Enhanced Road Safety Initiative - 2007 Annual Report · Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement 2007 Annual Report 7 Goal 1 – Increase Levels of Traffic Enforcement INTEGRATED ROAD SAFETY

E n h a n c e d R o a d S a f e t y E n f o r c e m e n t 2 0 0 7 A n n u a l R e p o r t

1

British Columbia

Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement Initiative

2007 Annual Report

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Policing and Community Safety Branch

Road Safety Unit


2

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 3

PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY................................................................................................................ 4

PROGRAM VISION................................................................................................................................... 4

PROGRAM GOALS & OUTCOMES ......................................................................................................... 4

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR.................................................................................................................... 5

Goal 1 – Increase Levels of Traffic Enforcement ...................................................................................... 7

INTEGRATED ROAD SAFETY UNITS.................................................................................................. 7

RCMP PROVINCIAL ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE ........................................................ 8

IMPAIRED DRIVING.............................................................................................................................. 9

CounterAttack ...................................................................................................................................... 10

TRAFFIC SAFETY HELICOPTER – AIR ONE.................................................................................... 11

AUTOMATED LICENCE PLATE RECOGNITION (ALPR).................................................................. 12

INTERSECTION SAFETY CAMERA (ISC) PROGRAM...................................................................... 13

Goal 2 – Deter and Capture Auto Thieves .............................................................................................. 14

INTEGRATED MUNICIPAL PROVINCIAL AUTO CRIME TEAM (IMPACT) ...................................... 14

THE BAIT CAR PROGRAM................................................................................................................. 14

Goal 3 – Increase Public Awareness....................................................................................................... 16

ICBC PUBLIC AWARENESS ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS .............................................................. 17

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITY..................................................... 17

Public Attitude Survey.......................................................................................................................... 17

Road Safety Media Scan 2007 (Q1 to Q3) .......................................................................................... 18

Goal 4 – Police Officers are Well-Trained and have a Forum for Improvements in Traffic Enforcement19

ENHANCED TRAFFIC TRAINING ...................................................................................................... 19

BC ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE – TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE............................. 20

Goal 5 – Conduct Research to Improve Traffic Law Enforcement Practices .......................................... 21

FUTURE DIRECTIONS........................................................................................................................... 22

Appendix A – 2007/08 ENHANCED ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS......... 23

Appendix B – “E” Division Statistics and Trends .................................................................................... I

Appendix C: Air One Statistics............................................................................................................... II

Appendix D: Media Scan Statistics ....................................................................................................... III

Appendix E: 2007 Media/Enforcement Campaigns ............................................................................... V


3

INTRODUCTION

The Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement Initiative 2007 Annual Report is prepared by Police Services Division for the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General as part of its reporting obligations under Section 13 of the Traffic and Road Safety Law Enforcement Funding Memorandum of Understanding. The 2007/08 fiscal year is the fourth year of enhanced enforcement delivery under this MOU. The agreement sets out annual payments of approximately $17 million per year (based on one percent of ICBC basic insurance premiums from two years prior) for the delivery, management and evaluation of specialized enhanced enforcement and road safety programs. As a result of the Province delivering this enhanced enforcement initiative through the Provincial Policing Contract, an additional federal contribution of 30 percent (approximately $5 million) is available to enhanced enforcement funds. The enhanced traffic enforcement initiative is governed by the interagency Road Safety Advisory Committee, chaired by MPSSG Assistant Deputy Minister and Director of Police Services. The committee is made up of representatives from key agencies involved in road safety and helps set direction and ensures joint accountability for the deliverables under the MOU. 2007 was the first year during which all road safety enforcement initiatives were fully deployed. It is also worth noting that the number of registered drivers increased from 2.4 million in 2002 (pre-MOU) to 2.7 million in 2007.1 This annual report presents a summary of the progress of the Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement program in 2007 with specific highlights from:

Provincial Integrated Road Safety Units (IRSUs) and the RCMP Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement Initiative (ERSEI)

Review of the Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) Program Auto-crime enforcement conducted by the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime

Team (IMPACT) and, A look at the first full year of operations for the Traffic Safety Helicopter – also known

as “Air One”.

1 BC Statistics


4

PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY

Police Services Division (the Division) is responsible for managing the use of the funds under the agreement on behalf of MPSSG. Within the Division, the Road Safety Unit (RSU) carries out the day to day responsibilities of the agreement. Under the agreement, the Road Safety Unit is primarily responsible for:

coordinating and carrying out the direction of the Road Safety Advisory Committee and the IMPACT Policy Board

providing financial oversight of the Traffic and Road Safety Law Enforcement Funding MOU managing the enforcement operations of the Intersection Safety Camera Program coordinating, hosting and financial management of the BC Association of Chiefs of

Police Traffic Safety Committee (BCACP TSC) overseeing the delivery of advanced traffic training for independent municipal officers,

and, providing input to enhanced enforcement road safety public information campaigns.

PROGRAM VISION The Enhanced Traffic Enforcement Program uses data-driven, evidence-led enforcement strategies and dedicated human and financial resources to help reduce crashes that cause serious injury and death, and to prevent auto theft.

