Engaging non-tech Law Enforcement Officers Sgt. Tim Gould Vermont State Police

Obstacles to Enforcement Primary Enforcement: 34 states and D.C. Secondary Enforcement: 15 states *NH has no seatbelt law for adults.

Secondary enforcement laws make enforcement secondary to officers. Seatbelt enforcement is only pushed to the forefront during special enforcement campaigns

Secondary Enforcement – does it affect enforcement of child restraint laws? Are officers looking for 15-17 year olds that have no seatbelt? (In Vermont, anyone under 18 is covered by child restraint law, which is PRIMARY enforcement)

Obstacles to Enforcement Product evolution Complicated and changing technology

Obstacles to Enforcement

Obstacles to Enforcement Complicated and varied products Lack of standardization CRS Manual Vehicle Manual LATCH Manual

Obstacles to Enforcement Child restraint laws: Ages and weights – 20 lbs and 1 year; age 8; age 17 Exceptions – School buses; vehicles designed to carry passengers for hire Exceptions to exceptions – except vehicle operated by a child care facility

Training? In Vermont, full time certified officers receive a few minutes of training during motor vehicle law class.

Areas of enforcement for “lay” officers: Booster Seats: Back vs Backless - common misconception of booster as backless only. Proper belt position – shoulder belt NEVER behind back. Stress importance of role as belt positioning device. Posture – look for kids to sit up straight, reinforce the importance of this. Parents – emphasize the importance of behavior and setting a good example.

Areas of enforcement for “lay” officers: Harnesses: Loose harnesses – hanging off shoulder Excessive layers of clothing Frayed/Twisted harness straps

Areas of enforcement for “lay” officers: Load Securement: Seat secured in vehicle? 1 inch test – checked at belt path. Seat belt locked?

Areas of enforcement for “lay” officers: The Forgotten Years: Age 8 – 17 May still need booster during early years. NO CRS…. But PRIMARY ENFORCEMENT Kids moving around in car Reaching in front or behind

Areas of enforcement for “lay” officers: Crash Investigation: Ensure that proper data is collected:

Areas of enforcement for “lay” officers: Are we getting good crash data when no “CPS” investigation is completed?

Areas of enforcement for “lay” officers: Crash Investigation: When no tech is available, collect as much data regarding child and seat to allow for follow up… Which will lead to better crash data.

Vermont: So what are we doing?: US Dept of Health and Human Services CoIIN. Develop a course of instruction for patrol officers. 2-4 hours of instruction.

Vermont: So what are we doing?: Pilot to be taught to certified police officers. Following pilot and adjustments, course will be inserted into “post-basic” training for all full time certified Vermont police officers.

Vermont: So what are we doing?: Focus on “hands on” training with sample seats.

So what are we doing?: Vermont: Case studies/victories…..

August 2012, VT Route 131, Weathersfield, VT; 7:52 p.m. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, SB on US Rt 5. Motorist calls to report erratic operation as the vehicle turns onto Rt 131 westbound. Trooper responds to intercept; while en route, a crash is reported. Jeep crossed the center lane and sideswiped a Ford F-150 Jeep continues and strikes a Ford Fusion head on in the eastbound lane. Operator of Jeep is killed. 4 year old female in rear seat of Ford Fusion is restrained in a booster seat.

Mark from seatbelt extending across center of chest to child’s left shoulder

Mark from lap belt extending across hips and waist

Mark from shoulder belt on shoulder, not on neck. “Only” injury - fractured clavicle.

How do officers achieve victories? Look for obvious/gross misuse Know when to refer a family to a technician Collect information about children and child restraints to allow for follow up when there is no CPS tech as the scene of injury and fatal crashes.