To establish positive community relations as a primary goal of overall operations at the local post level; to establish guidelines for the development and achievement of community traffic crash and crime prevention programs; to provide guidelines for public speaking engagements, diversion programs, safety presentations, and community educational services; and to establish standards for educating juveniles and teenagers on traffic safety through school liaison programs.
A. POLICY STATEMENT - Because the conduct of each Division employee reflects on the agency as a whole, the burden of achieving our community relations objectives must be shared by all employees. However, it is the post commander’s responsibility to see that formal community relations plans are formulated that will work for the particular post area and adjacent/resident counties.
1. Community Relations Plans - Community relations plans developed at the local level should include provisions that:
a. Establish liaison with formal community organizations and other community groups.
b. Publicize Division as well as local objectives, problems, and successes. Those events of a large magnitude may require coordination through the Division’s Public Affairs Unit.
c. Convey information and concerns transmitted from community organizations back to the Division.
d. Constantly strive to improve local operations that have a bearing on Division community relations.
e. Identify training needs through daily interaction with citizens, officers and supervisors.
f. Attempt to influence formation of community groups to support Division traffic safety and other programs where such groups do not exist.
2. Criminal Justice And Social Service Diversion Programs - Consistent with the Division’s powers and duties, community relations plans shall include participation in criminal justice and social service diversion programs. As appropriate, this may include service in an advisory capacity, as resource persons in alcohol and drug court diversion programs, and as speakers or instructors in adult and juvenile traffic safety education classes.
3. Program Evaluation - Community relations programs must be evaluated on an ongoing basis. Communities are not static entities; as a result, the demands placed on the Division will vary. Programs developed to meet community traffic safety needs require constant evaluation to ensure effectiveness. An annual evaluation of community relations programs will be completed by each post and district in March. These will be reviewed by the inspecting officer during line and staff inspections.
4. Coordination of Significant Issues - When significant community relations issues exist, the post commander will notify the Field Operations Executive Officer through the district commander of these issues on a monthly basis or sooner depending on the nature of the problem. The Field Operations Commander will provide the Superintendent with specifics on these issues as they occur. Written communications should include:
a. A description of current concerns voiced by the community;
b. Potential problems that have a bearing on post operations within the community; and
c. A statement of recommended actions that address these concerns and problems.
B. PARTNERS FOR SAFETY - Partners For Safety (PFS) is a community relations program to be utilized by post commanders to explore creative ways to address community concerns such as traffic safety, crime, and improving the overall quality of life in the community. PFS projects shall be reported as outlined in policy OSP-601.04, Partners For Safety.
1. Saved By The Belt - This program is designed to increase public awareness about the lifesaving value of safety belts by publicly recognizing individuals who survive serious traffic crashes while wearing safety belts. Post commanders are responsible for honoring individuals in local ceremonies. Award materials will be provided by the Division’s Information Services Section.
a. Recognition Qualifications - Person(s) involved in Division-investigated crashes should be nominated by the investigating officer or the post commander when the investigation reveals the person(s) were spared serious injury or death because they were properly wearing a safety belt or using a properly installed child restraint.
b. Nomination Procedure - The Public Affairs Unit should be contacted as soon after the crash date as possible with the following data:
- Name of the person(s).
- Their address and telephone number.
- Crash report number and date of the crash.
- A certificate, lapel pin, license plate bracket, copy of the crash report, and sample news release will be forwarded to the post commander, who will arrange for an appropriate presentation ceremony to gain the widest possible media coverage and educational impact. Presentations should be scheduled to coincide with other traffic safety-related events when possible.
C. TRAFFIC CRASH AND CRIME PREVENTION
1. Responsibilities - The development of statewide traffic crash and crime prevention activities is the responsibility of the Field Operations Commander. District and post commanders are responsible for planning and coordinating crash and crime prevention programs to combat local high crash areas and crime problems. This coordination shall include assisting local law enforcement. All post employees should be aware of their post’s high traffic crash and crime areas and work to reduce them through the public information program.
2. Operations
a. The Field Operations Commander shall maintain liaison with groups working toward reduction of traffic crashes and crime. Direction should be provided to district and post commanders about new programs that may be used on a local level to deter crime and traffic crashes.
b. The District Commander will maintain liaison with posts, providing them with an overall perspective of crime and traffic crash prevention. District commanders will also establish programs that are useful and relevant to local interest groups at various post assignments, keeping in mind local problems.
c. The Post Commander shall be responsible for:
1) Locating high crime and crash areas, problem age groups, and causative factors; using the data analyzed and compiled to target these problems.
2) The programs designed to combat these problems, as well as the problems themselves, should be updated and retargeted as the crash and crime pictures change.
3) All employees will cooperate with and assist local citizens groups in forming and educating crash and crime prevention groups such as MADD, SADD, block watch, etc.
4) While conducting crime or crash prevention programs, officers should make all pertinent information available, including problem age groups, areas and causative factors, and explain to citizens how they can assist in combating these problems. Citizens of all ages and areas should be reached.
5) Post commanders shall remain aware of proposed highway construction projects and new businesses or residences that may affect the local crime or crash pattern. Suggestions for traffic safety should be made to the appropriate authorities so recommendations can be considered.
6) Post commanders may utilize foreign language specialists when needed within a post area. A good source of foreign language specialists is local social service agencies. Another source is the AT&T Language Line, Policy OSP-403.26.
3. Techniques - Traffic crash and crime prevention programs are those programs used within the service population to impact traffic crash and crime prevention. This can involve using Division employees, assisting local agencies or using auxiliaries or civilians. Examples of prevention programs might include: mock crash presentations, Halloween bridge patrol, safety belt programs at schools, driver education programs, victim and witness assistance involvement, drug interdiction programs in the community, etc. These programs would be directed at achieving Division goals and objectives and be within our area of responsibility.
4. Program Evaluation - Each post and district commander shall biennially evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. This evaluation shall occur within 90 days of their biennial staff inspection, Policy OSP-500.12. The evaluation shall be presented to the inspecting officer during the biennial staff inspection.
D. SPECIAL COMMUNITY RELATIONS EDUCATIONAL SERVICES - The Ohio State Highway Patrol is called upon daily to conduct public education and traffic safety programs.
1. Participation - Will depend on personnel availability, accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the Division, and impact on traffic and public safety.
2. Scheduling - It is the responsibility of the supervisor receiving a request for participation to evaluate it in comparison to the commitment of manpower and equipment. If the detail cannot be handled on the date requested, a possible alternative should be suggested. Requests for personnel, films, videotapes, or other resources should normally be scheduled two weeks in advance to allow sufficient time to obtain the resources needed for the detail. Films and videotapes may be loaned if an officer is not available. Be specific about the return date. Establish a follow-up to ensure all items are returned.
3. Specialized Programs - Special programs have been developed, some in cooperation with other organizations. Guidelines specific to these programs are described in Special Provisions.
E. TRAFFIC SAFETY SCHOOL PROGRAMS - As supported by statistics, the role of the young driver is one of major concern. A need for educating the youthful driver about traffic safety is apparent and lies within the responsibilities of the Division. We have numerous resources available to assist us in meeting that obligation.
1. The Division has been active in driver education presentations in schools throughout the state. Mock crash demonstrations have been received successfully throughout the state. Such presentations are available to a greater number of students than the typical driver education presentation.
2. Responsibility lies with the post commander to maintain a conscientious and concentrated effort toward educating the young driver. Presentations can be developed by seeking the support and assistance of local emergency organizations. Past presentations have shown enthusiastic and dedicated support from those groups as well as receiving positive results.
3. The traditional driving training program is a valuable means of teaching traffic safety. The importance of properly handling it, or any other driver education presentation, cannot be overemphasized. The need for the Division to take an active role is greater than ever.
