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Traffic Safety Enforcement – Dr. Daniel Isom
● Dr. Isom joined the general meeting to update the CMC on traffic enforcement, reckless driving, and crashes involving pedestrian and cyclists.
o Prior to 2022, most traffic enforcement was done by the traffic division. Recently though that division has been understaffed. To address that issue, district vehicles have been equipped with traffic enforcement tools and general officers have been trained to issue traffic summons.
o Earlier this year, each district was asked to determine high crash areas intersections in their area. Once the intersections were identified, officers have focused on them for traffic enforcement.
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
In the District 1, the intersections are Kingshighway and Chippewa, Gravois and Loughborough, and Gravois and Bates. In the past 30 days, officers in District 1 have issued 241 traffic summonses.
In the District 2, the intersections are Kingshighway and Manchester, Hampton and Wilson at Interstate 44, Kingshighway and Arsenal. In the past 30 days, officers in District 2 have issued 207 traffic summonses. In the District 3, the intersections are Grand and Gravois, Grand and Chouteau, and Jefferson and Lafayette. In the past 30 days, officers in District 3 have issued 92 traffic summonses.
In the District 4, the intersections are Grand and Natural Bridge, Grand and Paige, and 4th and Washington. In the past 30 days, officers in District 4 have issued 107 traffic summonses.
In the District 5, the intersections are Lindell and Kingshighway, Union and Martin Luther King Blvd, and Delmar and Kingshighway. In the past 30 days, officers in District 5 have issued 85 summonses.
In the District 6, officers focus on the West Florissant Corridor from city limits to Downtown. In the past 30 days, officers in District 6 have issued 52 summonses.
o As a
focused on highway enforcement on Interstate 55, 44, 64, and 70. In the past 30 days, the traffic division has issued over 600 summonses.
result of district officers issuing traffic summons, the traffic division is now
o The number of car crashes has decreased in 2022. Taking District 3 as an example, by this time in 2021 there had been 58 crashes. In 2022, there have only been 42 crashes. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities are consistent compared to last year.
o The largest issue in terms of traffic enforcement is drivers who don’t stop for any reason. It is the city’s policy that police officers do not pursue vehicles for traffic violations. Since COVID-19, the number of drivers fleeing from traffic violations has increased substantially. Each district has been tasked with tracking how many cars do not pull over. The St. Louis County police department is doing the same. Approximately 200-300 cars flee daily. Dr. Isom suggested that it is these cars that are causing the largest issues
o The city is coordinating its traffic enforcement efforts with state highway enforcement and St. Louis County. In the past, it was common for the city and county to focus on intersections close to each other at the same time. Now, coverage is coordinated so it is spread out.
o Judith Arnold suggested via the chat function that Delmar and Boyle should be a focus intersection as well. Liz Kramer asked what the best way is for residents to share where they would like to see traffic enforcement. Dr. Isom reported that the police department is exploring a traffic safety suggestion portal. The police department has an active social media account, but this topic is very important for many citizens, so it probably needs a dedicated system.
o Aubrey Bryon asked via the chat function is there an efficient way for cyclists to report a crash after the fact so that traffic data can be accurate and used for calming efforts. Aubrey knows of several cyclists involved in crashes that were not reported – whether because the cyclist was not able to catch a license plate, they were running late and needed to leave the scene before the police could arrive, or they have a skepticism of police and are wary to call them to their neighborhood. Dr. Isom reported that individuals can always call after the fact to report the crash. Legally though, people should stay at the site to report. Calling afterward from a different site can negatively affect the police report and hurt the investigation. Dr. Isom encouraged people to call the police at the site immediately after the hit occurred.
o Liz Kramer asked via the chat function if there are any national best practices from other police departments or public safety organizations in addressing reckless drivers and those who flee. Dr. Isom reported that drivers fleeing is national trend. The city needs to continue to explore traffic calming. St. Louis is a small city but there are many long corridors that promote reckless driving. It is a long-term solution, but re-engineering will have a significant impact.
o Patrick Van Der Tuin asked via the chat function if there is any education tied to enforcement. Dr. Isom reported that there are no education initiatives in place, but there could be. Tackling this issue will take a multi-prong approach.
o Kea Wilson asked via the chat function if there has been any discussion of updating the public-facing crash reporting website. Compared to other communities, the current website offers very scant details about individual crashes and no aggregate data about crash patterns. Liz Kramer added that the accident language currently in use places the blame on the general situation
instead of specific design elements or individuals. Liz asked if there has been any discussion about updating the language. Dr. Isom reported that there has not been any discussion, but he would love to work with a group of people to do so. Liz will follow-up with Dr. Isom after the meeting to coordinate such an effort.
▪ A sub-group will meet about this topic in the fall.