PROGRAM GOALS & OUTCOMES

The Enhanced Traffic Enforcement Program has four specific program outcomes associated with achieving success:

1. Reduce traffic fatalities. 2. Reduce serious injuries. 3. Reduce auto theft. 4. Increase public awareness of traffic enforcement.

These outcomes are regularly monitored and will be measured and evaluated at the end of the five-year MOU.

In order to achieve the desired program outcomes, specific goals have been developed, and accompanying strategies deployed.


5

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

A total of 111 positions were dedicated to enhanced traffic enforcement in BC in 2007. Integrated Road Safety Units (IRSUs) were deployed throughout the province and

complemented the traffic enforcement efforts of the RCMP Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement Initiative (ERSEI).

The greater focus, increased resources and data-driven strategies of the enhanced traffic enforcement program have contributed significantly to overall harm reduction targets for motor vehicle crashes.

Table 1: Police Reported Data2 – Impact of Enhanced Enforcement

Capital Regional District (CRD) IRSU Evaluation: This evaluation examined total traffic collisions and injury collisions at the 15 highest crash sites which were targeted for enforcement by the CRD IRSU. The results showed:

9.1% reduction in total police-reported collisions over the 2000 - 2004 average; and 8.7% reduction in police-reported traffic injury collisions over the 2000 - 2004 average. The CRD IRSU produced a 166% increase in traffic violations issued over the previous

enhanced enforcement model (2003 Targeted Traffic Enforcement Program and CounterAttack) and generated approximately $1.9 million in ticket fine revenue.3

Other Activities: The Traffic Safety helicopter (Air One) celebrated its first full year of deployment,

contributing almost 600 hours of air surveillance, monitoring and pursuit support to enforcement ground units.

The IMPACT enforcement team, assisted by Air One, successfully concluded the surveillance of numerous stolen vehicles in the Lower Mainland resulting in 96 arrests.

The Intersection Safety Camera program generated 23,107 red light violation tickets in 2007. This represents a 14% increase from 2006.

The Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) pilot project used nine ALPR- equipped vehicles in BC, resulting in 919 persons being charged and identified 109 stolen vehicles/licence plates.

About 24% of the 620,000 police issued violation tickets issued in BC in 2007 were generated by enhanced traffic enforcement.

2 Police Reported Data (non-reconciled): *2004/05Traffic Collision Statistics, icbc.com. **TAS Police Automation Monthly Report (Traffic Sections), as of June 30, 2008, provided by ICBC. 3 CRD Evaluation Report 2007: For estimation purposes, revenue per violation ticket issued was based on a calculation of 2006 total revenue/number of violations issued = $83.71.

Total Traffic Accidents (TAS)

2004-2005 Average 2007 Total % Change

injury victims 28,974 25,899 11% reduction

fatal victims 445 415 7% reduction


6

Table 2: Program Goals, Strategies & Outcomes

*Outcomes to be measured against specific targets at the end of the five-year MOU in 2009. **IRSU officers receive advanced traffic training courses at the Pacific Regional Training Centre.

44 Police Reported Data (non-reconciled): *2004/05Traffic Collision Statistics, icbc.com. **TAS Police Automation Monthly Report (Traffic Sections), as of June 30, 2008, provided by ICBC. 5 IMPACT 2008 – 2013 Strategic Plan and ICBC Data Sept 3/08.

Goals Strategies Outcome* Progress at 2007 Goal 1: Increase levels of traffic law enforcement

Integrated Road Safety Units

RCMP Provincial Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement Initiative (ERSEI)

CounterAttack Intersection Safety

Camera Program Traffic Safety

Helicopter Automated Licence

Plate Recognition

1. Reduce Traffic Fatalities

&

2. Reduce Serious Injuries

An 11% reduction in casualties (injured and fatal) when the average of 2004-2005 is compared to 2007.4

Goal 2: Deter and capture auto thieves.

Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT)

Bait Car Program Public Awareness

3. Reduce auto theft

There were about 9,600 fewer vehicles stolen compared to 2003. Almost 15,000 fewer vehicles were broken into compared to 2003.5

Goal 3: Increase public awareness of enhanced traffic law enforcement.

ICBC Public Education and Advertising Campaigns

Provincial Gov’t Public Awareness Activity

Supporting enhanced enforcement earned media & events

4. Increase public awareness of traffic enforcement

Three annual public attitude surveys have been conducted. Awareness of traffic enforcement appears to be constant.

Goal 4: Ensure that police officers are well-trained and have a forum for discussing and promoting the improvement of traffic enforcement.

Enhanced Traffic Training Program**

BC Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee

Partnership Development and Advocacy

Contributes to Outcomes #1, #2, #3 and #4 above

Number of independent municipal police taking enhanced traffic courses increased from 79 in 2006 to 105 in 2007. BCACP TSC membership survey conducted.

Goal 5: Conduct research to improve practices in traffic law enforcement, and measure enhanced program results.

Research Program Evaluation

Contributes to Outcomes #1, #2 and #3 above

Fatality reconciliation initiative undertaken. Research into emerging technologies.


