Case Studies Suggest Practical Ways to Increase the Visibility of High-Visibility Enforcement Programs [Traffic Tech]

NHTSA · 2013 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) addresses the implementation of high-visibility enforcement (HVE) programs designed to reduce impaired driving. The underlying motivation is that HVE strategies, such as sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, are effective because they increase drivers’ perceived risk of arrest. The document aims to provide practical guidance for communities by documenting six case studies from diverse U.S. jurisdictions, including Anoka County, Minnesota; Charles County, Maryland; Pasco County, Florida; Escondido, California; Southeast Wisconsin; and a multi-jurisdictional "Checkpoint Strikeforce" program. The study gathered information from officials in these six sites to analyze their HVE operations. Each case study examined the program’s history, enforcement strategies, resource allocation, funding, community support, and statistical outcomes, such as arrest and crash data before and after implementation. The analysis focused on identifying common elements and specific tactics used to maximize visibility and deterrence. All sites utilized data on driving while impaired (DWI) arrests and alcohol-involved crashes to identify high-risk locations for enforcement. The findings detail specific enforcement tactics and visibility enhancements employed across the case studies. Checkpoint strategies varied widely, including large-scale operations with at least ten staff, small-scale operations with three to five staff, and specialized timing such as "happy-hour" (4–7 p.m.) or nighttime (9 p.m.–2 a.m.) checkpoints. Other checkpoint types included mobile operations, holiday-specific events, and "phantom" checkpoints where signage was displayed without active stops to maintain perceived risk. Saturation patrols involved additional officers patrolling specific high-risk areas. To increase visibility, agencies used high-intensity lights, reflective signs, variable message boards, and marked vans or trailers for administrative tasks. Officers wore specialized insignia, and patrol cars displayed magnetic signs identifying them as part of DWI efforts. Media strategies combined paid advertising with earned media, including press releases, letters to the editor, and promotional materials in local businesses like bars and restaurants. The significance of this report lies in its provision of a practical framework for developing and sustaining HVE programs. It offers actionable suggestions for identifying impaired-driving problems, forming local task forces, combining resources with other agencies, and overcoming community opposition. By documenting successful visibility elements and media strategies, the report serves as a resource for law enforcement agencies seeking to enhance the deterrent effect of their enforcement activities through increased public awareness and perceived likelihood of detection.

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• dui enforcement

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation