High-Visibility Law Enforcement
VI.
UTILIZING DATA DRIVEN ENFORCEMENT
“As we deal with so many critical issues in public safety today, we must also continue to focus on safety on our roads and highways. Every year over 40,000 people die from unnecessary and avoidable traffic collisions. The Fresno Police, along with many other law enforcement agencies across our country, continue to use proactive enforcement measures such as DUI checkpoints to give our best effort to save people from potentially life-ending collisions. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we must hold everyone accountable. We appreciate the federal and state funding available to help in this cause. We are inspired by organizations like MADD who bring education, awareness, and attention to this critical issue. Working together will make a difference and save lives on our roads!” Today, more than ever, it is imperative that law enforcement executives utilize data to drive their operations; especially when focusing on specific traffic, crime, or problem behaviors. Furthermore, the use of data assists law enforcement agencies in achieving organizational strategies while providing opportunities to engage stakeholders through strategic partnerships and problem-solving techniques. Citizens expect law enforcement agencies to address crime and traffic trends, which lead to loss of life, and erode public confidence where safety and security in their homes, neighborhoods, and places of business is concerned. This opportunity to serve can only be enhanced when executives empower their command staff to be transparent, and communicative with the public, while inviting them and other stakeholders to the table to be partners in initiatives that often improve quality of life, increase trust, and in some instances, saves lives. During the planning phase of operations, which includes evaluating data, extending participation invitations to other affected law enforcement agencies and community partners to assist with the initiative is essential. Once all stakeholders are established, meet to discuss the scope of the issue, share data to substantiate the need to act, establish a timeline for the duration of the operation, and educate and involve the community in combating the problem by allowing them the opportunity to understand the “why.”
Community partners should include, but not be limited to: local safety coalitions mayors city councils civic organizations victims and survivors local clergy
When the general public understands the need for traffic enforcement programs, particularly in statistically high crash areas, they are much more supportive of law enforcement’s efforts to address public safety through stepped up enforcement.
Chief Paco Balderrama Fresno Police Department
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving ®
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