Novato PD to Receive Recognition for Traffic Safety Efforts

California to Award Novato Police Department with Special California Law Enforcement Challenge Recognition for Traffic Safety Efforts

WHAT: The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be presenting the Novato Police Department with 1^st Place Honors for departments of their size and special recognitions for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Recognition.  In addition, OTS is honoring Officer Oliver Collins for his individual Traffic Safety efforts for Novato PD.

California's law enforcement community must set ambitious goals for traffic safety enforcement and education.  Police officers have unprecedented responsibilities to prevent traffic fatalities, which now occur at the rate of one every two hours, to reduce the number of serious injuries resulting from traffic collisions, and to positively impact the spiraling emergency services and health care costs.

 The California Law Enforcement Challenge program allows law enforcement agencies to set comprehensive goals, to strive to reach new heights in traffic safety, to share their experiences with others, and to be recognized for their traffic safety accomplishments; in short, to make a difference in the communities their officers serve each day. Saving lives and reducing the frequency and severity of injuries are the true rewards of law enforcement's efforts.

Agencies that enter the California Law Enforcement Challenge are evaluated on the following categories: Policy Statements on Traffic Safety Programs, Officer Training, Public Information and Education, Enforcement Activities, Effectiveness, Incentives & Recognition & Quality of Submission.

WHEN:             August 9, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE:           909 Machin Avenue, Novato, CA

WHO:               Christopher Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety

                        Joseph Farrow, Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol

                        James Berg, Novato Chief of Police

WHY: Traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries are serious issues facing every community in California. Law enforcement officials have taken it upon themselves in Novato to address these crucial community concerns.  Recognizing the challenging budgets and additional responsibilities in Novato OTS and state law enforcement officials appreciate the need to highlight and acknowledge those agencies that have excelled in efforts to lower deaths and injuries.