patrol operations that can pose a threat or impact to traffic safety. A Defect Notice Form is used to report these concerns. Common issues documented on these forms include: obstructed or missing roadway signs, traffic light signals, and obstructed views from trees and bushes. The defect notice is then forwarded to Risk Management. The appropriate city department is assigned to follow-up and initiate corrective action.

88 Public Information and Education Community Awareness of Statistics Traffic related statistics are compiled over the course of the year to assist in identifying problem enforcement area and high crash areas. The statistics are distributed to commanders in the precincts to allocate their resources appropriately. Each year, our department provides the public with the Virginia Beach Police Department Annual Review. The document is available in printed copy and by electronic media through the City s Web Site, The annual report contains information on all types of crimes in the city The Virginia Beach Police Department maintains a web site to provide information and educate the citizens of Virginia Beach. The web site is located at: The web site contains information on crime statistics, crime prevention, police services, forms and reports, etc. The web site includes a page on what to do if involved in a crash, how to report missing signs, how to locate police crash reports, etc. The site also explains what each unit in the police department is responsible for, including the Traffic Safety Unit, Fatal Crash Team, Motorcycle Unit, Motor Carrier Unit, Helicopter Unit, and Community Service Officers. The 2009 annual report which was completed and distributed in Citizens are able to view statistics on total crashes, alcohol-related crashes, fatality rates, traffic summonses, DUI arrests, high crash intersections and locations, and a summary of the circumstances surrounding the fatal crashes for the year. Home page of the Virginia Beach Police Department.

89 Public Information and Education Facebook & Twitter In 2009 the Virginia Beach Police Department looked for a way to reach those that are most likely to drive impaired. Consistently youth, aged 18 to 25, make up the largest number of offenders. In 2009 and 2010 they accounted for a quarter of our DUI arrests. Two highly utilized social networking sites used by this age group are Facebook and Twitter. By broadening our media outlets we are able to reach more of our target audience. "Fans" of VBPD traffic safe can stay interested and updated instantly. Facebook is also used to publicize special events such as Halloween enforcement, Over the Limit, Under Arrest, Checkpoint Strikeforce, and Click It or ticket. Additionally, press releases frequently contain information on Facebook and Twitter networking with VBPD. Fliers are also distributed during saturation patrols and Checkpoints providing the motorist with traffic safety information and the addresses for both sites. Podcasts Virginia Beach Traffic Safety Unit s Facebook Page We developed a Facebook page and Twitter posting to reach this group of drivers. All types of people use social networking to communicate daily. Utilizing this technology we are able to send frequent messages to a greater amount of people. The sites are used to publicize traffic safety initiatives such as check points and saturation patrols. On the day or night of a planned event a message is posted on both sites. The message includes the purpose of the event and the precinct it would be held. We also include messages to encourage citizens to buckle up and plan ahead so to avoid driving impaired. Results of the efforts are typically posted immediately after the event. The Virginia Beach Police Department also utilizes podcasts to educate citizens about traffic safety issues. In 2010 the City of Virginia Beach wanted reach out to the bicycling community. The department produced several podcasts that covered the rules of the road, tips for bicyclists and tips for drivers encountering bicyclists on the road, including speed and right of way concerns. The podcast was distributed in conjunction with a brochure that discuses the same issues. The brochure was distributed to retail establishments throughout the city to include small bike shops and large retailers that sell bicycles. The police department then developed a presentation for the biking community to expand on the information provided in the podcast and brochure. Link to the Bicycle Safety Podcast on the VBGov.com Traffic Safety Unit s Website

90 Public Information and Education Community Service Officer Program The Virginia Beach Police Department started a Community Service Officer Program in September Community Service Officers are part time non-sworn employees who support sworn officers in all precincts. Community Service Officers are designated as "CS" units and their primary traffic role is to assist citizens with motor vehicle related problems. The CS vehicle is outfitted with tools and equipment that provides citizens with assistance for the following conditions: Out of gas, flat tire, dead battery, disabled, and radiator issues. A New 2010 Community Service Truck operates as a Hybrid Gas/ Electric Vehicle to assist motorists 24/7 The CS vehicle is clearly marked "Virginia Beach Community Service" and is equipped with yellow emergency lighting, push bumpers, KDT, PA system and a spotlight. Equipment included in the vehicle is miscellaneous hand tools, air tank, hydraulic jack, battery jump box, traffic cones, and flares. Community service vehicles are equipped with a fuel transfer capability, which pumps fuel from the CS vehicle's fuel system directly into the tank of an "out-of-gas" vehicle. A 5 gallon gas can, impact wrenches, a hydraulic jack, an air compressor, and cleanup tools. The Virginia Beach Police Department currently employs 16 Community Service Officers. These officers wear a uniform and respond to the following cases: disabled vehicles, parking enforcement, nonreportable accidents, traffic light malfunction, and roadway debris and obstruction. CS units provide valuable service and support to citizens and sworn officers. In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department acquired a new Community Service vehicle. While the typical CS vehicle was a Ford sedan, the replacements are more suited to the job task. The CSO Truck has a high-visibility tailgate, a traffic direction arrow, and a yellow light-bar for safety

91 ~Section 5~ Enforcement Activity 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge

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93 Enforcement Activity Traffic Enforcement and the Use of Warnings The Virginia Beach Police Department does not have a warnings policy and the department does not utilize written warnings to document the encounter. Officers are provided the training that will enable them to identify, investigate and enforce violations of the criminal and traffic code. Officers are expected to take the appropriate action necessary after reviewing the totality of the circumstances available. If the individual officer determines that a warning is sufficient for the violation that occurred, a verbal notice is all that is required to the violator. The officer will document the particulars of the stop in the case comments via the Mobile Data Terminal. The department does not keep a formal record of verbal warnings. A. Occupant Protection Enforcement The total occupant protection enforcement based on a three year comparison is shown in the graph below. Patrol Officers issued a total of 7,034 summonses for occupant protection violations in That is a greater than a 15% increase over the number of summonses issued in 2008, and greater than a 6% increase over The total occupant protection violations include safety belt and child restraint. The increase was a direct response to a memorandum from the Chief of Police on an emphasis on occupant protection.

94 Enforcement Activity Patrol Officers issued a total of 7,034 summonses for occupant protection use in Occupant protection includes the following: No seat belt ages 18 years of age and older ( ), no seat belt or child restraint for children less than 18 years of age ( ). Virginia State Code addresses seat belt use for ages 18 and up. Officers issued 6,228 summonses under this code during This code section is a secondary violation in Virginia; enforcement requires reasonable articulable suspicion for a traffic stop prior to a seat belt summons being issued. More than a 5% increase over 2009, and 13% increase over 2008.

95 Enforcement Activity Virginia Sate Code addresses seat belt and child restraint use for ages under 18. Officers issued 806 summonses under this code in 2010, greater than a 12% increase over 2009, and 35% increase over This was achieved by enhanced enforcement by all officers. NOTE: In July, 2010 the Legislature responded to concerns and raised the age requiring seat belt use from 16 to 18. A further breakdown comparison of the summonses issued for no seat belt use (18 and older) and no child restraint (under 18 years old) is shown below.

96 Enforcement Activity The Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the 2010 Click It or Ticket mobilization campaigns from May 23- June 6, 2010 and November 14 November 21, A total of 486 occupant protection summonses were issued by officers during these periods. A Memorandum distributed by the Chief of Police to all sworn police personnel to inform them of the Click It or Ticket Campaign. With strict zero tolerance enforcement of the occupant restraint laws, we can raise our seat belt compliance rate. More importantly, we can reduce the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from crashes in our city. It is important to note that the national Click It or Ticket campaign was from May 23 through June 6, However, the Virginia Beach Police Department participates in a regional Click It or Ticket campaign as well. The purpose of doing so was to show the community how important wearing their safety belt is and to increase enforcement efforts by the Virginia Beach Police Officers to obtain compliance in the area of safety belt usage.

97 Enforcement Activity The Virginia Beach Police Department was awarded the region s 2010 Click It or Ticket Most Improved Safety Belt Use Award for our efforts in occupant protection. The Virginia Beach Police received this award from the Virginia DMV by continuing strict enforcement efforts and increased public awareness of safety belt use, not limited to the Click It or Ticket campaign. Click It or Ticket signs were placed in targeted high traffic corridors that were designated as enforcement areas. Patrol vehicles had Click It or Ticket magnets placed on them to help notify drivers of the increased enforcement efforts. The Chief also sent out a memorandum asking officers to increase their occupant protection enforcement efforts during the specified time frames. The memorandum was distributed electronically and received by 100% of all sworn and nonsworn employees. All patrol officers were asked to adhere to strict zero tolerance of the occupant restraint laws during the campaign period.

98 Enforcement Activity Summary of Occupant Protection in 2010 In early 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department made it a primary focus to increase their enforcement efforts in regards to occupant protection. Creative efforts such as step out patrols permitted officers from Special Operations to perform traffic related enforcement on specifically identified neighborhood streets with a speed limit of 25 mph. Officers parked their patrol vehicles and turn them off in an effort to save fuel. Officers wore reflective vests and stood on the side of the roadway. And utilizing hand held RADAR and LIDAR officer located speed offenders. Once identified, the officers were able to quickly and safely step out into traffic and stop the violator. This method also proved quite useful in identifying drivers who were not utilizing their safety belts because the officer was in a much better position to observe the violation. Officers from Special Operations visited the four precincts to provide monthly muster training and impress upon patrol officers the department s desire to increase occupant protection enforcement efforts. The Traffic Safety Unit also provided traffic safety lectures to Military personnel during safety stand downs. These lectures stressed the importance of seat belts, reducing speed, and not driving impaired. In 2010 the Traffic Safety Unit reached out to Civic Leagues and Neighborhood Associations by developing a safety lecture with an emphasis on occupant protection and to show how traffic enforcement is a good crime prevention tool. The Chief of Police sent memorandums to 100% of department members to encourage improved enforcement efforts. The Chief provided department members with current statistics of fatalities and serious injury crashes that have occurred in our city during 2010, emphasizing how the seriousness may have been mitigated with seat belt use. These memorandums were received by 100% of sworn members of the department. In 2010 seatbelt summonses had an increase of over 5% when compared to Child restraint summonses increased by over 12% and total occupant protection summonses increased by over 6%.

99 Enforcement Activity B. Impaired Driving Enforcement The total number of impaired driving arrests based on a three year comparison is shown in the graph below. Patrol officers made 2,429 arrests for impaired driving in Virginia Beach patrol officers contribute to over 7% of the total DUI arrests made in the state of Virginia. Officers arrested a total of 2,429 drivers for alcohol related driving offenses in Of this total, 2,334 arrests were for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), which means that the driver typically had a BAC of.08 percent or above, or showed significant impairment from alcohol, narcotic drugs, prescription drugs, or a combination of both drugs and alcohol.

100 Enforcement Activity In 2010 a total of 83 arrests were for Operating a Motor Vehicle after Illegally Consuming Alcohol (OMVICA), which is driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21 with a BAC measurement between percent. There were a total of 1,499 summonses issued for illegal possession of alcohol in 2010 as part of the Virginia Beach Police Department s efforts to address the problem of underage drinking. The Virginia Beach Police Department believes that vigorous enforcement of underage drinking laws discourage minors from making the decision to drink alcohol and in turn keeps the roads safer for everybody. Drivers who have illegally consumed alcohol and have a BAC measurement of.08 or above are charged with the same Virginia DUI Code as drivers that are over the age of 21. In 2010, a total of 333 drivers under the age of 21 were arrested for DUI with a BAC of.08 or greater. Below is a breakdown of the age range of the DUI offenders in The highest percentage was 22% within the 22 to 25 age range; the 26 to 30 age group was at 19.7% of the total. This comparison is used to specifically aim our educational and public information efforts towards the age groups requiring the most attention. Facebook, Twitter, and posters in alcohol establishments have been used to target these age groups more effectively.

101 Enforcement Activity Marine Patrol- Boating Under the Influence Beach Police Officers are surrounded by water. One of the challenges we face with having a resort area is heavy boating activity. The Virginia Beach Police Marine and Dive Unit will patrol the waters and vigorously seeks out boaters that may have had too much to drink. During 2010 the Marine Unit conducted multiple Boat Safety Checkpoints. The Virginia Beach Police Department Marine Patrol arrested 8 individuals for Boating Under the Influence. The majority of recreational boaters in Virginia Beach will trailer their boats after at the end of the day. The Virginia Beach Police Department believes that every person arrested for Boating Under the Influence is one less person that will be Driving Under the Influence. DUI Prosecution Virginia Beach Police Officers are expected to prosecute all first offense DUI cases in General District Court without the assistance of a prosecuting attorney. Therefore, having a thorough knowledge of the DUI arrest and prosecution process is essential for all patrol officers. By prosecuting their own cases, Virginia Beach Police Officers become much more familiar with the elements of proving a DUI case successfully and subsequently improve their investigative techniques.

102 Public Education Enforcement Activity Impaired driving plagues streets throughout all cities across America including the City of Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach continues to fight the problem of impaired drivers with proactive patrols and proactive public education and media outreach. As a resort community, Virginia Beach has a large number of bars and nightclubs located throughout the City, the Oceanfront, and the Town Center area. This coupled with a large contingent of military personnel, tourists, and younger residents poses a more distinct problem with individuals driving under the influence. Virginia Beach s Report All Intoxicated Drivers (RAID) program reminds citizens to call 911 when they suspect an intoxicated driver. The program is boasted in media releases and on bumper stickers on all patrol cars. Broadcasts for the vehicle are made in all police precincts. In 2010, citizens reported to RAID 2,966 times which resulted in 105 DUI arrests. Part of the Traffic Safety Unit s mission in the interest of traffic safety enforcement is to conduct high visibility traffic enforcement and teach traffic safety lectures/ presentations. The Traffic Safety Unit places particular emphasis on driving under the influence laws and impacts to the military commands during Military Safety Stand Downs. In addition, officers speak to high school students in frequent presentations to address seat belt safety, underage drinking, and speed. These presentations are designed for overall traffic safety issues in the areas of occupant protection, speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, DUI enforcement, and other pertinent Virginia motor vehicle laws. The presentations take a serious look at the effects of DUI, seat belts, and speed. These presentations are an aggressive approach in deterrence that the Virginia Beach Police Department takes great pride in. The presentations are one of the greatest proactive enforcement efforts that the Virginia Beach Police Department takes with the local military. With over 32,000 military assigned to the Virginia Beach area, it is imperative that the department take an aggressive stance on notifying military personnel of the pertinent Virginia traffic laws so that they are on notice and well informed when they enjoy the City of Virginia Beach. This also reinforces the message to the military commands that our city takes a zero tolerance approach to impaired driving regardless of their occupation. The lectures we provide to the military have reduced the number of DUI arrests of military personnel. The relationship the Virginia Beach Police Department has made with the military played a vital role in helping to reduce drunk drivers on the city streets. In 2010, the Traffic Safety Unit conducted 18 Military Lectures with 2,008 service members in attendance. Officer E. Flanagan giving a safety lecture to members of the US Navy

103 Enforcement Activity C. Speed Enforcement The total speed enforcement based on a three year comparison is shown in the graph below. Patrol Officers issued a total of 21,417 summonses for speeding violations in The total speeding violations include speeding general, reckless speeding, speeding in school zones, too fast for conditions, speeding in work zones and racing. The number represents a 4% decrease from the number of summonses issued in 2009 Despite the fact that the numbers are down for 2010 when compared to 2009, the Virginia Beach Police Department believes this can be attributed to balancing enforcement efforts with occupant protection, impaired driving enforcement, and safety lectures to the military and civic leagues. While speed violations are of utmost importance, in 2010 the Chief of Police made occupant protection and impaired driving offenses main objectives in traffic safety enforcement. Although speeding summonses have decreased, our speeding enforcement efforts (planned patrols, step-outs, and special enforcement efforts) have increased. These patrols have proven to be effective. This is evidenced by the lowest number of crashes in 26 years and the lowest number of fatalities in over 10 years. We believe our enforcement efforts are effectively reducing crashes and speed violations throughout the City. Patrol officers issued a total of 70,339 traffic summonses in There were a total of 21,417 summonses issued for speed related offense. Speed enforcement made up over 30% of the total number of traffic summonses. The highest amount of speeding summonses was issued in August at 2,205 summonses.

104 Enforcement Activity The total speeding violations include speeding general, reckless speeding, speeding in school zones, too fast for conditions, speeding in work zones and racing. Speed enforcement is a high priority for Special Operation s Traffic Division. All Traffic Safety Units, Fatal Crash Team Units, Motorcycle Units, and Motor Carrier Units are equipped with RADAR. All of these patrol vehicles are unmarked, making RADAR enforcement more effective. The Traffic Safety Unit, Fatal Crash Team, Motorcycle Unit, and Motor Carrier Units are all certified in the use of LIDAR and each officer is issued a LIDAR unit. Members of the Special Operations units are responsible for patrolling the entire city, allowing them to conduct RADAR and/or LIDAR operations in any area that demonstrates the need for enforcement. Officers and Supervisors in Special Operations collectively task themselves as units with weekly initiatives that focus on specific locations throughout the city. Lieutenant Backman and Sergeant Wichtendahl, Supervisors of the Traffic Safety Unit, have taken this idea one step further by implementing a day shift for all traffic related units within Special Operations. Officers from the Traffic Safety Unit create a schedule for each Wednesday of the month for areas that have demonstrated a need for enforcement. These locations are identified by reviewing recent crash data, spikes in crime, and citizen complaints. The schedule is then sent to the remaining members of the Traffic Safety Unit, Fatal Crash Team, Motorcycle Unit, and the Motor Carrier Unit. In addition, officers from each respective precinct are notified that a patrol is being held in the selected area to help participate in that particular planned patrol. This helps boost morale in the precincts and is also a great educational tool for precinct officers. Each member of the unit will work that specific location for a period of time in effort to increase visibility and gain compliance with the law. The results are tracked and reported up the chain of command for further review and action.

105 Enforcement Activity MPO Banks utilizing LIDAR. PO Wesseler with a hand held RADAR unit. Special Operations officers utilize RADAR equipment from Kustom, Stalker, and Decatur. In addition, the division has hand held RADAR and LIDAR units to supplement the installed equipment. These assets afford officers the ability to conduct speed enforcement in highly congested areas where conventional RADAR mounted unit speed enforcement is difficult. RADAR Unit on a Police Motorcycle. LIDAR hand held mount on Motorcycle. Mounted RADAR unit in Police Vehicle. Each of the four police precincts located within the city has RADAR equipped patrol vehicles in addition to hand held RADAR units. Marked and unmarked police vehicles are utilized for RADAR operations within their respective precincts. Patrol officers work traffic initiatives and conduct RADAR operations when calls for service allow. It is important to note that the primary focus of officers assigned to patrol in the precincts is for calls for service, not traffic related duties. Therefore, enforcing traffic laws is a secondary objective allowed only when time permits. The precinct officers work speed enforcement in areas around schools, targeted high crash areas, designated traffic calming areas, and speed complaints by citizens in their community. Speed enforcement is supplemented by mobile RADAR speed trailers. These speed trailers are placed at various locations in the city where speeding appears to be an issue. The speed trailers display a traffic message then the speed of the vehicle which is approaching next. The speed trailers allow the citizens to self correct their behavior without the penalty of paying a fine for receiving a summons issued by a police officer. The signs are typically requested by neighborhood associations or citizens who feel there is a need for the trailer in a particular area or neighborhood. The signs provide useful information to officers to allow them to better plan future enforcement efforts.

106 Enforcement Activity Shore Drive- Speed Enforcement Shore Drive is one of the most utilized roadways in Virginia Beach for cyclists, runners, pedestrians, and vehicles. Thousands of people enjoy the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay each year. The road spans 11 miles and reaches the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. A 4.5-mile segment of Shore Drive, from Pleasure House Road to Kendall Street, is a high population area. The beauty and safety of Shore Drive is devastated each year. Alcohol, speed, and carelessness have lead to motor vehicle related incidents resulting in serious injury or death; Shore Drive has been aptly referred to as the deadliest road in Virginia Beach. The community has experienced an immense increase in population density from party-goers and beachcombers alike. Because of this drastic increase there have been greater crashes, pedestrians hit, and bicyclists struck. Six fatalities have occurred on Shore Drive since The most recent of which occurred in April, 2010, when a pedestrian was killed crossing Shore Drive. Speed Limit Change The Virginia Beach Police Department and City Engineers did a comprehensive study of Shore Drive as part of the Education, Enforcement, and Engineering approach to traffic safety. These studies involved local Civic Groups and establishments; each participated with the Police Department and City Engineers. The support and assistance from these groups was vital. In May 2010 the speed limit was reduced A Virginia Pilot Newspaper clipping detailing the speed limit changes from 45 MPH to 35 MPH in a half-mile residential section of Shore Drive. This initial action created a safer area for many local residents to cross Shore Drive to the beach and exit residential areas in their vehicles, but did not assist the high-density of bars with the less-than sober clientele. The speed limit was also later changed from Pleasure House Road to Great Neck Road. Now a total four and one-half mile stretch of Shore Drive is a 35 MPH speed zone. Additionally, bright-green pedestrian crossing signs were erected to give warning that pedestrians would be crossing. In all, over-sized and positively-lit signs were posted and officers were dispatched. Signs erected on Shore Drive to address pedestrian safety and speeding concerns

107 Enforcement Enforcement Activity Initially a 30-day grace period for speed-only violators allowed acclimation to the change. Speeding vehicles were stopped and warned for violations that would have otherwise been legal in the previous 45 mph zone. After 30 days the enforcement efforts were continued and violators were vigorously cited. Speeders and pedestrians in the roadway were cited, and DUI arrests topped any other road in Virginia Beach. The increase in speeders and DUI arrests are in part related to the heightened enforcement efforts in reducing speed and alcohol related traffic incidents. As a result of these efforts, Shore Drive has been safer and has resulted in significantly less incidents. There have been no fatalities in the affected area on Shore Drive since the enforcement campaign. The Traffic Safety Unit, Fatal Crash Team, and precinct officers launched an intensive patrol on Shore Drive. The Virginia Beach Police Department participates in the Over the Limit- Under Arrest and Checkpoint Strikeforce campaigns. The Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team conducted 24 saturation patrols and 15 checkpoints on Shore Drive. Officer Trout with the Traffic Safety Unit issues a speeding citation as a 35 MPH speed limit sign, complete with orange flags, looms in the background These efforts resulted in 203 traffic summonses, 21 DUI arrests, 3 felony arrests, 12 misdemeanor criminal arrests, and 2 driving after illegally consuming alcohol arrest. 2,737 vehicles were checked on Checkpoints. The Traffic Safety Awareness Fliers were modified to ask motorists to watch for pedestrians in the area and mentioned Shore Drive specifically. This program has permitted us to educate citizens about specific issues occurring in the area that they are traveling. These bulletins were distributed on traffic stops and checkpoints.

108 Enforcement Activity The major speed limit change occurred in June of 2010 following the tragic death of a pedestrian in April A 30-day grace period followed for speeds that would have been legal in the 45 MPH zone. In July 2010, the Virginia Beach Police Department began vigorous enforcement efforts. Total traffic summonses increased 112% from 2009 and in July the number of speeding summonses issued increased by 1300% from Effectiveness of Efforts A number of statistical comparisons have been made to quantify the impact that the Virginia Beach Police and the change in speed limit have had on the Shore Drive area. The Virginia Beach Police Department has seen the greatest impact in the complete lack of fatalities on Shore Drive since the enforcement efforts began. Overall there has been a 19% decrease in crashes on Shore Drive since the change. The April 2010 death of a pedestrian crossing Shore Drive stressed the importance of immediate action. Since then, there have been no fatalities on Shore Drive since April 2010 and the speed limit change in June Reported crashes also decreased tremendously in This is directly attributable to the vigorous enforcement efforts and high-visibility saturation patrols by the Virginia Beach Police Department.

109 Enforcement Activity D. Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols and Special Enforcement Efforts Checkpoints Special Operations units conducted a total of 46 checkpoints that totaled 615 man hours. The department participates in the National Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaign, and Virginia s Checkpoint Strikeforce program. The checkpoints had a total of 9525 vehicles checked resulting in 534 traffic summonses and 48 DUI arrests. The checkpoints were located in traffic corridors throughout all four precincts. Patrol officers of the precinct that a checkpoint is located are invited to assist in staffing the detail. This fosters a better working relationship between officers assigned to Special Operations and the precincts. Officers conducting Traffic Safety Checkpoints Saturation Patrols The Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team conducted a total of 165 joint-effort Impaired Driving saturation patrols throughout all four police precincts in 2010 with a total of 1167 man hours of combined activity. Additionally, 120 Speed Enforcement Saturation patrols were conducted. Most saturation patrols were conducted in 1 hour increments and targeted highvolume DUI and crash locations. Results included 218 DUI arrests. The teams issued a total of 3,131 total summonses: 844 speeding summonses, 103 suspended or revoked operator s licenses, 692 seatbelt summonses, 31 reckless driving summonses, 21 illegal possession of alcohol summonses, 16 drug arrests, and 1189 other summonses (tint, expired inspection and registration, unsafe equipment, etc.).

110 Enforcement Activity The Traffic Safety Unit conducted 45 daytime Safety Belt Planned Patrols during Each planned patrol focused on Seat Belt enforcement efforts. The Traffic Safety Unit frequently utilized Step-Outs to better view seat belts and typically conducted one hour saturations. A Seatbelt Enforcement Area Sign is posted prior to the saturation area to encourage self-initiated enforcement of the safety belt laws. During these Safety Belt Planned Patrols, the Traffic Safety Unit issued 581 Summonses. Additionally, 13 DUI arrests and 2 Drug arrests were made. The summonses consisted of the following: 156 seat belt summonses, 14 suspended or revoked operators licenses, 6 reckless driving, 17 uninsured motor vehicles, 160 speed, and 227 other summonses (tint, expired inspection and registration, unsafe equipment, etc.) 2010 Traffic Safety Unit Seat Belt Enforcement Planned Patrols The Virginia Beach Police Department Precincts conducted 145 Traffic Enforcement Efforts in The precincts utilized a variety of enforcement techniques including small-motors, RADAR, and saturation patrols to target high crash intersections, seat belts, speed, and DUI s. Arrests and summonses included: 390 traffic summonses and 85 DUI arrests.

111 Enforcement Activity Motor Carrier Unit The Motor Carrier Unit conducted 484 Motor Carrier Inspections in 2010 and issued 124 citations resulting in $430, in Liquidated Damages. The unit placed 118 commercial motor vehicles out of service for safety reasons. They issued 1,688 summonses. They made 8 DUI arrests and wrote 381 seatbelt summonses. The unit participated in 8 serious injury/ fatal crash investigations as members of the Fatal Crash Team. Border to Border Commercial Motor Vehicle Program The Virginia Beach Police Motor Carrier Unit participates in this program. This annual project, coordinated by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, focuses on seat belts, child restraints, equipment violations, speeding, and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and has become a regular part of Virginia s Smart, Safe and Sober Partnership. MPO Franklin conducts a Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection during Border to Border Enforcement Efforts.

112 Enforcement Activity MPO Godwin co-chairs the Specialized Transportation Safety Committee, which is part of Drive Safe Hampton Roads. This coalition focuses on motor carrier safety involving over dimensional and over weight hauling in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Virginia Beach Motor Carrier Officers were active participants in the Heavy Haulers Conference, Driver Appreciation Day ( DAD ), Correct Tie-Down Procedures and Seat Belt Safety in Hampton Roads. The Motor Carrier Unit performs courtesy inspections on request for motor carriers who are preparing to transport over dimensional or overweight loads on Virginia Beach roadways. MPO Dean Godwin in the Holiday Spirit while conducting his annual Motor Carrier Driver Appreciation Day

113 Red Light Enforcement: PHOTOSafe Enforcement Activity In 2010 the city of Virginia Beach continued with its PHOTOSafe Red Light program by monitoring 13 different intersections. The program monitors 106 lanes in 20 approaches at those intersections. In 2010 the program reviewed 153,481 violations and issued 64,761 violation citations to registered owners. It is our belief that the PHOTOSafe program has had a significant impact on our ability to reduce the total crashes in 2010 to the lowest number in 26 years. In fact in 2010 there was not a single fatal automobile crash in an intersection controlled by a traffic signal. The PHOTOSafe system at an intersection Virginia Beach was the first Virginia agency to implement a program under Virginia law that was passed July 1, Our first cameras were activated March 13, In 2010 Virginia Beach Police mentored the cities of Newport News, Chesapeake, and Albemarle County in this program. PHOTOSafe is a registered trademark of Virginia Beach. Both Newport News and Chesapeake were given permission to use the logo and trademark as well as the exact program that Virginia Beach has in place.

114 Traffic from the Air Enforcement Activity The Virginia Beach Police Department currently has two helicopters. The helicopters are actively involved in traffic enforcement efforts. Each is equipped with LOJAC for locating stolen vehicles. The helicopter's role in Virginia Beach includes patrol flight operations, observing solo officers on remote-area traffic stops, locating suspects in foot pursuits that originate during traffic stops, early response to crashes, locating vehicles of intoxicated drivers called into communications via Virginia Beach's R.A.I.D. - Report All Intoxicated Drivers program, assisting with hit and run cases, and actively participating in vehicle pursuits. The Virginia Beach Police Department s new helicopter, the Bell 407 is equipped with extensive law enforcement, rescue, and medical equipment. The package includes an external rescue hoist, MedDeck patient handling system, AeroSled stretcher, and MedPack Advanced Life Support (ALS) module. The helicopter is staffed daily with a Medical and Police flight crew. The crew performs on-scene extractions of medical and trauma victims from crashes as well as the Police functions. The helicopter participated in 100 documented traffic cases in Additionally, the helicopter assisted with 13 vehicle pursuits and 60 foot pursuits from traffic stops. The Helicopter Unit also assists other agencies on traffic stops such as the Virginia State Police, Norfolk Police Department, and the Chesapeake Police Department. Virginia Beach Police Department s Bell 407. MPO Canning lowering the hoist. VBPD Helicopter Pilots and EMS personnel training for Medivacs. Bell 407 Medivac equipment and hoist system.

115 ~Section 6~ Effectiveness of Efforts 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge

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117 Effectiveness of Efforts Executive Summary In 2010, The Virginia Beach Police Department realized significant achievements in traffic safety. These results stemmed from hard work and dedication to traffic safety enforcement and education. Virginia Beach experienced the lowest number of fatalities in over 10 years Virginia Beach experienced the lowest number of reported crashes in 26 years The Virginia Beach Police Department increased Safety Belt summonses by 15% since 2008

118 A. Occupant Protection Effectiveness of Efforts The occupant protection enforcement based on a 3 year comparison showed a 15% increase over 2008, and a 6% increase over This indicates a steady increase and notable improvement of occupant protection enforcement by Virginia Beach patrol officers. The Virginia Beach Police Department acknowledges the need for increased education and for increased enforcement of occupant protection. Traffic Safety Unit members conducted monthly precinct muster training to emphasize the importance of seat belt use by officers and enforcement throughout the year. Safety belt usage in the Sate of Virginia is not a primary violation. Officers cannot stop a vehicle and issue a summons simply because the driver or a front seat passenger over the age of 18 is not properly buckled. Therefore, Virginia Beach Police Officers understand they must have separate reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop to enforce an adult seat belt violation. Officers are encouraged to issue seat belt summonses to correct the behavior of unrestrained drivers and passengers.

119 Effectiveness of Efforts Virginia Beach experienced the LOWEST NUMBER of FATALITIES in OVER 10 YEARS Virginia Beach experienced the lowest number of reported crashes in 26 years There were 17 fatal crashes in Data shows that 7 were wearing seat belts, 3 were not belted and 8 seatbelts were not applicable (meaning a pedestrian or motorcyclist in 8 serious injury or deaths). 30% of people killed in a passenger vehicle fatality were not wearing a safety belt. Late in 2009 it was becoming evident that the fatalities of Virginia Beach roadways were resulting from occupants not wearing their safety belts. Therefore in 2010 the Chief began working with the Special Operations Division and each of the four precincts to increase occupant protection enforcements. In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department had a 6% increase in occupant protection summonses from This increase in enforcement has contributed to the lowest number of fatalities in Virginia Beach in 10 years. The number of unbelted fatalities plummeted 77% since 2008 and decreased 50% from The increased use of safety belts has greatly contributed to decreased fatalities through enforcement and education. The Department is able to appropriately address a problem when it develops. Belted and Unbelted Fatalities, a 3-Year Comparison (N/A category removed) Get It Together Program

120 Effectiveness of Efforts In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department made it a primary focus to increase their enforcement efforts in regards to occupant protection. With creative efforts such as step out patrols which allowed officers from Special Operations to identify neighborhood streets with a speed limit of 25 mph and less that needed traffic enforcement. Officers would park their patrol vehicles and turn them off in an effort to save fuel. Officers would wear their traffic safety vests, stand on the side of the roadway, and utilize hand held RADAR and LIDAR to locate speed offenders. Once identified, the officers were able to quickly and safely step out into traffic and stop the violator. This method also proved quite useful in identifying drivers who were not utilizing their safety belts because the officer was in a much better position to observe the violation. In addition, officers from Special Operations visited the four precincts monthly during daily muster meetings to impress upon them the department s desire to increase occupant protection enforcement efforts. The Traffic Safety Unit also provided traffic safety lectures to Military personnel during safety stand downs. In 2010 the Traffic Safety Unit reached out to Civic Leagues and Neighborhood Associations by developing a safety lecture or them with an emphasis on occupant protection, and presented how traffic enforcement is a good crime prevention tool. In 2010 seatbelt summonses had an increase of over 5% when compared to Child restraint summonses increased by over 12% and total occupant protection summonses increased by over 6%.

121 Effectiveness of Efforts Patrol Officers issued a total of 7,034 summonses for occupant protection use in Occupant protection includes the following: No seat belt ages 16 years of age and older ( ) (Over 18 after July 1, 2010 Legislative Changes), no seat belt or child restraint for children less than 16 years of age ( ) (Under 18 after July 1, 2010 Legislative Changes). Virginia State Code addresses seat belt use for ages 18 and up. Officers issued 6,228 summonses under this code during 2010.

122 Effectiveness of Efforts Virginia Sate Code addresses seat belt and child restraint use for ages 16 and under (Under 18 after July 1, 2010 Legislative Changes). Officers issued 806 summonses under this code in 2010, greater than a 12% increase over 2009, and 35% increase over This was achieved by enhanced enforcement by all officers. A further breakdown comparison of the summonses issued for no adult seat belt and no child restraint is shown below.

123 Effectiveness of Efforts The Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the 2010 Click It or Ticket mobilization campaigns from May 23- June 6, 2010 and November 14 November 21, A total of 486 occupant protection summonses were issued by officers during these periods. A Memorandum distributed by the Chief to all sworn police personnel to encourage the Click It or Ticket Campaign. With strict zero tolerance enforcement of the occupant restraint laws, we can raise our seat belt compliance rate. More importantly, we can reduce the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from crashes in our city. It is important to note that the national Click It or Ticket campaign is from May 23 through June 6, However, the Virginia Beach Police Department participates in a regional Click It or Ticket campaign as well. The purpose of doing so was to show the community how important wearing their safety belt is and to increase enforcement efforts by the Virginia Beach Police Officers to obtain compliance in the area of safety belt usage.

124 Effectiveness of Efforts By utilizing strict enforcement efforts and increasing public awareness of the Click It or Ticket campaign the Virginia Beach Police Department had a steady rate of safety belt usage. The Virginia Beach Police Department was awarded the region s 2010 Click It or Ticket Most Improved Safety Belt Use Award for our efforts in occupant protection Click It or Ticket signs were placed in targeted high traffic corridors that were designated as enforcement areas. Patrol vehicles displayed Click It or Ticket magnets to notify drivers of the increased enforcement efforts. The Chief of Police also sent out a memorandum asking officers to increase their occupant protection enforcement efforts during the specified time frames. The memorandum was distributed electronically and received by 100% of all sworn and non-sworn employees. Patrol officers were additionally asked to make an extra effort in enforcing seat belt and child restraint laws citywide. In 2010, the Click It or Ticket Pre-Survey showed a 79% seat belt compliance rate. In the Post- Survey the rate climbed to 83%. The steady seat belt use in Virginia Beach demonstrates the truly immeasurable work the Virginia Beach Police Department is doing to keep its citizens safe.

125 Effectiveness of Efforts MPO Godwin, in cooperation with Drive Safe Hampton Roads, tracked teen safety belt usage as part of the Get It Together Program. The Get It Together Program is a Teen Seat Belt Highway Safety Belt Project aimed at educating teens on the importance of safety belt usage. The program also provides additional enforcement resources through a DMV grant. Teen occupant restraint (seat belt) usage rates were monitored at the beginning and end of the program. The chart below shows the results of the education efforts. All 11 Virginia Beach High Schools participated in the program in Of 34 Hampton Roads High Schools participating in the program, Green Run High School won 2 nd Place in the overall competition, and all 11 Virginia Beach High Schools had an increase in seatbelt use during the program period Get it Together High School Seatbelt Challenge Students pledge to wear seat belts as part of the Get It Together Program

126 Effectiveness of Efforts B. Impaired Driving Enforcement The total number of impaired driving arrests for a 3 year comparison is shown in the graph below. Patrol Officers arrested a total of 2,429 impaired drivers in That is a 1% increase over the number of arrests in 2009, and a 9% decrease from The Virginia Beach Police Department takes impaired driving very seriously and acknowledges the need for increased education and enforcement in the area. The department held its 11 th Annual Mid-Atlantic DUI Conference in The conference is aimed at educating law enforcement officers in impaired driving detection and enforcement. This year we had 227 attendees from three states representing 111 different agencies. 24 Virginia Beach Police Officers were able to attend this training in This demonstrates the Virginia Beach Police Department s desire to provide the best education available, but also the outstanding reputation that our department has in DUI enforcement to yield such an attendance. In addition, the Traffic Safety Unit members conduct in-house training by attending precinct musters to ensure all officers are receiving the most up to date and relevant information with regards to impaired driving. The Virginia Beach Police Department conducts traffic safety and impaired driving presentations in the community. These include military safety stand-downs, civic leagues, community associations, and high schools.

127 Effectiveness of Efforts Virginia Beach Police Officers contributed to over 7% of the total DUI arrests made in the entire state of Virginia. Officers arrested 2,429 drivers for impaired driving offense in Of this total, 2,334 arrests were made for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), which means that the driver typically had a BAC of.08% or higher or showed significant impairment from alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both alcohol and drugs. A total of 83 arrests were made for Operating a Motor Vehicle After Illegally Consuming Alcohol (OMVICA), which is driving after illegally consuming alcohol with a BAC measurement between %. There were a total of 1,499 summonses issued for illegal possession of alcohol in 2010 as part of Virginia Beach Police Department s efforts to curb underage drinking. A goal of the Virginia Beach Police Department is to prevent underage persons from drinking and driving. Educating young adults about the dangers of impaired driving will have an impact on whether or not they will get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Out of 17 fatal crashes in 2010, we have determined alcohol or drugs were involved in 7 fatal crashes. Alcohol was not a factor in 10 of the fatal crashes in Virginia Beach Police Department patrol officers arrested a total of 2,429 impaired drivers in The total number of arrests in 2009 was 2,413 and there were 2,715 in Impaired driving enforcement efforts showed a decrease from 2008, but an increase from We attribute the decrease to developing and maintaining a balance in our occupant protection, impaired driving, speeding enforcement, seat belt enforcement, and education. The vast amount of media and high-visibility saturation patrols likely contributed to the decrease. The Virginia Beach Police Department maintained its efforts in educating the military, high schools, and civic leagues and community associations with traffic safety lectures conducted throughout The Virginia Beach Police Department believes that education is a core component of traffic safety.

128 Effectiveness of Efforts C. Speed Enforcement The total speed enforcement based on a three year comparison is shown in the graph below. Patrol Officers issued a total of 21,417 summonses for speeding violations in The total speeding violations include speeding general, reckless speeding, speeding in school zones, too fast for conditions, speeding in work zones and racing. We attribute the decrease in speeding violations to implementing and maintaining symmetry between occupant protection, impaired driving, and speeding enforcement and education. There were a total of 22,417 speed related summonses issued in Of that total, 19,148 were for general speeding and 990 were for reckless speeding. The Traffic Safety Unit members highlight the importance of speed in relation to vehicle crashes during Traffic Safety Presentations in the community and also during Military Safety Stand-downs. Speed is especially a problem in school zones and officers were assigned directed patrols during school hours, which resulted in 1,195 summonses. Speed enforcement efforts are shown in the chart below.

129 Effectiveness of Efforts Special Enforcement - Shore Drive Shore Drive is one of the most utilized roadways in Virginia Beach for cyclists, runners, pedestrians, and vehicles. Thousands of people enjoy the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay each year. The road spans 11 miles and reaches the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. A 4.5-mile segment of Shore Drive, from Pleasure House Road to Kendall Street, is a high population area. The beauty and safety of Shore Drive is devastated each year. Alcohol, speed, and carelessness have lead to motor vehicle related incidents resulting in serious injury or death; Shore Drive has been aptly referred to as the deadliest road in Virginia Beach. The community has experienced an immense increase in population density from party-goers and beachcombers alike. Because of this drastic increase there have been greater crashes, pedestrians hit, and bicyclists struck. Six fatalities have occurred on Shore Drive since The most recent of which occurred in April, 2010, when a pedestrian was killed crossing Shore Drive. Speed Limit Change The Virginia Beach Police Department and City Engineers did a comprehensive study of Shore Drive as part of the Education, Enforcement, and Engineering approach to traffic safety. These studies involved local Civic Groups and establishments; each participated with the Police Department and City Engineers. The support and assistance from these groups was vital. In May 2010 the speed limit was reduced A Virginia Pilot Newspaper clipping detailing the speed limit changes from 45 MPH to 35 MPH in a half-mile residential section of Shore Drive. This initial action created a safer area for many local residents to cross Shore Drive to the beach and exit residential areas in their vehicles, but did not assist the high-density of bars with the less-than sober clientele. The speed limit was also later changed from Pleasure House Road to Great Neck Road. Now a total four and one-half mile stretch of Shore Drive is a 35 MPH speed zone. Additionally, bright-green pedestrian crossing signs were erected to give warning that pedestrians would be crossing. In all, over-sized and positively-lit signs were posted and officers were dispatched. Signs erected on Shore Drive to address pedestrian safety and speeding concerns

130 Enforcement Effectiveness of Efforts Initially a 30-day grace period for speed-only violators allowed acclimation to the change. Speeding vehicles were stopped and warned for violations that would have otherwise been legal in the previous 45 mph zone. After 30 days the enforcement efforts were continued and violators were vigorously cited. Speeders and pedestrians in the roadway were cited, and DUI arrests topped any other road in Virginia Beach. The increase in speeders and DUI arrests are in part related to the heightened enforcement efforts in reducing speed and alcohol related traffic incidents. As a result of these efforts, Shore Drive has been safer and has resulted in significantly less incidents. There have been no fatalities in the affected area on Shore Drive since the enforcement campaign. The Traffic Safety Unit, Fatal Crash Team, and precinct officers launched an intensive patrol on Shore Drive. The Virginia Beach Police Department participates in the Over the Limit- Under Arrest and Checkpoint Strikeforce campaigns. The Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team conducted 24 saturation patrols and 15 checkpoints on Shore Drive. Officer Trout with the Traffic Safety Unit issues a speeding citation as a 35 MPH speed limit sign, complete with orange flags, looms in the background These efforts resulted in 203 traffic summonses, 21 DUI arrests, 3 felony arrests, 12 misdemeanor criminal arrests, and 2 driving after illegally consuming alcohol arrest. 2,737 vehicles were checked on Checkpoints. The Traffic Safety Awareness Fliers were modified to ask motorists to watch for pedestrians in the area and mentioned Shore Drive specifically. This program has permitted us to educate citizens about specific issues occurring in the area that they are traveling. These bulletins were distributed on traffic stops and checkpoints.

131 Effectiveness of Efforts The major speed limit change occurred in June of 2010 following the tragic death of a pedestrian in April A 30-day grace period followed for speeds that would have been legal in the 45 MPH zone. In July 2010, the Virginia Beach Police Department began vigorous enforcement efforts. Total traffic summonses increased 112% from 2009 and in July the number of speeding summonses issued increased by 1300% from Effectiveness of Efforts A number of statistical comparisons have been made to quantify the impact that the Virginia Beach Police and the change in speed limit have had on the Shore Drive area. The Virginia Beach Police Department has seen the greatest impact in the complete lack of fatalities on Shore Drive since the enforcement efforts began. Overall there has been a 19% decrease in crashes on Shore Drive since the change. The April 2010 death of a pedestrian crossing Shore Drive stressed the importance of immediate action. Since then, there have been no fatalities on Shore Drive since April 2010 and the speed limit change in June Reported crashes also decreased tremendously in This is directly attributable to the vigorous enforcement efforts and high-visibility saturation patrols by the Virginia Beach Police Department.

132 Crashes Available Data Effectiveness of Efforts In 2010 the City of Virginia Beach experienced the lowest number of reported crashes in 26 years There were a total of 8,392 total crashes in In 2009 there were 8,759 reported crashes and 9,021 in There was a 4% decrease from 2009 to 2010, and a 7% decrease from The Virginia Beach Police Department implements saturation patrols to reduce crashes. Therefore, in an effort to lower the amount of crashes within the city, the department has targeted high crash intersections with the red light enforcement program: PhotoSafe Red Means stop! Reducing red light violations has significantly contributed to public safety in Virginia Beach. Our city s goal in using cameras for red light enforcement is to simply gain compliance with traffic signals, which in turn will lower our crash rate throughout the city. This program was approved by our city council in 2008 and cameras were installed and operational in early The Photo Safe program, marked patrol vehicles, and special operations traffic officers have helped to lower crashes significantly. With extra efforts at intersections designated as The Top 10 Crash Locations our city has made a tremendous impact on the amount of crashes during high-volume hours. In 2010, of the 8,392 crashes, there were 526 alcohol or drug related crashes. This amounted to 6% of the city s crashes in 2010.

133 Effectiveness of Efforts There were 17 fatal crashes in 2010, the lowest in 10 years. Passenger vehicles had the highest number of fatalities (9), followed by pedestrians (4) and motorcycles (3) and bicycle (1). The victims of vehicle fatalities ranged in age from 16 to 81 years old. Pedestrians ranged in age from 20 to 30, motorcycle victims ranged from 33 to 62, and the bicyclist was 15. We recognize that a slight increase (34) of injury crashes occurred in Overall the trend for injury crashes has been decreasing. But, because this trend in 2010 has not closely followed others, our 2011 efforts are already being directed at addressing injury crashes. The graph above shows a 3 year comparison of crashes that involved injuries. From 2008 Injury Crashes decreased by 1% (8 crashes) and showed an increase from 2009 by 3% (34 crashes). The number of injury crashes per year has remained relatively steady. Despite a slight increase of injury crashes from 2009, there has been a 4% decrease in total crashes.

134 Effectiveness of Efforts Out of 17 fatal crashes in 2010, we have determined alcohol or drugs were involved in 7 fatal crashes. That is a 42% decrease from 2009 for alcohol or drug related fatalities. Alcohol was not a factor in 10 of the fatal crashes in Out of 17 serious injury/ fatal crashes in 2010, we determined that speed was a factor in 5 of the 17 crashes.

135 Effectiveness of Efforts Red Light Enforcement: PHOTOSafe In 2010 the city of Virginia Beach continued with its PHOTOSafe Red Light program by monitoring 13 different intersections. The program monitors 106 lanes in 20 approaches at those intersections. In 2010 the program reviewed 153,481 violations and issued 64,761 violation citations to registered owners. It is our belief that the PHOTOSafe program has had a significant impact on our ability to reduce the total crashes in 2010 to the lowest number in 26 years. In fact in 2010 there was not a single fatal automobile crash in an intersection controlled by a traffic signal. Virginia Beach was the first Virginia agency to implement a program under Virginia law that was passed July 1, Our first cameras were activated March 13, In 2010 Virginia Beach Police mentored the cities of Newport News, Chesapeake, and Albemarle County in this program. PHOTOSafe is a registered trademark of Virginia Beach. Both Newport News and Chesapeake were given permission to use the logo and trademark as well as the exact program that Virginia Beach has in place. Red light violations over a 13-month period showing the significant decrease in violators The PHOTOSafe program issued 64,761 red light violations in Patrol officers wrote 3,849 red light summonses, a 26% decrease from the year The decrease in red light summonses was due to the effectiveness of the red light cameras, which allowed officers to focus more on other aspects of traffic safety.

136 Effectiveness of Efforts Comparison of Top Ten Crash Intersections in 2009 and 2010 The average number of crashes amongst the ten highest-crash intersections in 2009 was 40.4 crashes per intersection. In 2010, that number fell to an average of 38.4 crashes per intersection at the ten highest-crash intersections in the entire city of Virginia Beach. That equates to a 5% decrease in the average number of crashes at the 10 highest-crash intersections in the City of Virginia Beach. no fatal crashes occurred at a light-controlled intersection in 2010

137 Click It or Ticket Effectiveness of Efforts The Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the 2010 Click It or Ticket mobilization campaigns from May 23- June 6, 2010 and November 14 November 21, The Chief of Police sent out a department wide memo showing his support for Click It or Ticket It; and explaining the importance of this campaign. A total of 4,668 summonses were issued during these enforcement periods, and of those 486 were occupant protection summonses. Click It or Ticket signs were placed in targeted enforcement areas and officers were asked to make an extra effort in seat belt and child restraint enforcement in all precinct areas throughout the city. Officer enforcement efforts were in conjunction with the airing of numerous radio advertisements that reminded Virginia residents to buckle up. Saved By The Belt The Virginia Beach Police Department increased its involvement in the Saved by the Belt program. Officers are encouraged to nominate potential recipients to the Chief of Police through their respective commands. This year the Department recognized 6 individuals for properly utilizing their safety belt. The Virginia Beach Police Department realizes that this program is an excellent method to reach out to the community on the importance and relevance for properly utilizing their safety belts. Traffic Safety Lectures The Virginia Beach Police Departments Traffic Safety Unit developed a presentation to reach out to Civic Leagues and the citizens in the community. The presentation discussed the benefits of properly utilizing their safety belts, reducing their speed and not driving after they have consumed alcohol. Recent trends and statistics are also covered. The Department s reduction in crashes over the last two years, and the lowest number of fatal crashes in 10 years, is addressed and attributed to enforcement and citizen compliance. Members of the Traffic Safety Unit provided the presentation to civic leagues in every precinct. The presentation was provided by the Traffic Safety Unit officer assigned to that precinct. This enabled the members of the community to not learn about traffic safety, but to also meet the officer form the Traffic Safety Unit that serves as a liaison for their community. The officers provide the member with their contact information along with their precinct to report traffic safety issues. Officer Flanagan delivering a Traffic Safety Lecture to members of the US Navy

138 Get It Together Effectiveness of Efforts Members of the Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the Get It Together Program sponsored by Drive Safe Hampton Roads. The purpose of this program is, to reduce injuries and fatalities by increasing seat belt usage in Hampton Roads high schools. This will be accomplished through a regional safety belt challenge providing education to area high school students. Resources will be provided to schools to accomplish these goals. All 11 Virginia Beach High Schools participated in the program in Of 34 Hampton Roads High Schools participating in the program, Green Run High School won Second Place in the overall competition, and all 11 Virginia Beach High Schools had an increase in seatbelt use during the program period. Students sign their Seat Belt Pledge for the Crash Dummy Green Run HS Get It Together T-Shirt MPO Dean Godwin presents a Certificate of Participation to a Salem High School student representative

139 Effectiveness of Efforts Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety The Virginia Beach Police Department was the first Department in the Hampton Roads area to start the Youth Of Virginia Speak Out program, that emphasizes traffic safety among high school students. MPO Watson has been the Green Run High School Resource Officer since the untimely death of Master Police Officer Randy Vaiden in October MPO Watson has dedicated herself to promoting traffic safety to the entire school by promoting seatbelt usage and safe driving habits. Prior to his death, MPO Vaiden was instrumental in introducing the Get It Together program at Green Run High School. At the time of his death the school removed itself from the program for the remainder of that year. MPO Watson reintroduced the program to the school with much enthusiasm in Tragically, three Green Run High School students were killed in an automobile crash, and again the school wanted to remove itself from participation in the Get It Together program. MPO Watson made her determination clear to not let the Get it Together program be suspended again. Green Run High School won an award from the Get It Together program despite the emotional setbacks for that school year. MPO Watson attended a unique seminar on her own time during the summer of 2009 called Youth of Virginia Speak Out program or YOVASO. This is a teen safe driving club for Virginia high schools. YOVASO is a youth leadership organization focused on saving the lives of teenage drivers by educating, encouraging and empowering teenagers to be traffic safety advocates in their schools and communities.

140 Effectiveness of Efforts MPO Watson introduced YOVASO to Green Run High School students in 2009 and continued the program throughout With this introduction MPO Watson has promoted youth traffic safety to each and every student in attendance at Green Run High School by educating the students about traffic safety in the classroom, and during afterschool programs such as a step - team demonstration at the season opener football game. The crash test dummy costumes accompanied the school mascot while it was wearing a seatbelt. MPO Watson encouraged the students by constantly increasing the number of students that become active members of the YOVASO program. MPO Watson empowers the students with the positive use of the media at the after school activities. Because of MPO Watson, Green Run High School hosted the "Every 15 Minutes" demonstration in the spring of 2010 for the first time in the history of the school. This program impacts approximately 1,100 students. MPO Watson recently received a donation of traffic safety vests for the students to use during before and after school activities from the Virginia Beach City Schools Safe Schools office. The YOVASO students also assist with the gathering of data for the Get It Together program. Master Police Officer Robyn Watson was awarded the John T. Hanna award for Youth Traffic Safety in 2010 for her efforts with the successful programs at Green Run High School. YOVASO Members participating in Save Your Tailgate at Green Run High School

141 Effectiveness of Efforts Old, Used, Borrowed and Abused Child Safety Seat Roundup/ Safety Seat Inspection Clinic The Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the Drive Safe Hampton Roads Annual Old, Used, Borrowed and Abused Child Safety Seat Roundup on March 26, The Fatal Crash Team supervisor, Sgt. Hession, was the Chair of Occupant Protection for Drive Safe Hampton Roads and organized this event. This program encourages citizens to bring in child safety seats that are not in good working condition so that they may be properly destroyed. Approximately seats were turned in during the event. The purpose is to avoid having children use these seats which may not perform safely in the event of a crash. Additionally, the Virginia Beach Police Department participated in four Child Safety Seat Inspection Clinics in conjunction with other Hampton Roads organizations. VBPD Officer C. Mack installing child safety seat Participants in a Child Safety Seat Inspection Clinic A roadside sign aimed at encouraging participation in the Inspection Clinic Officers carrying unusable child seats (above) to the dumpster to be destroyed (right)

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143 ~Section 7~ Special Consideration: Impaired Driving 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge

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145 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving The City of Virginia Beach faces unique challenges when it comes to impaired driving. Almost three million people visit Virginia Beach each year. In addition to our yearly influx of visitors, the city is also the home of Oceana Naval Air Station, Dam Neck Naval Annex, Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, and Fort Story. The oceanfront area is also a popular destination for young adults looking for a good time out on the town. People come from colleges, surrounding cities, and the military to enjoy the area. In all, approximately 32,000 armed service members and civilian employees work at these installations. In addition service members stationed in our city, many of the military service members from Norfolk Naval Base and other areas choose to reside in Virginia Beach and make the commute to and from work daily. The Virginia Beach resort area draws a diverse group of visitors from many different parts of the United Sates and Canada. Some are tourists who bring their families to the oceanfront to relax and enjoy the sandy beaches, entertainment and fine dining. Many of these visitors enjoy a one week stay at oceanfront hotels and campgrounds in the area and expect a family-friendly visit. A no profanity sign promotes good behavior. The latter groups of visitors are typically the party-goers who drive to and from the oceanfront resort area. They spend time enjoying the night life, local clubs, and entertainment that is abundantly offered. The safety of out-of-town tourists, residents and night life visitors presents a special challenge for Virginia Beach Police officers. Therefore, the 2nd precinct oceanfront area relies on a strong police presence and proactive enforcement to curb illegal possession of alcohol, public intoxication, impaired driving, and disorderly conduct. Misbehaving individuals learn the hard way that the Virginia Beach Police department has zero tolerance for alcohol-related violations. View of Atlantic Ocean and boardwalk.

146 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving DUI Training- Basic 57 recruits were trained in impaired driving detection and apprehension in The DUI portion of the recruit academy consists of a one week, forty-hour, instructional block of education. Recruits receive training in the National Highway Traffic Safety and Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) standardized field sobriety tests to include: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn and the One Leg Stand. A unique aspect of this week is the opportunity for recruits to conduct numerous mock DUI traffic stops. Sworn, plainclothed, officers act as role players, and S.F.S.T. Instructors observe administration of S.F.S.T.s to ensure recruits are applying the tests properly. Grading sheets are used to note areas that a recruit may need extra training on. The goal is to have each recruit proficient in impaired driver detection, and apprehension, and to properly administer Standard Field Sobriety Tests. Recruits receive instruction from MPO Kellogg The Virginia Beach Police Department trains its recruits according to the standards set forth by N.H.T.S.A. s curriculum and guidelines. Therefore, every recruit becomes certified in the use of the three standardized field sobriety tests (S.F.S.T.). In addition to N.H.T.S.A. s 24-hour class and two alcohol workshops, the Virginia Beach Police Department adds 26 hours to enable recruits the opportunity to master application of the S.F.S.T. s. Recruits also receive training on DUI laws, investigation procedures, and courtroom prosecution. MPO Wallace is the S.F.S.T. Instructor while Recruits evaluate roleplayer MPO Nahra During the mock traffic stops the role players will operate a civilian vehicle and the recruits will use a police vehicle. The traffic stops are conducted on a controlled city street to import realism. The recruits are required to safely execute a traffic stop, identify driver intoxication, administer the S.F.S.T. s properly, and effect an arrest of the violator. Role players draw from their real life experiences to ensure that no two traffic stops are alike; the recruits are therefore exposed to a wide variety of situations. Traffic stops are conducted during daytime and nighttime hours. By the completion of the week each recruit has executed the S.F.S.T. s multiple times.

147 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Advanced DUI for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement 5 officers and 3 prosecutors attended this training in Williamsburg, Virginia and in Blacksburg, Virginia. Officers went to the training with a Virginia Beach Assistant Commonwealth s Attorney. Attending this course with a member of the Commonwealth Attorney s Office helps to build a rapport with the attorneys and aids in better testimony and prosecution of DUI cases. Officers spent 3 days and 30 hours with prosecutors learning applicable laws and recent cases. Topics included blood draws, checkpoints, standard field sobriety tests, breath tests, and DUI crashes. Advanced DUI-Drug for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement 3 officers and 2 prosecutors attended an 8 hour Advanced DUI-D Training for Prosecutors and Law Enforcement course in Newport News, Virginia. Topics included recognizing the drugged driver, keys to prosecuting DUID cases, common officer and prosecutor oversights, SFSTs, and blood testing issues. Warrantless DUI Arrests 100% of Officers received training in arrests for un-witnessed DUI offenses. This training bulletin expanded upon the legislative update and explained the implications of the new law. The law allows for officers to make an arrest for DUI when the offense is not witnessed by the officer. This is similar to a DUI crash situation where an arrest may be made after the fact. Now, any citizen or officer may observe the violation and serve as the witness for the basis of an arrest. DUI Training- Refresher 26 Officers completed a 10 hour course that covers a DUI from the driving observations to case prosecution, DUI laws, and any new case law that might affect the prosecution of DUI cases. The Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team developed the DUI Refresher course to help officers that needed additional training in DUI detection. The precinct supervisors are asked to evaluate their officers and select officers who would benefit most from the training. Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) 6 officers completed the ARIDE training held in Virginia Beach, Virginia on May 5 and May 6, coordinated by NHTSA s Ernie Flogel. This was a 16 hour course that bridges the gap between SFST and DRE. During the course officers learned how to observe, identify and articulate the signs of impairment related to drugs, alcohol or a combination of both. Topics of the course included the concept of drugs in the context of DUI enforcement, the role of eye examinations in disclosing the possibility of impairment, medical conditions and other situations that can produce similar signs of impairment. Also discussed was identification of the major categories of drugs and the observable effects of each of the seven major categories of drugs, the physiological effects likely to result from various combinations of drugs, and appropriate procedures for dealing with drug-impaired or medically impaired suspects. Standardized Field Sobriety Test update, legal issues associated with impaired driving, and pre- and post-arrest procedures. The course was so well received that it resulted in several DUID arrests the following weekend.

148 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving 2010 DUI Conference The Virginia Beach Police Department hosted the 11 th Annual Mid-Atlantic DUI Conference in The conference was held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. 227 attended, representing 3 different states and 111 agencies. The two day conference was held on March April The Virginia Beach Police Department has created a unique relationship with Anheuser- Busch, Decatur Electronics. Through this relationship private funds are used to educate public employees at a reduced cost. Anheuser-Busch was the primary sponsor for Virginia Beach s 2009 DUI Conference. A break-out session covering Esophageal Reflux and the Breath Test Chief J.A. Cervera presenting the Opening Ceremony Additionally, this year the U.S. Navy and Chesapeake Bay ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Program) joined in sponsoring the conference. The Virginia Beach Police Department takes its role as a leader in DUI education and enforcement seriously. Not only does the department want to provide the most current training to its own officers, but it invites officers and many others from throughout the east coast to receive and benefit from the training as well. Proven by the high number of attendees from departments and agencies along the east coast; Virginia Beach provides high quality training that is valued by all who attend the conference. The Virginia Beach Police Department has made this commitment for 11 years. A benefit of hosting the annual DUI conference is the ability to send officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department to this training at little cost to the department. In 2010, 24 Virginia Beach Police Officers attended the DUI conference.

149 During the two day conference attendees welcomed Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell who spoke on the importance of the jobs of Police and Prosecutors in DUI enforcement and reduction. Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Presentation from the Anoka County DWI Task Force Capt. LaPorta, VA Governor Bob McDonnell, Dep. Chief Zucaro, and Sgt. Hession at the 2010 DUI Conference in Virginia Beach During the conference, attendees are given the opportunity to discuss new technology with a variety of vendors. Attendees received valuable training on a wide variety of topics. Topics included: - Judge Virginia Cochran of the Virginia Beach General District Court on successful DUI prosecution, testimony, and courtroom demeanor - DUI Case Prosecution by Amy James of the Chesapeake, VA Office of the Commonwealth s Attorney - Ignition Interlock by Carl McDonald - Standard Field Sobriety Test Updates by MPO Tom Kellogg of the Virginia Beach Police Department Fatal Crash Team - In-Car Camera Use in the Field and for Prosecution by Ted Walters of the Virginia Beach Police Fatal Crash Team - Saturation Patrols by an Anoka County Police Sergeant - Lifenet Operations by Teresa Norrell. - Street Smart by Anheuser-Busch - Breakout Sessions included 6 topics for attendees to choose from An Intoxilizer, Inc. representative with a student from the conference. 17 vendors participated as well as other demonstration booths in the 2010 DUI Conference: Decatur Electronics, Inc., Drager Safety, Anheuser-Busch, Kustom Signal, Inc., Pelican, Intoxilizer, Digital Ally, IVision Technology Corp., Integrian, Inc., Virginia DMV, MetroScoot, Securetec, CMI, Inc., Drajon Tactical Outfitters, Stalker Radar, MarVel Extreme Equipment, Chesapeake Bay ASAP, MADD, LifeNet Health, U.S. Navy, Whelen, ABTES/Intoximeters, Streikers, and L3 Communications.

150 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Static displays of vendor s products filled the common areas. These products were demonstrated for the officer and made available for purchase. Every attendee was provided a DUI manual and a CD that contained DUI related articles, model field guides and policies, speaker biographies, power point presentations, and research papers that officers could utilize to help train their agencies after returning from the conference. Officers and business representatives were given the unique opportunity to network with a wide variety of agencies during several events throughout the week. A catered social outing with provided transportation was held at the Virginia Beach Police Department s Police Benevolent Association headquarters. The Virginia Beach Police Department hosts catered lunches each day. These events created an opportunity for fellowship and open channels of communication to advance efforts in traffic safety. In addition, officers from different states are able to share ideas and develop contacts. IACP Training Conference on Drugs, Alcohol, and Impaired Driving 2 officers attended the 3 day Conference sponsored by the Drug Recognition Experts Section of the IACP, The Pennsylvania DUI Association, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. This conference spanned from July 22- July 24, The conference covered updates from NHTSA, current drug trends, drugs that impair, current defense trends, new antidepressants and their effects, prescription drug diversion, and HGN and pupil size. The VBPD recognizes that multiple factors have an effect on human behavior and that alcohol is not the only intoxicant contributing to endangering the highways. Asset Forfeiture- DUI-3 rd Offense Vehicle Seizures 100% of officers received training in the procedures and guidelines for the civil seizure of private vehicles as required by law in 3 rd offense DUI violations. Students fill the ballroom for the 2010 DUI Conference

151 Officer Training Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Topics covered included, but are not limited to: DUI crashes, juveniles, refusals, blood tests and hospital procedures. The table of contents for the DUI Procedure Field Guide is as follows: Copy of DUI Procedure Field Guide Cover All Virginia Beach Police Officers are required by General Order to read, understand, and retain the information in the DUI Procedure Field Guide. The Field Guide is available for review and electronic download to all sworn officers on the City Intranet site, VBPD.net. The guide is also given to all new officers as they successfully complete the DUI portion of the academy. The guide is reviewed and updated annually. - DUI Investigation - Brief Overview - Forms Needed - Standard DUI Process - DUI - Crashes - DUI - Juveniles - Driving After Illegally Consuming Alcohol - DUI - Vehicle Already Stopped - DUI - Refusal - DUI - Blood Test - Question and Answer - Criminal Complaint Example - Acknowledgement - Declaration of Refusal - SFST Pocket Record A question and answer section was added to the Field Guide. Officer s commonly asked questions are answered and proper situational responses are discussed. The Guide is a valuable tool for officers that do not have the opportunity to make impaired driving arrests regularly. For officers who desire to serve on the Traffic Safety Unit, it serves as a study guide for the selection process. The first page of The Guide provides a flow chart with an overview of the DUI process. It also includes a table identifying the forms required in all DUI arrests. The main body of the guide provides officers with a detailed explanation of how to investigate and process a DUI suspect under a number of different circumstances. Above is an example of the Question and Answer Section of the DUI Procedure Field Guide

152 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving The Special Operations Division has received positive feedback on the DUI Field Guide. Officers indicate that the Guide is simple to follow and a valuable asset while on patrol. The Guide is reviewed for accuracy every July by officers and supervisors assigned to the Special Operations Division. Any law changes or procedural changes are updated. Once any changes are made the Guide is reviewed by the City Attorney and the Commonwealth Attorney s Office. The guide is then redistributed. DUI Check Sheet SFST Pocket Record/Field Notebook The final section of the field guide contains a Standardized Filed Sobriety Test pocket record that officers can print and use for taking notes while administering the SFSTs. In 2010 the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Field Notes Notebook was given to all four precincts. The purpose of this notebook was to assist officers with their note taking and to easily recognize the clues present for each of the 3 S.F.S.T.s. The notebook was made available to 100% of all sworn police officers and is used by many on the street. The Virginia Beach Police Department has created a DUI check sheet which is used by 100% of officers. The DUI check sheet is a four page note taking guide, which assists officers to obtain the necessary information and successfully prosecute their DUI cases. This guide has been replicated across the State by other Law Enforcement Agencies. Page 1 of 4 of the DUI Check Sheet. The Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Field Notes Notebook.

153 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Breath Alcohol Operators The Virginia Beach Police Department had 200 Breath Alcohol Operator Technicians as of Operators are licensed and certified by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science on the Intoxilyzer EC/IR II. The Virginia Beach Police Department maintains 3 EC/IR II instruments for the City. We also have access to, and regularly use, 4 other instruments maintained by the U.S. Military and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The EC/IR II replaced the Intoxilyzer 5000 in All sworn Virginia Beach Police Department Breath Technicians were certified on the EC/IR II in Breath Alcohol Operator Recertification 53 officers completed a 4 hour Breath Alcohol Operator Technician Recertification course in This course was held throughout the Hampton Roads area throughout Instruction is a 4 hour block with an exam which must be passed in order for officers to retain certification as a Breath Alcohol Operator Technician certification. DUI/ DUI-Drug Blood Draw Procedures 100% of Officers received training on this November 8, 2010 training bulletin detailing the situations in which offenders should and should not bring a suspect for an alcohol content blood sample. The Department is also attempting to reduce the monetary and time costs associated with blood analysis. Additionally, the hospital guidelines for an efficient and safe blood draw are outlined as a refresher. Intoxilyzer EC/IR II utilized by the Virginia Beach Police Department. Breath Alcohol Operator Certification 38 officers completed Breath Alcohol Operator Technician certification in Officers completed a 3 day 16 hour course in Richmond, Virginia to become Breath Alcohol Operator Technicians. The course includes, the history of the breath alcohol, the types of breath test equipment, Intox EC/IR II, printer functions, how to run a subject test, operator instrument messages, the use of breath as a sample, operating principles, dry gas as a standard, alcohol nomenclature, alcohol types, production of alcohol, Physiology, and Pharmacology. Regional Smart, Safe, and Sober Workshop 3 officers attended the workshop on August 20, 2010 in Suffolk, Virginia. This workshop discusses and encourages brainstorming around current trends in traffic safety in the Hampton Roads area and Virginia and introduces departments to different methods and perspectives on the issues faced in their area. Statistics and trends are studied and discussed for Seatbelts, Speeding, and Impaired Driving. The attending officer brought back this information and disseminated it to the members of Special Operations and the Police precincts. The information is used to develop and reform enforcement efforts in traffic safety.

154 Recognition and Incentives Class Act Award Special Consideration: Impaired Driving The Virginia Beach Police Department utilizes the Class Act Award recognition program which is awarded by the Virginia Beach Police Department command staff. Class Act Awards are designed to provide immediate feedback to officers for their efforts and accomplishments. Nominations may be submitted by supervisors and coworkers. Approved awards are placed in the officer s personnel file and the officer will be recognized at an awards ceremony conducted during the departments command staff. The officer will also receive an item of everyday use such as a coffee mug, pen set, or binder as a reward for hard work and dedication. Traffic Safety Challenge Coin Due to the budget constraints, the City of Virginia Beach recently suspended the Class Act Award. The Virginia Beach Police Department Traffic Safety Unit designed a challenge coin to recognize officers in the four precincts for their dedication to traffic safety. The areas of recognition were for each precinct s top performers in four categories: occupant protection, impaired driving, and speed enforcement. Officer Kline receiving the Traffic Safety Challenge Coin from Chief J.A. Cervera and Captain M.J. Glendon The recipients were as follows: Impaired Driving Enforcement Special Operations: 1 st PO B. Kenworthy 100 Arrests 2 nd PO B. LaTuga 84 Arrests 3 rd PO B. Wesseler 72 Arrests First Precinct: MPO M. Sorce Second Precinct: PO B. Butler Third Precinct: PO D. Reader 70 Arrests 84 Arrests 59 Arrests In 2010 officers were nominated for the award by Sergeant Scott Wichtendahl of the Special Operations Division- Traffic Safety Unit. Officers assigned to Special Operations received a Class Act Award while officers in from the precincts received the Traffic Safety Challenge Coin Award. Chief Cervera presented the officers with the award for their exceptional efforts in traffic safety. Fourth Precinct: PO E. Kline 21 Arrests Officers who receive the challenge coin for impaired driving also use the coin as an invitation to attend the DUI Conference. The Traffic Safety Challenge Coin. The coin is awarded to the top precinct officers in seatbelt, speeding, and DUI enforcement.

155 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Traffic Safety Wheel and Wings Pin This pin, added in 2010, is to be awarded to members of the Traffic Safety Unit and the Fatal Crash Team upon completion of milestones within the unit. The pin remains with the officer throughout their career as a symbol of pride and the elevated awareness of the importance of traffic safety in the community. The pin also serves as a notice to other officers that the bearing officer has the knowledge and experience to answer questions and assist with traffic related issues. The VBPD Update Newsletter The Virginia Beach Police Department publishes a monthly newsletter, the VBPD Update, which provides updated information to the department. This newsletter reports on officers that have received awards for their performance in addition to current news connected with the police department such as retirements, projects and events. The City of Virginia Beach also publishes the recipient s name in their newsletter. The officer must meet requirements to earn and display the pin. Each requirement must be met while a member of the Traffic Safety Unit or the Fatal Crash Team. These requirements are: 60 DUI Arrests, 4 Traffic Safety Lectures, RADAR Certification, and Basic Crash Investigation School. The Traffic Safety Pin Selections of the articles rewarding officers in the VBPD Update

156 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Traffic Safety Bulletin The Virginia Beach Police Department also recognizes top performers in traffic safety enforcement in each edition of the Traffic Safety Bulletin. The top three officers in each precinct and in special operations are recognized in the following categories: Seatbelt Violations, Total Summonses, Speed Enforcement and DUI Arrests. The Traffic Safety Bulletin not only recognizes individuals for the efforts, but also helps to motivate officers in the precinct, by showing them that their efforts are noticed and that officers will be recognized for these efforts. Officer of the Quarter/Year Each command in the department has an Officer of the Quarter and Officer of the Year Program that recognizes officers who have significantly contributed to the command and/or police department mission. The Officer of the Quarter is recognized for their efforts. Police Officer Brandon Butler of the Police Department s Second Precinct was awarded as an Officer of the Quarter for Officer Butler was assigned to the Oceanfront Community Policing (OCOP) Unit and led the 2 nd precinct in traffic summonses, arrests, incident investigation and reporting. In a 3- month period Officer Butler had 61 arrests, 20 of which were DUIs and wrote 250 traffic summonses. He worked checkpoints, DUI grants, and seatbelt grants. His dedication to traffic safety was particularly exemplary and he was chosen as the 2 nd Precinct s Officer of the Quarter in Page 2 of the July 2010 Traffic Safety Bulletin Highlighting the Top Performers

157 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving PBT and Tint Meters as Rewards Every quarter Lieutenant Backman, the Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team supervisor evaluates the performance of the officers in each precinct. Special Operations has the opportunity to distribute additional Preliminary Breath Testing instruments as well as Tint Meters for DUI and tinting enforcement. The top performers in DUI and traffic safety enforcement are awarded with a PBT or tint meter, or both, when their enforcement efforts are exemplary. Attendees of Advanced DUI schools and advanced traffic training will also on occasion find themselves rewarded for their desire to enforce the DUI and traffic laws. The ability to assign individual PBTs and tint meters helps to alleviate the strain on the precinct s supply and on other officers having to respond with the instruments. PsAdvance Awards and Journal Entries The Virginia Beach Police Department has implemented an officer management system where officers can view their activity in the department by year, month, or on an ad hoc basis. The activities include, but are not limited to, the following: Appraisals, Resisting Arrests, Calls for Service, Incident Investigations, Leave, Overtime, Summonses, Arrests, Complaints, Training, Uses of Force, etc. A very useful aspect of the system is the Journal and Awards entries which are memorialized forever. Any formal Letter of Appreciation/ Recognition is under the officer s Awards and can be viewed by the officer and their direct-line supervisors. The Journal serves a similar function but allows other officers and supervisors to immediately recognize an officer or group of officers without constructing a formal paper memorandum to be entered into the system. A PBT and/ or Tint Meter assigned to a specific officer is an effective reward of a job well done This award system is another way that supervisors and officers demonstrate their appreciation for the traffic safety efforts of their coworkers. Governor s Traffic Safety Award The Green Run High School s Traffic Safety Club, lead and sponsored by Virginia Beach Master Police Officer Robyn O Brien (formerly Robyn Watson), was presented with the Governor s Transportation Safety Award in the category of Impaired Driving. Participation in Every 15 Minutes, and over 200 other traffic safety activities, showed the group s desire to curb impaired driving and educate teens. The Virginia Beach Police Department committed hundreds of hours to ensure the success of these programs. A screen capture of an award entry made from Chief Cervera recognizing the Traffic Safety Unit for a productive month of July despite other obligations. The TSU wrote 1100 summonses and arrested 61 DUI s.

