2024
Winner | Traffic Safety
Independence (OH) Police Department (2024)
State: OH
Resources
Independence (OH) Police Department | 2024 Traffic Safety Winner Video
Overview
The Independence Police Department (IPD) in Independence, Ohio, has implemented a comprehensive wellness program under the leadership of Chief Robert Butler to prioritize the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of its officers and their families. Chief Butler’s primary concern upon assuming the role of Chief of Police was to create a more wholesome and supportive work environment while enhancing the efficiency and quality of service to the public. Recognizing the varied challenges that law enforcement officers face, including physical and emotional strain, Chief Butler introduced initiatives aimed at promoting officer safety and creating a culture of change.
The IPD, part of the Southwest Enforcement Bureau (SEB) regional SWAT team, has access to SEB equipment like their Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle, robots, and other resources for critical incidents. Equipment includes ballistic plates, armored vehicles like Lenco Bearcat, drones, robots, breaching tools, and various munitions. SEB also has trained marksmen, negotiators, and tactical medics.
Several Independence Police officers belong to a multi-jurisdictional Mobile Field Force consisting of agencies from the Cleveland suburbs. These units play a vital role in safeguarding life and property during times of civil unrest. The Mobile Field Force members were recently deployed during the 2020 riots in Cleveland, highlighting how training and appropriate equipment were crucial in ensuring the officers’ safety while carrying out their duties. As part of the TAC CAR program, the officers are provided with uniforms, body armor, helmets with face shields, riot batons, gas masks, and additional protective pads. Additionally, they have acrylic riot shields and less-lethal equipment like pepper ball launchers, tasers, tear gas deployment systems, and impact munitions.
The Independence Police Department prioritizes traffic safety due to high traffic volume in the city. They proactively promote safe driving through programs for new drivers. Their efforts were recognized with AAA awards in 2022 and 2023 for commitment to traffic safety. To enhance safety measures, IPD mandates that officers wear highly reflective, OSHA-approved traffic safety vests when outside their vehicles for extended periods. Chief Butler has also invested in reversible patrol coats that are highly reflective for officers to wear in adverse weather conditions, resulting in a decrease in traffic-related injuries. Furthermore, police vehicles are fitted with LED backlighting to signal approaching traffic of an officer’s presence on the road.
In addition to traffic safety vests and LED backlighting, officers are equipped with traffic safety flares to further notify oncoming traffic of an officer’s presence on the road. The combined use of these safety tools has significantly reduced incidents involving officers and traffic. Tourniquets, AED devices, and GO-Bags with first aid items are carried by officers. Training with tactical medics and combat veterans enhances emergency medical skills, focusing on “stop the bleed” techniques.
The city has ensured that nearly all major intersections are compatible with portable generators. These generators allow officers to connect and operate traffic signals until power is restored, removing the need for officers to direct traffic on the road. By avoiding placing officers on the road, especially in bad weather or at night, the risk of incidents involving officers and traffic has decreased. Every officer has a key to access the signal control panels and receives training on using the generators. While the department does not track the frequency of generator use, they are commonly employed during severe weather to keep officers safe from hazardous conditions on the roads.
The IPD has acquired a drone for field operations, a move that was deemed beneficial by both leadership and field officers. The drone is particularly useful for scenarios involving missing persons, fleeing felons, and critical incidents, allowing operators to provide crucial on-site information without risking officer safety. Equipped with infrared, thermal imaging, LED lighting, and communication capabilities, the drone is a valuable asset. Currently, two Patrolmen are designated as drone operators after completing the FAA-certified drone operators’ course. They work on alternating shifts to ensure operational coverage throughout all patrol shifts.
In summary, the Independence Police Department’s wellness program, spearheaded by Chief Robert Butler, has successfully prioritized the comprehensive well-being of officers and their families. Through a multifaceted approach that encompasses physical, emotional, and financial wellness, as well as officer safety, the department has fostered a supportive work environment and experienced positive outcomes in terms of morale, retention, and recruitment. The ongoing evolution of the wellness program is pivotal to ensuring its continued alignment with the changing needs of the department and the incoming generations of officers.