7

Goal 1 – Increase Levels of Traffic Enforcement

INTEGRATED ROAD SAFETY UNITS The Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU) service delivery model for enhanced traffic law enforcement was approved by the Road Safety Advisory Committee in 2004. The IRSU model, comprising both RCMP members and Independent Municipal Police Department officers, is designed to encompass centrally-housed, dedicated mobile enforcement units throughout BC. IRSUs are charged with the responsibility of using data-driven enforcement strategies to address the most serious traffic issues in their areas. By engaging municipalities and media, by working more effectively with road safety partners, and by supporting more targeted, strategic deployments, it is anticipated that better outcomes will be achieved for all road users.

Key Points: An evaluation of the Capital Regional District (CRD) IRSU was completed by MPSSG.

ICBC also conducted an evaluation of the CRD IRSU using different criteria and methodologies; however both evaluations noted positive road safety outcomes in the CRD. The final MPSSG CRD IRSU Evaluation report was published and posted on the government website.

The CRD IRSU cost-per-violation was $63.69 – 45% of the cost of the previous model per violation ticket.

A number of recommendations for improving the IRSU model will be addressed by the Joint Management Committee in 2008.

Discussions in 2007, led to an agreement for the Vancouver Police Department to join the enhanced enforcement program. In 2007, the Lower Mainland IRSU became the Greater Vancouver IRSU and offices in New Westminster opened in the fall.


8

“Criminal interdiction means the officer looked beyond the traffic ticket and

identified other criminal behaviour such as possession of drugs, money

laundering, stolen property, outstanding arrest warrants, etc.”

Insp. Norm GaumontOIC, RCMP "E" Division Traffic Services

RCMP PROVINCIAL ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE Enhanced road safety enforcement is managed in an integrated fashion through IRSUs in major municipal regions in BC. As a companion initiative, the RCMP oversees its Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement Initiative (ERSEI) by adding members to existing RCMP detachments, as well as funding of overtime for RCMP officers. The RCMP ERSEI goal is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries on BC roadways through enhanced traffic enforcement. The strategy adopted to achieve this goal involves:

developing and maintaining location specific enhanced enforcement in BC’s highest injury and fatality spots

targeting the driving and passenger behaviours which are major contributors to serious injuries and fatalities throughout the province: speed-related aggressive driving, intersection enforcement in large urban centers, drinking driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Units are required to track and report on enforcement locations, targets, methods, and outputs (tickets and warnings issued) for their enhanced enforcement activity on a monthly basis.

Key Points:

Seatbelts, impaired driving (alcohol & drug), aggressive driving and intersections and speeding continue to be enforcement priorities for traffic police.

Urban seatbelt wearing rates increased from 83% in 2003 to 95% in 20076 Rural seatbelt wearing rates increased from 80% in 2002 to 88% in 20067 Intersection driving violations increased from 7,800 in 2006 to 9,600 in 2007. The volume of speed enforcement increased by 25% from 2006 (48,000 violations)

and 2007 (60,000 violations). In general speed violations account for about 41% of annual enhanced enforcement violation ticket activity.

Enhanced traffic enforcement appears to be having an impact on identifying and apprehending people engaged in other forms of illegal activity – criminal interdictions were 1,715 in 2007 – a 46% increase from 1,173 in 2006.

6 (NORP, CCMTA Urban/Rural Seatbelt surveys) 7 (NORP, CCMTA Urban/Rural Seatbelt surveys)


9

IMPAIRED DRIVING The 2007 the BCACP Road Safety Enforcement Campaign calendar included two enhanced enforcement campaign periods: June/July and December. Impaired driving has traditionally been associated with alcohol, but in recent years, drug-impaired driving has been identified as an emerging issue.

In November 2007, the federal government introduced a bill that would let police demand roadside sobriety tests and body fluid samples from drivers suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Enforcement efforts aimed at impaired drivers remained a focus for police in 2007. All categories of impairment related interdictions showed substantial rise in volume. However, the most dramatic increase was in the use of Administrative Driving Prohibitions - over 70% more ADPs were issued in 2007 compared to 2006.


10

Table 2: Goal 1 & 2 – 2006 & 2007 Provincial Enhanced Enforcement Outputs

Type of Enhanced Enforcement

2006 2007 % Increase in overall activity

*Criminal Code Impaired Driving Charges (initiated by police)

840 1,025 22%

**24-hr suspensions 2460 3495 42%

Administrative Driving Prohibitions (ADPs)

300 520 71%

Violation Tickets (not including CC, 24hr, and ADPs)

111,165 145,170 30%

*Impaired charges include ‘drug impaired.’ **24-hr suspensions include 'drug 24-hr' and suspensions associated with CC charges. Note: All numbers are rounded. Violation tickets exclude Intersection Safety Camera (ISC) tickets

CounterAttack CounterAttack is the brand name associated with impaired driving enforcement roadblocks in BC. The CounterAttack enforcement and public awareness program is designed to reduce the incidents of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. CounterAttack operations usually involve police officers implementing late night road checks to ensure drivers are not intoxicated, often supported by public awareness or media campaigns. Traditionally, the Christmas season is the most prominent enforcement campaign month for CounterAttack. Independent municipal police departments contribute to provincial (IRSU and ERSEI) efforts targeting impaired driving. In 2007, PSSG signed additional CounterAttack contracts for road checks during the December holiday season with: Abbotsford, Delta, Nelson, Central Saanich, Saanich, Oak Bay, Vancouver, Victoria and West Vancouver. Key Points:

During the 2007 CounterAttack campaigns (including Christmas CounterAttack 2007), independent municipal police issued a total of 23 impaired Criminal Code charges, 43 Administrative Driving Prohibitions, 642 24-hour roadside suspensions and impounded 102 vehicles.

