Administrative
Report
N.4., File # 23-5620 Meeting Date: 3/21/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF A “DRIVE SLOW REDONDO” PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As part of the strategic plan, the Police Department was directed to provide a report to City Council on potential options to launch a “Drive Slow Redondo” public awareness campaign. The Police Department has identified several options for implementation of the public safety campaign, including increased public education, social media notifications and enforcement strategies. A presentation on the campaign will be provided at the City Council Meeting.
BACKGROUND
The Redondo Beach City Council directed staff, as part of the current strategic plan, to provide a report on the options to launch a “Drive Slow Redondo” public awareness campaign. Enforcement of traffic laws in the City, specifically for violating the basic speed law, is a vital task of the Police Department. The Traffic Unit operates within the Special Operations Bureau and, along with Officers in the Patrol Division, works to specifically provide education and enforcement to maintain traffic safety in the City. The Traffic Unit is made up of a Sergeant, an investigator and four full time Officers. This Unit is responsible for the specific enforcement, education and investigation of traffic related offenses and collisions.
The Police Department’s Traffic Unit utilizes various strategies to maintain traffic safety in the City.
The Traffic Hotline (310-937-6605) is a local phone number which allows for callers to leave messages for traffic officers and/or report areas in the City where traffic violations occur. The messages are monitored and collected by the Traffic Unit investigator then disseminated to Department personnel for enforcement and education. Additionally, Police Officers collaborate with neighboring South Bay Cities to periodically conduct traffic enforcement patrols across the area on a rotational basis. These Officers utilize data to determine the best area(s) to focus their enforcement efforts.
Recently, the South Bay partnership deployed in Redondo Beach for four hours and conducted nearly 100 traffic stops for various violations and issued approximately 80 citations. Traffic enforcement saturation patrols are often an effective measure to maintain traffic safety. These efforts are coordinated by Traffic Unit personnel utilizing resources from other Divisions in the Department.
These additional patrols result in a more robust education and enforcement response. A portion of the funding for additional traffic enforcement details are supported through annual grant awards.
N.4., File # 23-5620 Meeting Date: 3/21/2023
the funding for additional traffic enforcement details are supported through annual grant awards.
Traffic Unit personnel apply for funding and maintain compliance with grant-related responsibilities once awarded and approved by City Council.
Although Police Officers are responsible for the enforcement and education of all traffic laws, Redondo Beach Police Officers have issued more speed violation citations than any other moving violation found in the Vehicle Code. Additionally, Police Officers use discretion to issue warning citations for various violations, including speed violations, to increase the educational aspect of the Police Department approach.
A citation and a warning are both considered forms of education; however, Police Officers provide education in alternative ways as well. The Police Department uses radar trailers and speed limit trailers at locations where frequent complaints are received regarding speeding vehicles. Radar trailers collect data, such as the number of vehicles in an area and their speed. This data helps to corroborate information and identify the need for additional resources to solve a specific traffic issue.
Speed Limit Display trailers provide drivers the current speed of their vehicle and the maximum speed limit on the roadway. This information is also used by the Police Department to corroborate information and utilize resources as needed.
Electronic message boards and the Police Department’s social media sites reach a large number of people in the community, as well as those who visit or work in the City. These platforms are often used to provide warnings, like “Speeders Will Be Cited,” or provide education related to specific traffic offenses. The use of Police Department social media to provide education on traffic related issues has been successful and reaches a large number of users. Current efforts to produce more engaging content have been well received by the community and appear to be creating conversations around important issues and upcoming special events.
The Police Department, in partnership with other City Departments, is prepared to implement an enhanced traffic safety awareness campaign. The Police Department is equipped with the tools and abilities to advertise, educate and enforce a more targeted traffic safety message to those who live and visit the City of Redondo Beach. The Department has found that traffic safety awareness campaigns are effective in bringing mindfulness, safety and behavioral change to issues that concern the community and anticipates similar efforts would be an effective means to initiate, and bring attention to, the Drive Slow Redondo campaign.
COORDINATION
Various units within the Police Department were consulted in preparation of this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
A public safety awareness campaign may be initiated and implemented using the current Police Department operating budget. However, there may be additional costs associated with the duration or scope of the campaign. Any additional funding needs would be presented for City Council consideration as part of future budget considerations.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
N.4., File # 23-5620 Meeting Date: 3/21/2023
ATTACHMENTS
· Presentation - Drive Slow Redondo Public Awareness Campaign