4. Post commanders shall initiate a local school liaison program within their respective post area to promote traffic safety in the school systems. A designated school liaison officer will be responsible for the operation of the program. Certain provisions will be required. The officer will:
a. Serve as a resource to juveniles with respect to delinquency prevention on the highways;
b. Provide guidance on ethical issues in a classroom setting such as driving while under the influence of alcohol, seat belt usage, etc.; and
c. Explain the law enforcement role of the Division as it applies within our powers and authorities.
5. Knowledge, experience and imagination are assets necessary for promoting successful presentations. When preparing and presenting such a program, certain elements should be considered:
a. Students’ knowledge of traffic laws;
b. Consequences of abusing the privilege of driving;
c. Traffic crash problems in the post area and current statistical data relating to these problems;
d. Roles of the teenager as related to these problems and crash prevention; and
e. Providing opportunities for question and answer periods.
6. Officers should use Division materials and equipment to help substantiate, support and execute the presentation, i.e., films, videotapes, handouts, etc. The effectiveness and success of any school liaison program is dependent upon the effort put into it.
7. The post commander or designee shall be responsible for designing and implementing local programs intended to prevent and control juvenile traffic offenders. Such programs shall be implemented with input from other elements of the juvenile justice system (i.e., juvenile court, local schools, local juvenile social services agencies, and volunteer youth programs) and shall be evaluated annually in March. This evaluation will be made available to the inspecting officer during line and staff inspections. Examples of programs might be mock crash demonstrations, special prom programs, safety belt programs, etc.
A. HUG-A-BEAR PROGRAM - Hug-A-Bears (teddy bears) are provided to, and distributed by, field officers in cooperation with the Ohio Troopers Coalition (OTC) to assist in developing a line of communication between troopers and young children following a traumatic experience and to help provide a calming influence in special situations involving children.
1. Use - The Hug-A-Bear teddy bears have been placed in each patrol car used for regular traffic enforcement duties. These teddy bears are furnished by the Ohio Troopers Coalition. The decision to use the teddy bear rests with the officer confronted with an incident that generates a traumatic emotional impact on a victim. The use is not restricted to young children, but the majority of the cases will involve small children. The primary intent is to generate a calming influence on a traumatized child and not as a subterfuge to elicit statements during an investigation. Once given to the child as a calming influence, it will not be retrieved. It is the officer’s gift to the child. It will be up to the officer to use good judgment as to when to give the bear. Examples of use include:
a. When a parent has been killed or seriously injured in a traffic crash or incident.
b. When the child has been assaulted or abused.
c. When a child has been lost or seriously injured.
d. Mentally retarded or emotionally disturbed adults or young adults.
2. Distribution and Replacement
a. Ohio Troopers Caring, Inc. through its parent organization, the Ohio Troopers Coalition (OTC) will purchase, distribute, and replace Hug-A-Bears. Any material changes in the appearance of the teddy bears will be submitted by OTC to the Superintendent’s office for approval before issuance to a patrol car.
b. OTC personnel will arrange for distribution and placement in each patrol car used for traffic enforcement on a regular basis. The teddy bear will be an accountable item for each designated patrol car and will be issued on an HP-74.
c. OTC District Directors will maintain a supply of teddy bears to re-supply patrol cars.
d. The Division will provide Junior Trooper pins to OTC, Inc. for attachment to the teddy bears before they are sealed in plastic.
3. The form attached to this policy will be copied and submitted through Division mail to the OTC District Director for documentation and replacement by the officer using the teddy bear. Documentation, along with photos when appropriate, of the use of the Hug-A-Bear should be submitted to the OTC and to Planning Services for publication in Division and OTC reports, magazines and public relations activities.
B. JUNIOR TROOPER BADGE PROGRAM - Junior Trooper badges provide a public relations tool to reach children and youth with a positive message.