Collectively, they issued a total of 2,108 violation tickets and identified 63 people wanted on other charges.

Apart from traditional CounterAttack campaigns, targeted impaired enforcement initiatives are delivered year-round through the local IRSUs, Independent Municipal Police and the local RCMP detachments.


11

One-on-one with Air One October 28, 2007 Reducing road fatalities in the Lower Mainland is job one for this $2.2-million high-tech chopper – and from 1,500 feet in the air, drivers whipping through traffic are grossly obvious. Air 1 ensures the speed-freaks don’t elude ground forces. In its first year of service, the chopper has never been outrun. “One biker lost us for a while, doing about 280 kilometres per hour, but as soon as he had to take a curve we caught him,” Brassington says with a grin. “Straight lines always beat curves.”

[email protected]

TRAFFIC SAFETY HELICOPTER – AIR ONE The Traffic Safety Helicopter – Air One – supports traffic units and operations targeting stolen vehicles, vehicle pursuits, organized street racing, aggressive drivers and impaired drivers. Air One also provides aerial back up and enforcement support for ground units responding to other types of public safety emergencies. Throughout 2007, Air One tracked calls, time spent per location and incident types in detailed quarterly reports. Draft performance indicators were developed by RSU research staff in consultation with Air One personnel so that baseline enforcement measures can be established in 2008.

Flight Facts Air One came into service in summer 2006. The helicopter assists Lower Mainland police through aerial support, traffic patrol and enforcement, control of police pursuits and overall crime prevention. Air One has been equipped with a FLIR infra-red video camera and “Night Sun” spotlight, which can be narrowed down to illuminate a single car, or expanded to light a football field. Key points:

4 Pilots and 3 Tactical Flight Officers trained and on staff Air One provided significant assistance to road safety and other ground units in the

pursuit and apprehension of car thieves, impaired drivers and aggressive drivers Research suggested that a traffic helicopter would contribute to reductions in high

speed or dangerous ground pursuits of suspect vehicles. There is significant anecdotal evidence of ground pursuits being called off while Air One engaged in aerial surveillance. A formal assessment and evaluation of crashes involving fleeing suspects and police pursuit should be conducted to assess Air One’s contribution to reductions in pursuit-related crashes.

From the files: “Air One monitored as the Vancouver Police Department was following a suspect in a hit and run from earlier in the evening. The member tried to pull the vehicle over which it did initially and then fled from the scene-slow speed. Air One overhead and took over observation and pursuit was shut down. Air One monitored as vehicle made his way through residential streets in the area, driving over several curbs and sidewalks, crossing


12

center lines etc. The vehicle eventually…was boxed in by several members who had come into the area. The male barricaded himself inside the vehicle and tried to ram his way out. Members had to break the windows of the vehicle to extricate the driver. Male was very intoxicated. Impaired investigation resulted to two blows over 200. Further charges pending.” July 19, 2007.

Table 3: Air One Call Type Activity, 2007 Type of Enhanced Enforcement Count

vehicle pursuits controlled by Air One 26 arrests from police pursuits where Air One was instrumental 31 aggressive drivers reported to ground units 92 impaired driver reports detected and/or investigated by Air One 59 stolen vehicle call types investigated by Air One 227 stolen vehicles recovered 115 motor vehicle incidents investigated by Air One that were hit and runs

34

AUTOMATED LICENCE PLATE RECOGNITION (ALPR) The Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) project continued to be piloted in the Lower Mainland in 2007, helping police and the Province identify the best applications for this innovative crime fighting technology. ALPR is a camera and computer database system. Cameras mounted in police cars capture licence plate images of vehicles on public highways. The ALPR system instantly compares plates against a database in the onboard computer containing daily information associated with stolen vehicles and uninsured, unlicensed and prohibited drivers. As a result of initial research conducted by the University College of the Fraser Valley indicating that the greatest application of this technology was in identifying unlicensed, uninsured and prohibited drivers, in 2007 the ALPR pilot project was transferred from IMPACT to IRSU; however IMPACT retained two units for use in auto theft enforcement. ALPR will remain a pilot project until all federal and provincial privacy assessments have been completed and technical issues associated with remote data transfer are fully addressed. Key Points:

Car thieves, prohibited, uninsured and unlicensed drivers continue to be targeted by police officers trained in this interactive technology, combined with criminal analysis.

The IMPACT enforcement team and crime prevention volunteers recovered 103 stolen vehicles with the two covert units from late March 2007 to February 28, 2008.


13

INTERSECTION SAFETY CAMERA (ISC) PROGRAM The ISC is an automated enforcement program dedicated to improving intersection safety by identifying and penalizing aggressive drivers who run red lights. The Province is responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of the Intersection Safety Camera Program (ISC) with the objective of reducing serious injury crashes and fatalities at the intersections where cameras are installed. Intersections are extremely high-risk areas for collisions that result in casualties and serious injuries, with approximately 20 per cent of all fatal crashes and well over 40 per cent of injury crashes taking place at intersections throughout BC Intersections can also be difficult and dangerous for police officers to enforce. There are currently 120 ISC sites, with 30 operational cameras that are rotated among the sites throughout the Province. The equipment currently used in the day-to-day operations of the ISC program is outdated and efforts are being made to upgrade the cameras and the processing of ISC tickets to digital technology. This would increase the clarity of red light running images captured by ISCs in BC and would help to ensure that red light running violations are enforced more swiftly and effectively. In late 2007 a request for proposals was issued and vendor submissions reviewed. Technical and legal subcommittees have conducted evaluations and provided input into the overall review process. It is anticipated that an upgraded ISC program will be implemented in 2008. Key Point:

23,107 red light violation tickets were issued in 2007 through the ISC Program. This represents a 14% increase from 2006. The increase is a result of a concerted approach to ensure cameras are properly deployed at high volume, dangerous intersections.


14

Goal 2 – Deter and Capture Auto Thieves

INTEGRATED MUNICIPAL PROVINCIAL AUTO CRIME TEAM (IMPACT) IMPACT serves all RCMP and independent Municipal police jurisdictions in British Columbia. However, the majority of the team's work takes place in the Lower Mainland where 70 per cent of all auto theft in BC occurs. IMPACT's objectives and priorities are determined by the IMPACT Policy Board, chaired by Director of Police Services and comprising senior representatives from MPSSG, RCMP, ICBC, BC Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) and BC Association of Municipal Chiefs of Police (BCAMCP). IMPACT is managed by the RCMP and includes nine RCMP, seven municipal members, one ICBC Special Investigations Unit officer, one RCMP civilian member and three public servants. IMPACT's 2007 enforcement priorities included targeted enforcement of dangerous and prolific car thieves, Bait Car deployment throughout the province, use of ALPR and media relations. Key Points:

In 2007, IMPACT celebrated its 5th consecutive year of auto crime reductions in BC. As of March 2007, there are about 9,600 fewer vehicles being stolen annually as

compared to auto theft rates circa 2003. This reduction represents a savings to taxpayers of $38.7 million.8

IMPACT works cooperatively with Air One traffic safety helicopter, assisting in the successful surveillance of numerous stolen vehicles in the Lower Mainland and resulting in 96 arrests.

A successful Auto Crime Enforcement Month achieved 112 arrests in the Lower Mainland and saw a significant decrease in auto theft in the following months.

IMPACT continued with the "No Free Ride" pilot project introduced in 2006. Partners in the pilot include New Westminster Police Department, Richmond RCMP and ICBC. Project No Free Ride seeks to recover costs from auto thieves through civil litigation.

"Stolen Lives", an educational video about the impacts of auto crime on victims and offenders, was produced by Odd Squad Productions in cooperation with IMPACT and the financial assistance of the AutoPlan Brokers of BC. The production has since been added to BC’s high school curriculum; approximately 4,000 copies of the video and teachers’ guides have been distributed throughout the province.

THE BAIT CAR PROGRAM IMPACT is responsible for the provincial Bait Car program and the BaitCar.com website. The site which contains Bait Car videos, IMPACT stories, FAQs and information about preventing auto theft, was refreshed and significantly enhanced in 2007.

8 IMPACT 2008 – 2013 Strategic Plan.


15

Public awareness and support for the Bait Car program is substantial. Extensive media coverage and strong public reaction to Bait Car in-car video has helped raise public awareness of the threat that auto thieves pose. The success of BC's Bait Car program lies in deterring entry level car thieves and in arresting repeat offenders. Research shows the BC Bait Car program is the largest and most successful program of its kind in the world. Key Points:

Bait Car program has been expanded from the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island, the Interior and the North.

In August, 2007 in Williams Lake, a community of about 12,000 people, 74 vehicles were stolen. This represented a 350% increase over the same month in 2006. Bait Car was deployed and within days two suspects, prolific offenders, were caught. In October 2007, total auto thefts for the month were six – the lowest number of incidents per month in Williams Lake in three years.

Table 3: Goal 2 – 2007 Operational Tactics, Outputs, and Costs Tactic Outputs Costs

($’000s)

IMPACT – Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team*

IMPACT operations Bait Car operations

Enforcement Results (all programs) 157 car thieves arrested 238 vehicles recovered 9% decrease in auto theft in 2007 (ICBC

stats) 38% decrease in auto theft since 2003

(IMPACT stats) Increased public awareness through

media relations/educational campaign

$2,547$389

*Costs exclude 30% federal contribution.


16

From the files: “…organized a ride along in Air 1 for a member of the Asian media (SING PAU DAILY NEWS). We received several full pages in this publication: very positive.”

and, November 15th…the media event held at the Langley Township Complex to kick off this years MADD Red Ribbon Campaign “Tie 1 On” was very successful; covered by virtually every media outlet in the Lower Mainland.”