158 Public Information and Education Special Consideration: Impaired Driving In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department participated in the Over the Limit. Under Arrest. national campaign, and the regional Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign. Every 15 Minutes Program The Virginia Beach Police Department held the Every 15 Minutes program. The Program s title comes from a statistic that every 15 minutes at least one person is killed as the result of an alcohol related incident. Over the years this program has had farreaching impacts on thousands of students and their families. The program hopes to demonstrate to students that their choices and actions have consequences not only to themselves, but to their families, friends, and classmates. In 2010, Cox High School and Green Run High School hosted the program. This was the first year that Green Run High School has ever hosted the program. Approximately thirty members of each senior class were selected to be the active participants. Every 15 minutes the Grim Reaper entered a classroom and removed a pre-selected student. A police officer would then read the student s obituary, which was written by the student s parents. A police officer would subsequently arrive at the student s home and notify the parents of the student s death. The realistic staging of the crash scene and this deceased student compounds the real potential of this very situation A mock DUI crash was staged at each school. Selected students played the role of the driver and passengers. Members of the Virginia Beach Police Department, Virginia Beach Fire Department and Department of Emergency Medical Services participated in the demonstration. This crash is staged outside of Cox High School with hundreds of student onlookers while the Fire, EMS, and Police work together Fire Department personnel utilized the Jaws of Life to extricate the injured occupants of vehicle. EMS personnel simulated the treatment of injuries of the crash victims. One student was deceased at the scene and was later transported from the scene by a funeral home hearse.

159 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving The critically injured student is whisked away in the VBPD Helicopter Unit s Air Ambulance The driver of the at-fault vehicle went through the DUI investigation procedures in front of the student body. This investigation includes the administration of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. The driver was then arrested and transported away from the scene by a police officer. Students from Cox High School watch as the defendant s defense counsel argues in front of a Judge Those students then went to dinner at a local restaurant and spent the night away from their families to simulate them actually being taken away. During this time the students and parents then wrote a letter to each other emphasizing the feelings and emotions the experience created for them. The next morning during a school assembly, hundreds of students and parents watched a very emotional and powerful presentation of scenes from the previous day. This assembly included testimonials and reactions from their fellow students and their parents, as well as experiences from actual crash survivors. Officer Mike Baker observes while EMS cares for the critically injured student The living dead students visited a local hospital trauma unit, attended a mock DUI trial at the City Courthouse and then toured the Virginia Beach City Jail. A portion of the Officers involved at the Green Run High School Every 15 Minutes Program. Officer J.T. VanderHeiden serves as the Grim Reaper

160 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Juvenile Traffic Court Slide Show The Virginia Beach Police Department and the Eastern Virginia Medical School collaborated and developed a presentation on the impact of driving decisions. The presentation runs continuously in the juvenile traffic courtroom. Parents and children view the presentation while waiting for their case. M.P.O. McElligott makes his presentation to the students. The Every 15 minutes program is coordinated by the Virginia Beach Police Department and involves a highly coordinated effort from numerous departments, agencies, organizations, and the support of local businesses. Some of the participants and supporters included: The Virginia Beach Fire and E.M.S. departments, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney, and the local media. The presentation lists the cause of the crash over the photographs. The highlighted crashes involve youth in Virginia Beach and of the same age group as those attending court. Crashes involve those that have been killed or seriously injured from speeding, not wearing a seat belt, and driving impaired. This program continues to receive positive feedback. It is not unusual for the judge to reference the slides during a trial. Juvenile Courtroom Slideshow News Channel 13 Interviews a Green Run High School Student participating in Every 15 Minutes

161 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving DRUG CRASH RISK STUDY The Virginia Beach Police Department was approached by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) to participate in a "Crash Risk Study. The purpose of the study is to determine a subject s risk of being involved in a collision if they are under the influence of drugs. The information gained from this 17-month project that was implemented in 2010 will help shape effective policies and procedures nationwide. The Virginia Beach Police Department agreed to partner with this project because of our commitment to improving traffic safety not only in our city, but the entire nation. The procedure involves police officers transporting data collectors to actual crashes on the street. The Data Collector then interviews the driver and asks for samples to determine their level of impairment. Participants are asked to answer a series of questions, provide a breath test, an oral fluid sample, and a blood sample. A survey team will also collect data at the same location one week later. The data collected is then subjected to a rigorous analysis to determine whether, and to what degree, these drugs individually and in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol, affect crash risk. The project will involve at least 2,500 crashinvolved drivers and 5,000 non crash-involved drivers. This survey is one of the largest, most comprehensive, and most carefully controlled study of this issue ever. It is the first in-depth study of its kind in the nation. With the survey information, PIRE will be able to assess the influence drugs have on the risk of crash involvement. This will provide information that will be used to develop effective policies and procedures to make our roads safer for years. Above: A PIRE employee collecting a volunteer s data and samples. Right: News Release on the NHTSA/PIRE Crash Risk Study Sgt. C. Elliot standing-by and providing protection for the study

162 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving R.A.I.D. Program DUI/Traffic Safety Checkpoint Trailer The Virginia Beach Police Department reminds citizens to call the police when they locate a suspected intoxicated driver. The Report All Intoxicated Drivers (RAID) program reminds citizens to call 911 when they believe they have identified a driver who may be impaired. RAID bumper stickers are posted on the rear bumper of all police vehicles. RAID broadcasts are made over all police precincts. Dispatchers make an attempt to get the vehicle s description, license plate information and the direction of travel so that officers can be on the lookout for the vehicle in question. The Virginia Beach Police Department realizes that officers cannot be everywhere. Therefore, by encouraging citizen involvement, more intoxicated drivers are located, arrested, and prosecuted. There were 2,966 RAID calls by citizens in 2010; 105 of these calls resulted in a DUI arrest. The RAID program promotes police and citizens to work as a team to improve traffic safety and to save lives, which improves the safety of the overall community. The Virginia Beach Police Department utilizes a Checkpoint Trailer in support of the Over the Limit Under Arrest and Checkpoint Strikeforce programs. The trailer serves as a rolling and stationary billboard and provides a high visibility approach to the efforts of reducing alcohol related crashes. The sides of the trailer are clearly marked, TRAFFIC SAFETY CHECKPOINT TRAILER. The DUI trailer contains all of the equipment necessary for setting up and conducting a traffic safety checkpoint, including: gas generator, halogen lighting, traffic cones, signs, flares, traffic safety vests, and informational handout materials. The DUI trailer allows for an efficient means to quickly set up and break down a checkpoint. This allows multiple checkpoints to be completed over one shift, which is particularly useful during holidays. RAID bumper sticker is placed on all patrol vehicles. The DUI Trailer and the Traffic Safety Unit Supervisor s Vehicle on a traffic safety checkpoint.

163 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Do Not Tow Program The City of Virginia Beach maintains several municipal parking lots at the resort oceanfront area. These parking lots provide a great location for locals and tourists to park. However, lots close at 2:30 a. m. to maintain security and to cleanup for the next day. Previously, after lots closed, remaining unattended vehicles would be towed at the owner s expense. The Virginia Beach Police Department realized that intoxicated individuals were driving their vehicles home to avoid a tow charge. To discourage intoxicated individuals from driving, the VBPD created the Do Not Tow Program. A Do Not Tow Billboard This program allows citizens to approach an officer and inform them that they have consumed too much alcohol to drive home. The officer will then place a Do Not Tow Sticker on the vehicle and it will remain in the municipal lot for the driver to retrieve the next day. The officer will ensure the driver has a safe ride home by taxi service or by identifying a friend who has not consumed any alcohol. The program has enjoyed another successful year in 2010 where 296 people used Do Not Tow. This program is advertised heavily through billboards and in news releases. The department views this as 296 individuals that made the right decision to not drink and drive. WAVY TV 10 News Story on DUI Checkpoints where subtitle reads Police Remind Drivers of NO TOW Program

164 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving DUI Awareness Poster Radio Shows The Virginia Beach Police Department also realizes the powerful impact that radio media can have on the public. In conjunction with, and in an effort to increase awareness of, Checkpoint Strikeforce, the Traffic Safety Unit Supervisor, Sgt. Wichtendahl, and MPO Wesseler of the Fatal Crash Team took part in a wet lab demo on Hampton Road s popular morning radio show, The Mike and Bob Show on 96X [WROX-FM]. The live radio show aired on December 13, 2010 and served to demonstrate the effects of impairment while calling for safety during the holiday season. A poster displayed in alcohol establishments reminding drivers of the consequences of DUI. The Virginia Beach Police Department created a 12 x 18 poster to deter intoxicated driving. This was accomplished in conjunction with Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services, Smith & Williams Funeral Home, and Beach Taxi Company. Over 150 posters were distributed. Liquor is sold only in Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) stores in Virginia. This poster is displayed in every ABC store in the city as well as every 7-11 convenience store and a majority of the ABC establishments (restaurants, bars, and nightclubs). Drinkers are reminded by this poster that the decisions they make are their own but the consequences affect everyone. MPO Wesseler in the 96X Studio administering a Breath Test while on-the-air A 96X radio personality performs the One-Leg Stand while on-the-air

165 Traffic Safety Awareness Fliers Special Consideration: Impaired Driving In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department developed the Traffic Safety Awareness program in an effort increase citizen awareness of significant traffic safety issues in certain areas. The department developed a simple one page flier that briefly discusses traffic safety and asks the citizens to help us improve traffic safety in the area. The flier starts out by informing the citizens that police department has recognized an increase in traffic related incidents in the area. The flier then goes on to let them know they will see an increased police presence in the area in an effort to increase traffic safety. The flier then asks the citizens to assist us by reducing their speed, wearing their seatbelt and by not driving intoxicated. The flier is then distributed to citizens in the area while the officers are conducting saturation patrols checkpoints and even routine patrols. The fliers are printed on card stock paper in the office utilizing a local color printer. This allows us to have a virtually unlimited supply of the fliers. It allows us to personalize the flier to specific problems. One area of our city that we noticed an increase in traffic crashes and incidents was our Shore Drive corridor. Many of the incidents involved vehicles striking pedestrians attempting to cross the road. The Traffic Safety Awareness Fliers were modified to include asking the motorists to watch for pedestrians in the area and also mentioned Shore Drive specifically. This program has permitted us to educate citizens about specific issues occurring in the area that they are traveling. The fliers also increased the interaction between the citizen and the office making the contact. The officer would hand the citizen the flier and briefly explain its content. This permitted both the officer and the citizen to have an active part in increasing traffic safety in the area. MADD The Virginia Beach Police Department has partnered with the local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in an effort to help inform the citizens of Virginia Beach of the importance of not driving impaired. This partnership has been successful and beneficial to both organizations. Officers attended and spoke at the Statewide MADD Red Ribbon Kickoff and the MADD Candlelight Vigil to honor those who were killed by drunk drivers. Virginia Beach Police Officers at the MADD Red Ribbon Kickoff

166 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Military Lectures In 2010, the Traffic Safety Unit conducted 18 Military Lectures with 2,008 service members in attendance. These presentations are designed for overall traffic safety issues in the areas of occupant protection, speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, DUI enforcement, and other Virginia motor vehicle laws. Typically these presentations are made to military commands in the Hampton Roads Area. During 2010, the Traffic Safety Unit continued a relationship with the United Fleet Forces personnel to assist the unit in providing safety lectures to military personnel in the Hampton Roads area. This relationship yielded a more efficient schedule, an increased number of lectures provided to the Military, and a decreased impact on the Police Department. Over 7,000 military personnel have been exposed to a traffic safety lecture articulating the importance of seatbelt use, travelling at a safe speed, and not driving intoxicated. Command-specific options were also covered to prevent the sailors from driving drunk. This work resulted in the John T Hanna Traffic Safety Award for both the Traffic Safety Unit and the United Fleet Forces. Media Relations The Virginia Beach Police Department Media Relations completed 35 traffic related media news releases in Media Relations Officers are the official representatives and voice of the Virginia Beach Police Department. Examples of the traffic press releases include special traffic initiatives and holiday weekend DUI/traffic safety checkpoints. The Virginia Beach Police Department also realizes the powerful impact the media has on dispatching relevant traffic related news to the citizens. Therefore, the media is often invited to traffic safety events such as checkpoints and award presentations so that the message can be distributed to as many individuals as possible. A News Channel 3 and a Wavy News 10 Story on a DUI and a DUI Checkpoint on New Year s Eve VBPD Traffic Safety Unit Officer E. Flanagan giving a Traffic Safety Lecture to US Navy Personnel

167 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Civic League Lectures Civic Leagues and Neighborhood Associations are encouraged to maintain their ongoing communication with community policing units with regards to traffic safety. In 2010 Sergeant Wichtendahl and Officer Trout continued to deliver a presentation to reach out to Civic Leagues and Neighborhood Associations. The presentation gave the citizens knowledge about laws focusing on Occupant Protection, Speeding, DUI and our enforcement efforts. One goal is to show that traffic enforcement is a crime deterrent. The presentation also included contact information for the Traffic Safety Unit member assigned to their precinct so that members of the community would have a point of contact to discuss concerns they may have. Girl Scout Troops Officer Trout of the Traffic Safety Unit conducted lectures at local Girl Scout Troops to instill good habits and prevent harmful events when children are more receptive to sound advice and warnings. The aspects of traffic safety are covered from good driving habits, why the laws are important to obey, seatbelts, and avoiding alcohol and drugs especially if driving. The presentation is always very well received. Officer Trout with a Girl Scout Troop after a Safety Lecture Traffic Safety Lecture at a Civic League Meeting The VBPD Special Operations is recognized in the Smart, Safe & Sober Newsletter for its DUI Checkpoints and Enforcement on St. Patrick s Day; this also mentions the Do Not Tow Program

168 Facebook & Twitter Special Consideration: Impaired Driving In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department continued to reach out to those that are most likely to drive impaired. Consistently youth, aged 18 to 25, make up the largest number of offenders. In 2010 this age group accounted for a quarter of DUI arrests. An effective way to reach these young adults presented itself in technology and computers through Facebook and Twitter. We developed a Facebook page and Twitter page to reach this group of drivers. These networking sites are accessed by youth on an hourly basis and provide an efficient means to communicate. The sites were used to publicize traffic safety initiatives such as check points and saturation patrols. A message was posted for each event that occurred. The message included the purpose of the event and the precinct where it would be held. Messages additionally encourages safety belt use and to plan ahead if drinking alcohol. Virginia Beach Traffic Safety Unit s Facebook Page In hopes of keeping the "fans" interested, the posts indicated that the results would be posted the next day. Networking sites were used to publicize our special events such as Halloween enforcement, Over the Limit, Under Arrest, Checkpoint Strikeforce, and Click It or Ticket. We also used the sites to inform citizens of our traffic safety initiatives throughout the year. Press Releases related to traffic safety discussed the Twitter and Facebook sites to increase participation. Information about these sites were distributed during our saturation patrols and checkpoints through Traffic Safety Fliers. Establishment Review Task Force The Virginia Beach Police Department, along with several other city departments and state agencies created a group in 2004 called the Establishment Review Task Force (ERTF). The objective of the ERTF is to conduct proactive inspections of businesses that maintain licenses to serve alcohol, and enforcement of public safety, building and environmental codes and regulations. The task force is coordinated by a captain of the police department, but includes members from the Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, Office of the City Attorney s Office, Fire Department, Planning Department/Building Inspections, and Department of Public Health. The purpose of this task force is to monitor alcohol establishments and to prevent them from becoming a business that may lead to problems for the community. The task force developed a reporting form that records when an establishment is involved in an incident that is directly related to the alcohol business. The forms are then entered into a database that is monitored to track the establishments for problems. When a Virginia Beach Police Officers arrests an intoxicated driver and is able to identify the establishment where the alcohol was consumed then an ERTF report in generated. This information is often utilized to direct enforcement efforts to reduce impaired driving.

169 Enforcement Efforts The total number of impaired driving arrests based on a three year comparison is shown in the graph below. Patrol officers made 2,429 arrests for impaired driving in Virginia Beach patrol officers contribute to nearly 7% of the total DUI arrests made in the state of Virginia. Officers arrested a total of 2,429 drivers for alcohol related driving offenses in Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Of this total, 2,334 arrests were for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), meaning the driver typically had a BAC of at least a.08 percent, or showed significant impairment from alcohol, narcotic drugs, prescription drugs, or a combination of both drugs and alcohol. In 2010 a total of 83 arrests were for Operating a Motor Vehicle after Illegally Consuming Alcohol (OMVICA), which is driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21 with a BAC measurement between percent. There were a total of 1,499 summonses issued for illegal possession of alcohol in 2010 as part of the Virginia Beach Police Department s efforts to address the problem of underage drinking. The Virginia Beach Police Department believes that vigorous enforcement of underage drinking laws discourage minors from making the decision to drink alcohol and in turn keeps the roads safer for everybody.

170 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Drivers who have illegally consumed alcohol and have a BAC measurement of.08 or above are charged with the same Virginia DUI Code as drivers that are over the age of 21. In 2010, a total of 333 drivers under the age of 21 were arrested for DUI with a BAC of.08 or greater. The highest percentage of individuals arrested for DUI was 22% within the 22 to 25 age range; the 26 to 30 age group was at 19.7% of the total. This comparison is used to specifically aim our educational and public information efforts toward the age groups requiring the most attention. Facebook, Twitter, and posters in alcohol establishments have been used to target these age groups more effectively. Marine Patrol- Boating Under the Influence Beach Police Officers are surrounded by water. One of the challenges we face with having a resort area is heavy boating activity. The Virginia Beach Police Marine and Dive Unit will patrol the waters and vigorously seeks out boaters that may have had too much to drink. During 2010 the Marine Unit conducted multiple Boat Safety Checkpoints. The Virginia Beach Police Department Marine Patrol arrested 8 individuals for Boating Under the Influence. The majority of recreational boaters in Virginia Beach will trailer their boats after at the end of the day. The Virginia Beach Police Department believes that every person arrested for Boating Under the Influence is one less person that will be Driving Under the Influence. Marine Units conduct a Boater Safety Checkpoint

171 DUI Prosecution Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Virginia Beach Police Officers are expected to prosecute all first offense DUI cases in General District Court without the assistance of a prosecuting attorney. Therefore, having a thorough knowledge of the DUI arrest and prosecution process is essential for all patrol officers. By prosecuting their own cases, Virginia Beach Police Officers become much more familiar with the elements of proving a DUI case successfully and subsequently improve their investigative techniques. Public Education Impaired driving plagues streets throughout all cities across America including the City of Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach continues to fight the problem of impaired drivers with proactive patrols and proactive public education and media outreach. As a resort community, Virginia Beach has a large number of bars and nightclubs located throughout the City, the Oceanfront, and the Town Center area. This coupled with a large contingent of military personnel, tourists, and younger residents poses a more distinct problem with individuals driving under the influence. The presentations take a serious look at the effects of DUI, seat belts, and speed. These presentations are an aggressive approach in deterrence that the Virginia Beach Police Department takes great pride in. The presentations are one of the greatest proactive enforcement efforts that the Virginia Beach Police Department takes with the local military. With over 32,000 military assigned to the Virginia Beach area, it is imperative that the department take an aggressive stance on notifying military personnel of the pertinent Virginia traffic laws so that they are on notice and well informed when they enjoy the City of Virginia Beach. This also reinforces the message to the military commands that our city takes a zero tolerance approach to impaired driving regardless of their occupation. The lectures we provide to the military have reduced the number of DUI arrests of military personnel. The relationship the Virginia Beach Police Department has made with the military played a vital role in helping to reduce drunk drivers on the city streets. In 2010, the Traffic Safety Unit conducted 18 Military Lectures with 2,008 service members in attendance. Part of the Traffic Safety Unit s mission in the interest of traffic safety enforcement is to conduct high visibility traffic enforcement and teach traffic safety lectures/ presentations. The Traffic Safety Unit places particular emphasis on driving under the influence laws and impacts to the military commands during Military Safety Stand Downs. In addition, officers speak to high school students in frequent presentations to address seat belt safety, underage drinking, and speed. These presentations are designed for overall traffic safety issues in the areas of occupant protection, speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, DUI enforcement, and other pertinent Virginia motor vehicle laws. Officer E. Flanagan giving a safety lecture to members of the US Navy

172 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Checkpoints Special Operations units conducted a total of 46 checkpoints that totaled 615 man hours. The department participates in the National Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaign, and Virginia s Checkpoint Strikeforce program. The checkpoints had a total of 9525 vehicles checked resulting in 534 traffic summonses and 48 DUI arrests. The checkpoints were located in traffic corridors throughout all four precincts. Patrol officers of the precinct that a checkpoint is located are invited to assist in staffing the detail. This fosters a better working relationship between officers assigned to Special Operations and the precincts. Officers conducting Traffic Safety Checkpoints and distributing the Traffic Safety Awareness Bulletin to drivers

173 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Saturation Patrols The Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team conducted a total of 285 joint-effort saturation patrols throughout all four police precincts in 2010 with a total of 1167 man hours of combined activity. Most saturation patrols were conducted in 1 hour increments and targeted high- volume DUI and crash locations. Results included 218 DUI arrests. The teams issued a total of 3,131 total summonses: 844 speeding summonses, 103 suspended or revoked operator s licenses, 692 seatbelt summonses, 31 reckless driving summonses, 21 illegal possession of alcohol summonses, 16 drug arrests, and 1189 other summonses (tint, expired inspection and registration, unsafe equipment, etc.). The Traffic Safety Unit conducted 45 daytime Safety Belt Planned Patrols during Each planned patrol focused on Seat Belt enforcement efforts. The Traffic Safety Unit frequently utilized Step-Outs to better view seat belts and typically conducted one hour saturations. A Seatbelt Enforcement Area Sign is posted prior to the saturation area to encourage self-initiated enforcement of the safety belt laws. During these Safety Belt Planned Patrols, the Traffic Safety Unit issued 581 Summonses. Additionally, 13 DUI arrests and 2 Drug arrests were made. The summonses consisted of the following: 156 seat belt summonses, 14 suspended or revoked operators licenses, 6 reckless driving, 17 uninsured motor vehicles, 160 speed, and 227 other summonses (tint, expired inspection and registration, unsafe equipment, etc.) 2010 Traffic Safety Unit Seat Belt Enforcement Planned Patrols

174 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Special Enforcement - Shore Drive Shore Drive is one of the most utilized roadways in Virginia Beach for cyclists, runners, pedestrians, and vehicles. Thousands of people enjoy the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay each year. The road spans 11 miles and reaches the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. A 4.5-mile segment of Shore Drive, from Pleasure House Road to Kendall Street, is a high population area. The beauty and safety of Shore Drive is devastated each year. Alcohol, speed, and carelessness have lead to motor vehicle related incidents resulting in serious injury or death; Shore Drive has been aptly referred to as the deadliest road in Virginia Beach. The community has experienced an immense increase in population density from party-goers and beachcombers alike. Because of this drastic increase there have been greater crashes, pedestrians hit, and bicyclists struck. Six fatalities have occurred on Shore Drive since The most recent of which occurred in April, 2010, when a pedestrian was killed crossing Shore Drive. Speed Limit Change The Virginia Beach Police Department and City Engineers did a comprehensive study of Shore Drive as part of the Education, Enforcement, and Engineering approach to traffic safety. These studies involved local Civic Groups and establishments; each participated with the Police Department and City Engineers. The support and assistance from these groups was vital. In May 2010 the speed limit was reduced A Virginia Pilot Newspaper clipping detailing the speed limit changes from 45 MPH to 35 MPH in a half-mile residential section of Shore Drive. This initial action created a safer area for many local residents to cross Shore Drive to the beach and exit residential areas in their vehicles, but did not assist the high-density of bars with the less-than sober clientele. The speed limit was also later changed from Pleasure House Road to Great Neck Road. Now a total four and one-half mile stretch of Shore Drive is a 35 MPH speed zone. Additionally, bright-green pedestrian crossing signs were erected to give warning that pedestrians would be crossing. In all, over-sized and positively-lit signs were posted and officers were dispatched. Signs erected on Shore Drive to address pedestrian safety and speeding concerns

175 Enforcement Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Initially a 30-day grace period for speed-only violators allowed acclimation to the change. Speeding vehicles were stopped and warned for violations that would have otherwise been legal in the previous 45 mph zone. After 30 days the enforcement efforts were continued and violators were vigorously cited. Speeders and pedestrians in the roadway were cited, and DUI arrests topped any other road in Virginia Beach. The increase in speeders and DUI arrests are in part related to the heightened enforcement efforts in reducing speed and alcohol related traffic incidents. As a result of these efforts, Shore Drive has been safer and has resulted in significantly less incidents. There have been no fatalities in the affected area on Shore Drive since the enforcement campaign. The Traffic Safety Unit, Fatal Crash Team, and precinct officers launched an intensive patrol on Shore Drive. The Virginia Beach Police Department participates in the Over the Limit- Under Arrest and Checkpoint Strikeforce campaigns. The Traffic Safety Unit and Fatal Crash Team conducted 24 saturation patrols and 15 checkpoints on Shore Drive. Officer Trout with the Traffic Safety Unit issues a speeding citation as a 35 MPH speed limit sign, complete with orange flags, looms in the background These efforts resulted in 203 traffic summonses, 21 DUI arrests, 3 felony arrests, 12 misdemeanor criminal arrests, and 2 driving after illegally consuming alcohol arrest. 2,737 vehicles were checked on Checkpoints. The Traffic Safety Awareness Fliers were modified to ask motorists to watch for pedestrians in the area and mentioned Shore Drive specifically. This program has permitted us to educate citizens about specific issues occurring in the area that they are traveling. These bulletins were distributed on traffic stops and checkpoints.

176 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving The major speed limit change occurred in June of 2010 following the tragic death of a pedestrian in April A 30-day grace period followed for speeds that would have been legal in the 45 MPH zone. In July 2010, the Virginia Beach Police Department began vigorous enforcement efforts. Total traffic summonses increased 112% from 2009 and in July the number of speeding summonses issued increased by 1300% from Effectiveness of Efforts A number of statistical comparisons have been made to quantify the impact that the Virginia Beach Police and the change in speed limit have had on the Shore Drive area. The Virginia Beach Police Department has seen the greatest impact in the complete lack of fatalities on Shore Drive since the enforcement efforts began. Overall there has been a 19% decrease in crashes on Shore Drive since the change. The April 2010 death of a pedestrian crossing Shore Drive stressed the importance of immediate action. Since then, there have been no fatalities on Shore Drive since April 2010 and the speed limit change in June Reported crashes also decreased tremendously in This is directly attributable to the vigorous enforcement efforts and high-visibility saturation patrols by the Virginia Beach Police Department.

177 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving Effectiveness of Efforts Virginia Beach experienced the LOWEST NUMBER OF FATALITIES in OVER 10 YEARS Virginia Beach experienced the lowest number of reported crashes in 26 years There were a total of 8,392 total crashes in In 2009 there were 8,759 reported crashes and 9,021 in There was a 4% decrease from 2009 to 2010, and a 7% decrease from In 2010, of the 8,392 crashes, there were 526 alcohol or drug related crashes which comprises 6% of the city s crashes in The total number of impaired driving arrests for a 3 year comparison is shown in the graph to the right. Patrol Officers arrested a total of 2,429 impaired drivers in That is a 9% decrease from 2008, and a 1% increase over the number of arrests in Virginia Beach Police Officers contributed to over 7% of the total DUI arrests made in the entire state of Virginia. Officers arrested 2,429 drivers for impaired driving offense in Of this total, 2,334 arrests were made for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), which means that the driver typically had a BAC of.08% or higher or showed significant impairment from alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both alcohol and drugs.

178 Special Consideration: Impaired Driving A total of 83 arrests were made for Operating a Motor Vehicle After Illegally Consuming Alcohol (OMVICA), which is driving after illegally consuming alcohol with a BAC measurement between %. There were a total of 1,499 summonses issued for illegal possession of alcohol in 2010 as part of Virginia Beach Police Department s efforts to curb underage drinking. A goal of the Virginia Beach Police Department is to prevent underage persons from drinking and driving. Educating young adults about the dangers of impaired driving will have an impact on whether or not they will get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Out of 17 fatal crashes in 2010, we have determined alcohol or drugs were involved in 7 fatal crashes. Alcohol was not a factor in 10 of the fatal crashes in Impaired driving enforcement efforts showed a decrease from 2008, but an increase from We attribute the decrease to developing and maintaining a balance in our occupant protection, impaired driving, speeding enforcement, seat belt enforcement, and education. The vast amount of media and high-visibility saturation patrols likely contributed to the decrease. The Virginia Beach Police Department maintained its efforts in educating the military, high schools, and civic leagues and community associations with traffic safety lectures conducted throughout The Virginia Beach Police Department believes that education is a core component of traffic safety.

179 ~Section 8~ Special Consideration: Technology 2010 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge

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181 Special Consideration: Technology The Virginia Beach Police Department is considered to be one of the premier police departments on the east coast. The department is always looking for new technology to help officers perform their duties more efficiently and effectively. Technology is the usage and knowledge of tools, techniques, and products, or systems by which the department provides its members with those things needed or desired. The Virginia Beach Police Department strives to be a leader in policing. In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department added equipment and training to help its officers perform their jobs better. In hopes of keeping the "fans" interested, the posts indicated that the results would be posted the next day. Networking sites were used to publicize our special events such as Halloween enforcement, Over the Limit, Under Arrest, Checkpoint Strikeforce, and Click It or Ticket. We also used them to inform citizens of our traffic safety initiatives throughout the year. Press Releases related to traffic safety discussed the Twitter and Facebook sites to increase participation. We also distributed fliers during our saturation patrols and checkpoints with information for both sites. Twitter & Facebook In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department continued to reach out to those that are most likely to drive impaired. Consistently youth, aged 18 to 25, make up the largest number of offenders. In 2010 this age group accounted for a quarter of DUI arrests. An effective way to reach these young adults presented itself in technology and computers through Facebook and Twitter. We developed a Facebook page and Twitter page to reach this group of drivers. These networking sites are accessed by youth on an hourly basis and provide an efficient means to communicate. The sites were used to publicize traffic safety initiatives such as check points and saturation patrols. A message was posted for each event that occurred. The message included the purpose of the event and the precinct where it would be held. Messages additionally encourages safety belt use and to plan ahead if drinking alcohol. Virginia Beach Police Department Facebook Homepage. Podcasts The Virginia Beach Police Department also utilizes podcasts to educate citizens about traffic safety issues. Virginia Beach Police Department s Traffic Safety Unit s website. In the upper right hand corner is the link for the Bicycle Safety Podcast.

182 Special Consideration: Technology In 2010 the City of Virginia Beach wanted to reach out to the bicycling community. The department produced a several minute long podcast that covered the rules of the road, safety tips and general traffic safety tips. The podcast was distributed in conjunction with a brochure that discussed similar issues. The brochure was distributed to retail establishments throughout the city to bicycle shops and larger retailers. The Police Department also developed a presentation to expand on the information provided in the podcasts and brochures. Total Station MPO Kellogg using the Total Station to map a crash scene The Virginia Beach Police Department began utilizing a Total Station forensic mapping system to document the scenes of significant crashes. The department has greatly expanded our abilities by purchasing this advanced system. The system enables a crash investigator to quickly and accurately document all evidence at the scene of a crash and generate a scale diagram of the crash scene. This gives the investigator the tools and time needed to thoroughly investigate the crash. The forensic mapping system reduces the total time the officers are on the scene. The roadway can return to normal much quicker than if the officers had been using tape measurers. Investigators can create detailed and very accurate diagrams. The diagrams are well received by prosecutors, judges, and even juries. Complex details and information can often be explained easily when prosecuting cases using the Total Station. There are 13 officers trained in the use of the Total Station. Crash Data Retrieval System The Crash Data Retrieval System (CDR) is a tool that provides access to vehicle crash data that may be stored in passenger cars, light trucks or SUVs. The Crash Data Retrieval System is an essential tool used for better case evaluation and crash reconstruction. The system is capable of recovering pre-impact and crash data from many different vehicles. Crash data includes: vehicle pre-impact speed, driver's seat belt switch status (on/off), driver braking or throttle position before the crash, crash severity (delta-v), and other parameters as provided by each vehicle s system. The crash data in supported vehicles is located in the airbag control module (ACM) and/or the power control module (PCM). The CDR System allows users to download and display information in data tables provided by the ACM and PCM. This provides crucial information for analysis of vehicle crashes. Crash Data Retrieval System used by the Virginia Beach Police Department Fatal Crash Team

183 The department currently has 8 officers trained as Crash Data Retrieval Analysts. To become proficient the officers completed 40 hours of instruction on the function of the automobile Event Data Recorder (EDR) component, its history and evolution as well as interpretation skills enabling the application of a Bosch Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) System report to a situational complete crash reconstruction. This training enables the officers to not only retrieve the information from the vehicle, but then to interpret the data. The analysis of this data can often give the investigators information needed to complete the investigation. This information is often the difference between a guilty plea and a long and difficult trial. Vericom Computer System Special Consideration: Technology of only eight cameras. Since the program became effective in cameras have captured thousands of violators. In 2010 the cameras captured 64,761 red light violators. In 2010 officers issued 3,849 summonses for red light violations. The PHOTOSafe program monitors 106 lanes in 20 approaches at 13 intersections. Of the 106 lanes, 36 are left turns, 54 are straight lanes, and 16 are right turns. Red light summonses decreased 26% from 2009, but the automated system cited 64,761 vehicles for violations. The decrease in red light summonses written by officers was due to the effectiveness of the red light cameras, which allowed officers to focus more on other aspects of traffic safety. The Fatal Crash Team utilizes a Vericom Computer System to assist in the reconstruction of crashes they investigate. This computer enables the officers to precisely determine the coefficient of friction or drag factor of a roadway surface. They can then use this data, with the evidence they collected from the scene, to calculate speed loss of a vehicle or the exact speed of the vehicle prior to impact. Prior to acquiring this technology the officer would use a drag sled to obtain this information. The reliability of the drag sled was often questioned and is somewhat difficult to explain to a judge or jury when the case is presented in court. The use of the Vericom Computer System makes the submission of this information much easier and professional. Automated Red Light Enforcement In 2004 and 2005 the City of Virginia Beach had a pilot red light program to deter drivers who were tempted to run red lights which was a cause in many of the crashes worked in the city. During the pilot program 17,315 tickets were issued to red light violators with the use A Chart showing the decrease in light violations There were 8,392 reported crashes in In 2009, 8,759 crashes were reported, and 9,021 in There was a 4% decrease in crashes from 2009 to 2010, and a 7% decrease from The Virginia Beach Police Department implements saturation patrols to reduce crashes. The department has targeted high crash intersections together with the red light enforcement program: Photo Safe Red Means stop!

184 Red light enforcement has significantly impacted public safety in Virginia Beach. There were no fatalities at any lightcontrolled intersection in Annually, 12% of all traffic summonses issued by Virginia Beach Police Officers are for red light violations. Our city s goal in using cameras for red light enforcement is to gain compliance with traffic signals, which in turn will lower our crash rate throughout the city. Special Consideration: Technology In-Car Camera Since 2009 the Police Department has made an enormous effort to obtain reliable in-car video systems. In 2010 the Department decided to outfit every Police vehicle with a camera system. After identifying three possible systems and conducting field tests of each unit, the decision was made to purchase the Digital Ally in-car video system for the Department. In Car Camera System mounted in a patrol vehicle. In combination with PHOTOSafe, officers have been able to effectively reduce the crash rate in the city. With extra efforts being utilized at intersections designated as The Top 10 Crash Locations our Department has made a tremendous impact on the amount of crashes occurring within the city. The entire recording system is contained in a rear view mirror which gives the convenience of easy transfer between vehicles. In 2010, the Department realized the incredible potential of digital video evidence and decided to outfit every new police car with a system. The Department has proactively pushed the training of every patrol officer in the use of the in-car video system. Since their implementation, almost every patrol officer has been trained in the use of the in-car video system. The most surprising benefit of this purchase is how well they have been received by the officers in the field. Feelings of anxiety and suspicion have been allayed and now officers prefer having video over not. The officers now rely on the systems to help them with their traffic enforcement, DUI prosecution, and acquitting officers in complaints of misconduct.

185 Special Consideration: Technology Mobile Data Terminals The Virginia Beach Police Department utilizes Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) in every patrol and special operations vehicle. We have used these computers in our vehicles for over 25 year, but in 2009 we upgraded these systems to laptops. In 2010 the programming and capabilities of the system expanded greatly. The MDTs are laptops that can be removed from the car and used independent of the car with the wireless card. In 2010 the system was upgraded to allow access to Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) via the internet. Previously the computer required an 800-Mhz radio signal to receive dispatch communications. This enables an officer to take the computer out of the vehicle at the scene or at the office and have no lack of connectivity. The entire intranet and internet system gives the officer access to arrest records, photos, and all departmental forms and data to assist in their investigation. MDT with the Verizion Wireless card attached inside a patrol vehicle Officers can now complete an entire crash investigation report and diagram on the in-car MDT. The officer electronically transfers the report to their supervisor who then approves the report and forwards it for electronic storage. The officer s time is vastly reduced by allowing immediate entry of information into the system. Redundant paperwork is eliminated in this process. Traffic Crash Template Page 1 on the MDT Diagram of a traffic crash on the MDT Fatal Crash Team members have several additional programs installed on their in- car computers that assist with serious injury and fatal crash investigations. The Crash Data Retrieval System can be accessed on scene utilizing the laptop in their patrol car. The information they obtain can help guide and direct the investigation while on scene. The timely acquisition of this data provides the officers a significant advantage in completing a thorough and accurate reconstruction of the crash. In the past the officers would have to wait hours if not days to obtain the data after the car was towed from the scene.

186 Special Consideration: Technology Impaired Driving The Virginia Beach Police Department believes they are one of the premier impaired driving enforcement departments on the east coast. In 2010 the Virginia Beach Police Department contributed over 7% of the DUI arrests in the entire state of Virginia. A frequent instrument utilized by officers is the Preliminary Breath Testing device, or PBT. The department currently maintains 243 PBTs. Intoximeters Alco-Snesor FST PBT currently used by the Virginia Beach Police Department. The Alco-Sensor FST is an advanced technology in PBTs. The Alco-Sensor FST design allows positioning to allow control of the suspect, weapon protection, view of the display, and diversion of a suspect s breath. The Alco-Sensor FST also offers advantages in low light operations such as a backlit LCD and an illuminated mouthpiece guide. The Alco-Sensor FST is designed with fuel cell technology specific for alcohol. The PBT has the additional ability to obtain a headspace sample. These samples allow detection of alcohol in containers such as cups, bottles, and cans. This function helps in detecting underage possession of alcohol. Alcohol is frequently concealed in containers of an unsuspecting nature by young adults. The PBTs are evenly distributed among the four precincts. Officers in the precincts are assigned PBTs. The Department constantly receives new funding for more devices and consistently outfits officers with new PBTs. Every shift has multiple PBTs available to check-out from the precinct as well if a particular officer is not assigned one. Every traffic officer is assigned a PBT. The Traffic Safety Unit also recognizes officers who excel in DUI enforcement. The officers are assigned PBTs from Special Operations as a reward for their efforts. Tint Meters The Virginia Beach Police Department utilizes tint meters in traffic law enforcement. The department uses Laser Labs Model 100 tint meters. Precinct officers are assigned meters or may check them out at the precinct. Traffic officers are all assigned tint meters. Currently the department maintains 169 tint meters evenly distributed among the four precincts. The FST accepts breath samples directly or passively. The direct sample is given when the suspect blows into the mouthpiece, a sample is collected and a result is quickly displayed. The passive mode allows for a cup attachment to the PBT to detect the odor of alcohol coming from a suspect or vehicle. Laser Lab tint meter used by the Virginia Beach Police Department.

187 Speeding Special Consideration: Technology In 2010: 459 total RADAR operators 29 total LIDAR operators 28 officers completed RADAR School 156 officers completed RADAR Recertification The Virginia Beach Police Department mandates that officers complete 20 hours of RADAR field training with an RTO, which is over double of what DCJS recommends. The hours are completed through a set amount of daytime hours and nighttime hours to expose the officers to all types of environments to better enhance their skills. The DCJS requires only 8 hours of practical experience. In addition, the Virginia Beach Police Department s RADAR school is 20 hours in length as compared to DCJS 16 hour requirement. This is another example of how the Virginia Beach Police Department goes above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure officers effectively use the speed enforcement tools. 7 officers assigned to Special Operations completed LIDAR Operator school. Special Operations has 29 total LIDAR Operators. Special Operations is the only command that utilizes LIDAR. LIDAR is not available to officers assigned in the four precincts. Every Virginia Beach Police Department patrol vehicle has a calibrated vehicle speedometer which is tested and certified for accuracy every 6 months. The accuracy of RADAR is compared to the vehicle speedometer. Officers receive training on the requirements of pacing vehicles as they complete the Law Enforcement academy. This training is given as part of the Probationary Police Officer Training with certified Police Training Officers. 57 officers received this training in The Virginia Beach Police Department utilizes RADARs from Decatur, Kustom, and Stalker. In 2010 the Department s Special Operations division ordered new RADAR units for their traffic officers. The units that were replaced were sent to each of the four precincts in order to increase traffic safety and enforcement. New mounted RADAR unit in a Traffic Safety Unit s vehicle. In 2010 the RADAR units sent to the precincts had same-direction moving RADAR. This technology was still new to precinct officers and RADAR training incorporated same-direction operations as well. Each of the four precincts and Special Operations also utilize handheld RADAR units to supplement the officers not assigned a vehicle with a mounted RADAR unit. The department currently maintains 132 RADAR units MPO Wesseler using a handheld RADAR unit.

188 Special Consideration: Technology More than 15 officers at Special Operations have LIDARs assigned. LIDAR units have proven to be a valuable asset in speed enforcement. The motorcycle units utilize LIDARs on a regular basis to enforce speeding violations in school zones. The precincts do not have any LIDAR units at this time. The department currently maintains 20 LIDAR units. 2 types of LIDARs utilized by officers in Special Operations. Speed enforcement is supplemented by mobile RADAR speed trailers. These speed trailers can placed at various locations in the city where speeding appears to be an issue. The speed trailers display a traffic message then the speed of the vehicle which is approaching. The speed trailers allow selfcorrection of behavior without the penalty of a fine or crash. The signs are typically requested by neighborhood associations or citizens who feel there is a need for the trailer in a particular area or neighborhood. The signs also provide useful information for officers to plan future enforcement efforts. psadvance Employee Performance Tracking System The Virginia Beach Police Department has implemented an officer management system where officers can view their activity by year, month, or on an ad hoc basis. The activities include, but are not limited to, the following: Appraisals, Resisting Arrests, Calls for Service, Incident Investigations, Crashes Investigated, Leave, Overtime, Summonses, Arrests (further broken down by type), Complaints, Training, and Uses of Force. A very useful aspect of the system is the Journal and Awards entries which are memorialized forever. Any formal Letter of Appreciation/ Recognition is under the officer s Awards and can be viewed by the officer and their direct-line supervisors. The Journal serves a similar function but allows other officers and supervisors to immediately recognize an officer or group of officers without constructing a paper memorandum to be entered into the system. This award system is another way that supervisors and officers demonstrate their appreciation for the traffic safety efforts of other officers. A screen capture of an award entry made from Chief Cervera recognizing the Traffic Safety Unit for a productive month of July despite other obligations. The TSU wrote 1100 summonses and arrested 61 DUI s. Speed trailer utilized for citizen complaints.

189 Special Consideration: Technology The psadvance program also allows supervisors to view the officers in their squad using comparison statistics. Officer can also see how they compare to their peers (although officers may not see the names of the peers in the statistics chart). The chart enables supervisors to easily recognize officers excelling in DUI and traffic enforcement. Thresholds indicate when officers are operating above or below expected levels. And the thresholds will also alert the supervisor if the officer has an unusual amount of complaints or uses force frequently in comparison to their peers. The program can also be used as a prevention mechanism to recognize officer issues and changes in behavior.