1. Use - Badges should be given to small children and youth. Discretion should be used in giving them to adults. They will not be traded, nor given out except to promote safety. Whenever possible, the badge should be presented by a trooper, who should issue a challenge to the child that as a new "Junior Trooper," they are responsible to tell all vehicle occupants to buckle up. Recommendations for future badges should be directed to Planning Services.
2. Distribution
a. State Fair - The primary distribution point will be the officers staffing the Department of Public Safety/Highway Patrol display. Additional use and distribution will be at the discretion of the State Fair Detail Commander.
b. District Headquarters - Each district should maintain a sufficient supply of badges to satisfy their posts’ needs.
c. Patrol Posts - Posts may request a supply of badges through their district for use at speech details, special functions, and for use by officers in their normal patrol functions. Crash investigations, safety belt enforcement contacts, and post tours are suggested times when badges can be distributed to children. A positive traffic safety contact and reminder is the desired and intended result.
1) Requests for quantities of badges to distribute without the presence of a sworn officer will not be honored. (e.g., classroom distribution by teachers)
2) Badges will not be placed in post reception areas for general distribution to the public.
C. BEARS AGAINST DRUGS (B.A.D) PROGRAM - The Bears Against Drugs (B.A.D.) Program has been developed by the Ohio Troopers Coalition (OTC), in cooperation with the Department of Public Safety and the Highway Patrol, to educate elementary school children in grades K-3 about drug awareness. A videotape, coloring books, and other pass-out materials are available for the trooper’s use during class presentations.
1. Detail Assignment - All troopers are eligible to volunteer to participate in the B.A.D. Program. The local representative (post associate) will jointly schedule assignments with the facility commander to ensure equal opportunity to all troopers interested in being presenters. The facility commander will establish a method for forwarding requests from school administrators to the post associate for actual scheduling.
a. Presentation of the videotape programs is a strictly volunteer activity and not an on-duty function.
b. Troopers will be surveyed by the post associate to determine interest in being a presenter.
c. Opportunities to make presentations will be fairly distributed among volunteers.
2. Scheduling And Presentation
a. The trooper/presenter will verify time, date, location, grade level, and number of students with the person requesting a videotape presentation. Troopers should also confirm with the teacher or group leader the availability and prior setup of a VHS format video recorder/player. Determine if any particular issue or topic needs emphasis.
b. Troopers shall wear the uniform-of-the-day while making presentations. Patrol vehicles may be used if available. If not available, the trooper will provide own transportation. Commute time will not be subject to any form of compensation.
c. Preview and rewind the videotape to be used. Obtain pass-out material from post stock for distribution to grades K to 3; "Bears Against Drugs " videotape and coloring book handouts where Trooper Teddy discusses the dangers of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and of not buckling their seatbelts.
d. Arrive early and brief school staff or teacher. Introduce yourself and briefly preview the topic and format of the presentation with the class.
e. At the completion of the videotape, the trooper/presenter should solicit comments and questions from the students. The handout material may then be distributed or given to the teacher for later distribution.
f. It is expected the entire presentation will conclude within 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Time Accountability - To account for use of Division equipment and to document number of details and hours, the following documentation will be completed.
a. Troopers will notify the local Division facility by radio or telephone upon departure to and arrival at the school or site of a presentation. Troopers will also notify the post upon departing the school and arrival at home. Times will be logged on the HP-53, Daily Patrol Phone & Radio Log.
b. Total detail time will be entered on the trooper’s HP-17 (Daily Report).
1) Caption FFF - enter volunteer time in tenths of an hour (include commute time).
2) Caption GGG - enter # of students attending presentation.
3) An entry shall be made in the Remarks Column for whom (school, group, etc.) the presentation was made and which tape was presented.
4) Tracking and compilation of volunteer hours on the HP-17 is at the request of the OTC.
4. Replacement handout materials may be requisitioned from Logistic Services.
Standard References
01.1.03 44.1.01 44.1.03 44.2.04 45.1.01
45.2.01 45.2.02 45.2.03 46.1.02