Cst. Dave BabineauStrategic Communication Officer

"E" Division Traffic Services

Goal 3 – Increase Public Awareness

To increase public awareness about road safety and traffic enforcement, the Road Safety Unit is involved in two strategic initiatives: ICBC public education/advertising campaigns and provincial government public awareness activity. A dedicated ‘E’ Division police media liaison position was created and staffed in February 2007. The media liaison assists IRSUs and RCMP detachments in promoting road safety enforcement messages. The media liaison has:

produced more than 20 fact sheets on topics ranging from impaired driving to child booster seats

prepared speaking points and fact sheets available to media and any member looking to speak to local media

provided consistent messaging on road safety issues increased the profile of road safety issues with the media and the public. participated in road safety events and campaign launches, radio interviews and other

opportunities to raise the profile of road safety. This media liaison is also responsible for dealing with calls from the Lower Mainland media – anywhere from two to 10 calls per day – and responding to all traffic-related email questions.


17

Table 4: Goal 3 – 2007 Operational Tactics, Outputs, and Costs

Tactic

Outputs

Costs

Promoting public awareness messages

Media promotion re: 8 targeted enforcement campaigns (i.e. auto crime, aggressive driving, occupant restraint, commercial vehicles, unsafe speed, CounterAttack) 8 government media releases re: enhanced traffic enforcement program initiatives Released 2006 public attitudes survey and conducted 2007 public attitudes survey

$ 600,000 Nil Part of core unit costs

ICBC PUBLIC AWARENESS ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS Under the MOU, ICBC holds back $600,000 of its total annual contribution to be directed toward media initiatives that address enhanced enforcement campaigns. These annual enforcement campaigns are reinforced with specialized media strategies focussing on the identified seasonal enforcement themes. Campaign dates are presented to the BCACP Traffic Safety Committee for general discussion and approval (see Appendix F). Support materials (letters, news release templates, fact sheets and advertisements) are provided to detachments, departments and traffic units throughout BC to support the identified campaigns. PSD Road Safety Unit works collaboratively with ICBC and the BCACP TSC to maximize paid and unpaid media opportunities promoting safe driving messages and awareness of enhanced traffic enforcement.

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PUBLIC AWARENESS ACTIVITY The Road Safety Unit promotes the activities of the enhanced enforcement program through media strategies, public events and media releases.

Public Attitude Survey In 2007, the Police Services Division commissioned a public opinion survey measuring public attitudes about road safety in the province of British Columbia.

ACTIVITY Enforcement Ads YTD Actual YTD Plan

Impaired 80,000 80,000

Speed 205,000 260,000

Auto Crime Advertising 120,000 120,000

Occupant Restraint 143,000 140,000

Total MOU Advertising 548,000 600,000 Information provided by ICBC


18

The survey probed citizen opinions regarding road safety, perceptions of traffic enforcement, support for new enforcement technology, causes of collisions, factors affecting driving behaviour and self-reported behaviours. Key Points:

96% of BC drivers believe that driving while under the influence of alcohol is an extremely serious/serious threat to road safety

80% of the public want more traffic enforcement and 80% strongly agree/agree that less traffic enforcement would result in more traffic fatalities and serious injuries

57% believe the police take traffic enforcement extremely seriously/seriously the public supports the use of technology in traffic enforcement, including red light

cameras (82% positive response) and the traffic safety helicopter (61% positive response).

Road Safety Media Scan 2007 The provincial government conducts a daily media scan of major BC media to identify stories associated with government programs, activities, or issues, including policing and road safety. From these summaries, the following road safety stories were identified and tracked:

537 articles contained references to road safety (April 2007 to March 2008) Impaired driving (14%) and auto theft (9%) were the main topics of media stories Collisions causing injuries and fatalities were common themes in road safety-related

stories Print coverage of road safety issues does not appear to increase during enhanced

enforcement campaigns. The exceptions in 2007 were the Christmas CounterAttack campaign - stories about impaired driving increased during November and December; and the Aggressive Driving Campaigns in August and March showed a slight corresponding increase in articles about aggressive driving.

The Road Safety Week campaign in May focused on seatbelts; this corresponded with an increase in stories about seatbelt use.

No other road safety campaigns showed a corresponding increase in the number of articles published by the print media.


19

Goal 4 – Police Officers are Well-Trained and have a Forum for Improvements in Traffic Enforcement

Police Services Division supports three strategies to ensure that police officers are well-trained and that police have a forum for identifying improvement in traffic enforcement – Justice Institute Police Academy Advanced Training, the BC Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee and road safety partnerships and advocacy:

Table 5: Goal 4 – 2007 Operational Tactics, Outputs, and Costs Tactic Outputs Costs

Enhanced Traffic Training

105 independent municipal officers participated in enhanced traffic training programs in 2007 $ 90,274

BCACP Traffic Safety Committee

Conducted 3 Executive Committee meetings and 2 General Membership meetings in 2007 $ 78,684

Partnerships, Committees and Advocacy

Ongoing participation in policy and operational committees addressing: legislative changes relating to changes to the Motor Vehicle Act and reporting motor vehicle collisions to police; impaired driving and improvements to the justice system; injury prevention; farmworkers’ transportation safety and other road safety issues relating to enhanced enforcement.

Active participation and representation at the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA).

