Over the next several blogs, the International Association of Chiefs of Police will recognize the 2019 IACP Leadership Award Winners, who have made meaningful contributions to both their communities, and law enforcement as a whole. Their achievements are representative of the incredible leadership displayed by police organizations across the globe. 

This blog will focus on Transportation Safety. Transportation Safety awards are given to individuals and agencies that provide exceptional insight into safety on and off the roads. These individuals and agencies identify transportation safety needs and develop innovative solutions to address them, working to create safer communities. 

IACP Leadership in Police Aviation Award 

The IACP Leadership in Police Aviation Award recognizes public safety individuals and agencies that exemplify excellence in airborne law enforcement operations for both manned and unmanned aircraft operations in the law enforcement community. This award emphasizes initiatives that enhance general safety operations, accident prevention programs, and the efficiency and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement. 

Texas Department of Public Safety, Aircraft Operations Division 

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) Aircraft Division provides excellent service through their top-to-bottom “safety first” approach, intensive training, state of the art equipment, constant commitment to excellence in the air, and recognition from The Texas Department of Transportation – Flight Services for superior aircraft maintenance. The TDPS utilizes dedicated training staff for the aircraft division, a chain of command that ensures transparency, best practices for training and development, and cooperation and shared knowledge between various agencies. Along with initial and annual training, each crew member is given an annual in-house check ride by a qualified and experienced training captain in both rotor and fixed wing aircraft. This allows the Aircraft Division to further the Texas Department of Public Safety’s mission - to protect and serve Texas. 

IACP J. Stannard Baker Lifetime Achievement in Highway Safety Award 

The IACP J. Stannard Baker Lifetime Achievement in Highway Safety Award honors the late J. Stannard Baker, who made significant contributions to highway safety. Mr. Baker served as Director of Research and Development at the Northwestern University Traffic Institute (now the Center for Public Safety) for over thirty years. During that time, he focused on the causes of traffic crashes and the techniques of collision investigation and reconstruction. He was known throughout the world as the “Father of Accident Investigation.” Mr. Baker’s groundbreaking textbook, Traffic Accident Investigation Manual, is the worldwide standard. 

State Agency 
Commissioner Warren Stanley 
California Highway Patrol 

Commissioner Warren Stanley began his career with the California Highway Patrol in 1982. He was promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant in 1998. After several more promotions and area changes, he was given the opportunity to become the Southern Division Commander. He championed youth programs, traffic safety programs, and community participation. Commissioner Stanley was also committed to furthering the Highway Safety Corridor Program, the Senior Volunteer Program, and the Designated Driver Program. He was integral in the implementation and funding of “Start Smart”, “Every 15 Minutes”, “California Amber Alert”, “Right Turn”, and “CHiPs for Kids”. Commissioner Stanley has helped California achieve a below-national-average mileage per death rate, and a 97% compliance rate for seat belt usage by motorists.  

Other Law Enforcement 
Mohamed Hassan Almismari 
Fujairah Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates 

Captain Mohamed Hassan Almismari joined the Fujairah Police at 18 years old. He was then appointed as a traffic clerk where he received specialized courses in traffic crash investigation and management. He went on to become an officer for traffic accidents and investigation. He completed 5,500 traffic collision reports over 12 years. In 2001, Captain Almismari started the first Traffic Statistics Office of Fujairah where he collected data on 25,000 traffic accidents, 85 deaths, and 858 cases of simple, medium, and serious nature. In 2010, he graduated as a lieutenant and was appointed director of the Branch of Awareness and Traffic Information. While in command, he created a series of initiatives, the most important being the Preparation of Traffic Security Awareness program for school students. He also formed a team to coordinate with local partners to develop guidelines and instructions regarding the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. 

IACP/3M Leadership in Looking Beyond the License Plate Award

The IACP/3M Leadership in Looking Beyond the License Plate Award recognizes the dedication and initiative of individual police officers whose daily efforts during traffic stops play a large part in preventing additional, more severe crimes. This award is designed to substantiate and document the importance of license plates as law enforcement tools and recognize officers who use license plates to prevent and detect both civil traffic violations and further criminal conduct. 

Learn more about 3M. 

Lieutenant Colonel Saeed Obeid Al Kindi 
Fujairah Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates 

While on patrol, Lieutenant Colonel Al Kindi noticed a vehicle with faded license plate numbers and decided to follow the vehicle. After pulling into a gas station, the subject exited the vehicle and began having a verbal altercation with the gas station worker. Lieutenant Colonel Al Kindi noticed the behavior and attempted to pull over the vehicle after it left the gas station. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped, and the subject exited the car. Lieutenant Colonel Al Kindi was able to detain the subject despite heavy resistance. It was later discovered that the vehicle was stolen and related to a homicide involving two victims that was reported just minutes earlier. It was determined that the subject involved in this arrest was the perpetrator in the homicide case and was taken into custody. Thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Al Kindi and his keen intuition, the suspect was apprehended before he could flee, destroy evidence, and escape justice. 

Watch the video.

IACP Excellence in Traffic Safety Award 

Traffic safety is a key element of public safety. This is particularly true as the number of traffic fatalities across the world remain at unacceptable levels. Law enforcement and other government agencies as well as community organizations play a key role in maintaining safe roadways and communities. The IACP Excellence in Traffic Safety Award recognizes organizations that excel in the field of traffic safety. 

Jeremy Ellison  
Commander 
St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Department 

In 2016, Commander Jeremy Ellison began analyzing and sharing data relating to motor vehicle crashes and fatalities. His analysis revealed a noticeable number of injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians and bikers, so the city of St. Paul allocated resources to create a citywide pedestrian safety plan. This included the creation of a full-time position to lead the efforts in pedestrian and bike safety, as well as partnerships with other city agencies and private groups to create safety initiatives. One of the most successful programs is the “Stop for Me Pedestrian Safety Initiative,” which brought together private and public entities to address education, engineering, and enforcement. Drug recognition experts (DRE) were also an important part of this program. The increase in DRE personnel helped properly address impaired driving. As a result of these programs, St. Paul saw a decrease in the number of pedestrian-involved crashes, from 314 in 2016 to 260 in 2018; a 20% reduction in just 2 years.