MADD Summit Final Report

Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) Program  ‐ Jared Olsen, Idaho TSRP, Ken Stecker, Michigan  TSRP, spoke of the evolution of the TSRP Program; the TSRP’s role within law enforcement and the  significant connection between them; information on resources such as Traffic Tuesday webinars,  quarterly newsletters, statewide publications; training manuals, such as the DWI Prosecutor’s  Handbook; programs such as the Cross‐Examination for Prosecutors; and the need to empower  prosecutors and officers in the courtroom through training.   Closing Remarks – Ron Replogle drew the Summit to a close with thanks to NHTSA and to the law  enforcement present and MADD’s hopes of effecting positive change in traffic enforcement as a result  with the goal of no more victims. Ron highlighted MADD’s plans on upcoming projects to develop a Roll  Call Briefing video as well as to drill this Summit down to recommendations that will be presented and  discussed in 10 meetings, one in each of the NHTSA regions.  Skip Carter Deputy Commissioner (retired) of the California Highway Patrol and MADD National Board  member closed the Summit emphasizing MADD’s commitment to Law Enforcement, demonstrated in  the sub‐committee being formed in which he will Chair. He encouraged law enforcement officers to  keep up the fight and have confidence that MADD will support them.  VIII. Conclusions  a. Major issues facing law enforcement with respect to impaired driving  During the Summit, law enforcement attendees were asked to share the issues they are  facing in their agencies and states that may be contributing to the rise in DUI‐related  crash fatalities and decline in arrests. These answers were compiled into a list to be  utilized in subsequent roundtable discussions. The top issues discussed were combined  based on overlap of issues (for example, lack of funding created several other barriers)  and are listed here while the full list of issues cited are attached to this report (see  Appendix F):  

1. Leadership : Law enforcement leadership at the Summit all believe in strong  traffic enforcement but were quick to note that many of their peers have  other priorities.  Issues like the “Ferguson Effect,” fewer officers and not  enough manpower, and a surge in other crimes are reasons why traffic  enforcement has steadily declined.  Chiefs may lose their job over homicides  but not over traffic enforcement, although traffic fatalities far exceed  homicides. Leaders at the Summit spent substantial time talking about the  lack of leadership or leadership priorities in the area of traffic enforcement.  2. Funding: Many of the barriers to better traffic enforcement discussed could  be addressed with more funding, particularly in areas of more manpower,  overtime, assistance for toxicology labs to decrease wait time, sobriety  checkpoints, and training.  3. Training : Several issues that were presented could be traced back to a lack of  experience among officers in the area of impaired driving enforcement or lack  of training, one of the biggest barriers discussed. This issue also ties back to  funding, as it is a challenge to fulfill the dual needs of officer training and  maintaining enforcement on the streets.  4. Motivation : A major barrier that was addressed from several angles was lack  of motivation among officers to make impaired driving arrests. This is due to a

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