Annual core unit costs

ENHANCED TRAFFIC TRAINING Enhanced traffic training for independent municipal police falls under the responsibility of the Road Safety Unit. In 2007, the Justice Institute of BC and Police Services Division agreed to a maximum $100,000 budget for enhanced traffic training courses. The Justice Institute delivered courses on topics covering collision investigation and analysis, impaired driving detection and drug recognition, commercial vehicle enforcement and forensic mapping. Key Points:

Municipal police and the Justice Institute of BC continue to collaborate on the type and timing of enhanced traffic training courses needed.

Ongoing consultations with the Justice Institute of BC have identified a number of challenges and opportunities for delivering enhanced traffic training classes.

PSD continues to work with stakeholders on RCMP/Municipal reciprocal recognition for advanced traffic training courses.

IRSU officers also receive advanced traffic training courses at the Pacific Regional Training Centre.


20

BC ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE – TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE The purpose of the BCACP Traffic Safety Committee is “to promote public safety by identifying, prioritizing, and addressing common road safety issues to the police community and their partners, to promote legislative reform in support of increased road safety.”9 The BCACP Traffic Safety Committee meets twice a year to discuss emerging issues, policy and legislative reforms, enhanced traffic safety enforcement technologies, review pilot projects and share information/updates from its enforcement and road safety partners. The Executive Committee has a comprehensive road safety/enforcement membership including: the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, ICBC, the RCMP, Fraser Valley Traffic Services, Lower Mainland Traffic Services, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Branch, Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles, the Criminal Justice Branch (Attorney General), and representatives of the Abbotsford, Vancouver, and Saanich police departments. Reports and business arising from the working groups are also tabled for discussion and approval by the membership. These working groups include: legal/procedural and technical; administration/training and recognitions; and enforcement. Key Points:

BCACP carried three motions in 2007; they approved: the 2008 Provincial Enforcement Campaign Schedule; correspondence to Solicitor General regarding Judicial Justices of the Peace shortage and lack of hearing dates; and, correspondence to Solicitor General seeking revision of penalties for offences more directly associated with behaviour causing death and injuries in motor vehicle crashes.

In 2007 the executive committee focused on ways to reinvigorate general membership meetings, including improving speakers and subjects, and increasing opportunities for traffic officers within the BCACP TSC.

A survey of BCACP TSC general membership was conducted in October 2007 that showed members: felt the existing committee structure was working well; wanted to focus on achieving more action on motions, partnership, communication and best practices; and would like more opportunities for interactive sessions.

Each year the Traffic Safety Committee reviews award submissions across three activity categories. The 2007 award recipients are:

BCACP Traffic Safety Committee - Traffic Safety Awards for Year 2007 Award Category Successful Recipient

Collision or Crash Investigation Constable Madonna Saunderson, Prince George Detachment, RCMP

Traffic Law Enforcement Constable Shayne Orr, Castlegar Detachment, RCMP

Traffic Safety Education Constable Jamie Thorne, CNR Police

9 Traffic Safety Committee of the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police, Constitution, Article II.


21

Goal 5 – Conduct Research to Improve Traffic Law Enforcement Practices

Research and evaluation are central elements of the Road Safety Unit’s mandate. Research informs policy discussions and decisions concerning traffic enforcement, law reform and best practices. Baseline information being collected on a number of pilot projects will also be used in decision making and future allocating of resources. Program evaluation is also an important component of the Unit’s mandate as evaluations are important tools in ensuring funds are being spent appropriately and effectively. Table 6: Goal 5 – 2007 Operational Tactics, Outputs, and Costs

Tactic Outputs Costs

Research

Completed a review of BC traffic enforcement resources

Conducted a research review of BC police pursuits policies and best practices

Key participant in ISC upgrade project research

Core unit admin costs

Evaluation

Conducted an evaluation of Capital Regional District IRSU

Further developed data standards and collected program evaluation measures

Core unit admin costs

The following research and evaluation projects were conducted in 2007:

Provincial Traffic Resources Review: assessed the levels of traffic enforcement compared to other areas of policing.

Provincial Pursuits Report: reviewed the polices of all BC policing jurisdictions, identifying gaps and best practices.

Integrated Safety Camera legal/policy: jurisdictional research regarding in the ISC upgrade business case and enforcement issues associated with proposed operational models, including policy and legal consideration, public safety benefits, mailed service of ISC tickets and site selection.

Road Safety Unit staff also participated on committees with road safety colleagues providing input on research studies and reviewing various enforcement projects, including:

RCMP file review of traffic fatalities and the development of a standard definition of a ‘traffic fatality’,

Automated Licence Plate Recognition pilot project, and CCMTA Road Safety Vision 2010 mid-term review.

Work continues on a number of research/reporting issues, including the collection and analysis of traffic safety data, and improving measures of program performance.


22

FUTURE DIRECTIONS In the year ahead, the Police Services Division Road Safety Unit will work with key agencies involved in road safety to:

develop evaluation measures for the in-car video program conduct a program evaluation of the Fraser Valley IRSU increase and improve the sharing and analysis of traffic safety data (particularly

information on traffic deaths) crucial to improving road safety throughout BC move forward with our road safety partners to implement the Intersection Safety

Camera Program upgrade support communications planning and earned media and public awareness activities promote strategies to address impaired and aggressive drivers, intersection safety and

commercial vehicles improve support for and delivery of advanced traffic training further reduce the incidents and effects of auto crime through innovative enforcement,

research and public engagement strategies maintain staffing of the PSD Road Safety Unit, including administration, research and

program manager positions, and undertake the necessary steps to negotiate a new ICBC/MPSSG Enhanced Road

Safety Enforcement MOU. With a better complement of professional skills within the unit, PSD will increase capacity in research, policy and analysis of key traffic safety issues and enhanced enforcement tactics. By striving for excellence in innovative enforcement, improved engineering, legislative reforms and ongoing public awareness, we will continue to make BC’s roads safer for all users.


23

Appendix A – 2007/08 ENHANCED ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following is a table of the expenditures made under the MOU during Fiscal Year 2007/2008.

Road Safety Initiatives – ICBC and Federal Contributions

Preliminary 2007/08 Expenditures (000s)

(April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008)

MOU Funds PSD Road Safety Unit – Management and Administration

$525,099

Police Training

$90,274

BCACP Traffic Safety Committee

$78,684

Intersection Safety Camera – PSD Admin & Ops

$725,632

Police Costs

--- --- ---

RCMP Enforcement (includes overtime)

$15,143,660

Funding to Independent Municipal Police Departments

$759,610

Total Police Costs

$15,903,270

Total Expenditures

$17,322,959


I

Appendix B – ”E” Division Statistics and Trends Graph 1: 1996 – 2007 District Fatality Trend*

* Traffic related fatality numbers continue to settle and are subject to change. Source: RCMP ‘E’ Division, Traffic Services

Graph 2: 1996 – 2006 Seatbelt related fatalities v. Seatbelt enforcement activity Source: RCMP ‘E’ Division, Traffic Services

1996-2007 District Fatality Trend

113 113105

116

96

114 117 121 124 130115

109

93

7865

74 7481 77 71 69

144132 131

138 140 140131 129 127

121

59

3343

35 38 38 3343

51 52 52

898886

169

110

48

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

LMD North Southeast Island

Seatbelt Related Fatalities vs. Seatbelt Enforcement 1996 - 2006

43,133 41,44844,112

53,508

60,205

72,034

95,628 93,795

76,733

40,12441,728

117119

144

158

143151

131138

173

137

101

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 20060

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000Seatbelt Enforcement

Seatbelt Related Fatalities


II

Appendix C: Air One Statistics

Chart 1: Air One Time Spent Geographically

2007 Time Spent at Calls (minutes) per Area

Port Mann11%

Vancouver12%

Surrey30%

Langley 9%

Ridge Meadows 3%

Richmond 4%

Burnaby 4%

Coquitlam 4%

New Westminster 3%

Chilliwack 3%

Delta 3%Other 14%

Source: RCMP, Traffic Safety Helicopter quarterly reports, 2007.


III

Appendix D: Media Scan Statistics

Media Scan (Q1 – Q4 2007) – Main Road Safety Issues

Main Topics of Road Safety Articles 2007

0.2% 0.6% 0.6% 0.7%

0.9% 1.1%

1.5% 1.7% 1.8%

2.0% 2.2%

2.8% 2.9% 2.9%

4.6%

4.6%

4.8%

6.8%

8.8%

10.3% 11.4%

14.2%

0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% 14.0% 16.0%

vulnerable road users traffic revenue

tech/engineering intersection

commercial vehicle criminal interdiction

traffic safety helicopter farm worker transport

motorcycles speeding

photo radar seatbelt

licensing enforcement

collision (injury) pursuits

distracted driving dangerous driving

auto theft miscellaneous collision (fatal)

impaired driving

% main topic


IV

Percentage of Main Topic Road Safety Issues in Road Safety Articles

0.3

0.6

0.6

0.6

0.9

1.8

2.1

2.8

2.8

2.8

3.1

3.7

4

4.6

4.9

5.8

8.6

8.9

9.2

9.8

10.1

12.2

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

vulnerable road users

intersection safety camera

criminal interdiction

tech/engineering

traffic revenue

traffic safety helicopter

speeding

motorcycles

licensing

farm worker transport

photo radar

distracted driving

seatbelt

enforcement

collision serious injury

pursuits

dangerous driving

not related to road safety

collision fatal

miscellaneous

impaired driving

auto theft

% main topic


V

Appendix E: 2007 Media/Enforcement Campaigns

2007 Enforcement/Media Campaigns

January

Auto Crime

February

Auto Crime

March

AggressiveDriving

April

AggressiveDriving

May

AggressiveDriving

June

ImpairedDriving

July

AggressiveDriving

August

AggressiveDriving

September

Pedestrian Safety

October

Seatbelts & Intersections

November

Speed relative

to conditions

December

Impaired Driving

V

Produced by: Road Safety Unit, Police Services Division, 2008 Contact: Police Services Division, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 604 660-2406

Documents

Enhanced Road Safety Initiative - 2007 Annual Report · Enhanced Road Safety Enforcement 2007 Annual Report 7 Goal 1 – Increase Levels of Traffic Enforcement INTEGRATED ROAD SAFETY