▪ Kea Wilson added via the chat function New York City’s crash data (https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Public-Sa ... lisions-Cr ashes/h9gi-nx95) vs. St. Louis’s (www.slmpd.org/accidentreports.shtml)
● George Karnezis added via the chat function a heat map GIS tool that Calgary uses to visualize crash locations (https://data.calgary.ca/Transportation- ... ap-Based-o n-all-Traffic-Incidents/yj8z-ptzu)
▪ Kea Wilson added via the chat function two templates for police press releases
(www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/p ... 8222001294#) (https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/08/22/ ... to-write-b etter-crash-reports/)
▪ Jacque Knight emphasized that language must be centered around crashes and not accidents. They also asked if factors such as high-risk road users, injury related crashes, and high property value crashes are being looked at when selecting intersections to focus on. Dr. Isom reported that the police department is only looking at the number of crashes and number of fatalities when selecting intersection. Dr. Isom would be interested in exploring the factors previously mentioned. They asked that the list be emailed to them.
● Patrick Van Der Tuin asked via the chat function if traffic crashes are the best practices to use for targeting areas and if something like density of population or popularity of an area serve better.
● This list was shared with Dr. Isom via email following the meeting.
o Christie Holland asked via the chat function what road designs has been piloted to slow and guide traffic.
▪ The CMC will host an update on traffic calming projects at a fall 2022
meeting.
o Taylor March asked via the chat function if public safety officials are involved in the discussion of using ARPA funds to redesign high crash corridors like Kingshighway and Grand. Dr. Isom confirmed that all departments are involved in the discussion of ARPA funding. Betherny Williams from the Streets Department may have a longer report on what is currently being repaired and what is in the pipeline.
o Dan Isom reported that there has been some discussion about bringing back traffic cameras.
▪ Taylor March added via the chat function - Hannibal, MO is still using red light cameras and cite a major decrease in fatal crashes as part of the
reason they are still pursuing an automated strategy:
(https://khqa.com/news/local/red-light-c ... n-hannibal) o Patrick Van Der Tuin asked via the chat function for an update on the recent hit
and runs on pedestrians and if there is any way for the community to assist the police department. Dr. Isom reported that there has been an arrest made for the recent hit and run out front of Ted Drewes. The police department is in in the investigation phase for the hit and run on Grand. In terms of helping the police department, if a citizen sees something, they should say something. Hit and runs are easier to solve when the police receive information from the public. This is how the Ted Drewes hit and run was solved so quickly.
▪ Adam Treaster asked via the chat function if there are any updates on a redesign of Chippewa in front of Ted Drewes. Scott Ogilvie reported that the Board of Public Service and the Streets Department are very engaged on this matter. Ted Drewes and other businesses in the area have been asked for their feedback. There are a few upcoming meetings this week to discuss what is possible to divert pedestrian traffic to a marked pedestrian crossing.
o Kea Wilson asked via the chat function if there has been any discussion about proactively encouraging drivers to keep their license plates up to date and researching the reasons why they don’t, e.g. including the way the personal property tax system impacts this issue.
▪ In discussion with state reps, we’ve learned that the implementation of
the 2021 legislation that changed how sales tax works at point of sale for vehicles has been slow to roll out due technology updates needed at the state level. Those improvements are imminent. Once the technology has been updated, there will be several years of transition. There may be opportunities for local enforcement of tags.
● Dr. Isom joined the general meeting to update the CMC on traffic enforcement, reckless driving, and crashes involving pedestrian and cyclists.
o Prior to 2022, most traffic enforcement was done by the traffic division. Recently though that division has been understaffed. To address that issue, district vehicles have been equipped with traffic enforcement tools and general officers have been trained to issue traffic summons.
o Earlier this year, each district was asked to determine high crash areas intersections in their area. Once the intersections were identified, officers have focused on them for traffic enforcement.
▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
In the District 1, the intersections are Kingshighway and Chippewa, Gravois and Loughborough, and Gravois and Bates. In the past 30 days, officers in District 1 have issued 241 traffic summonses.
In the District 2, the intersections are Kingshighway and Manchester, Hampton and Wilson at Interstate 44, Kingshighway and Arsenal. In the past 30 days, officers in District 2 have issued 207 traffic summonses. In the District 3, the intersections are Grand and Gravois, Grand and Chouteau, and Jefferson and Lafayette. In the past 30 days, officers in District 3 have issued 92 traffic summonses.
In the District 4, the intersections are Grand and Natural Bridge, Grand and Paige, and 4th and Washington. In the past 30 days, officers in District 4 have issued 107 traffic summonses.
In the District 5, the intersections are Lindell and Kingshighway, Union and Martin Luther King Blvd, and Delmar and Kingshighway. In the past 30 days, officers in District 5 have issued 85 summonses.
In the District 6, officers focus on the West Florissant Corridor from city limits to Downtown. In the past 30 days, officers in District 6 have issued 52 summonses.
o As a
focused on highway enforcement on Interstate 55, 44, 64, and 70. In the past 30 days, the traffic division has issued over 600 summonses.
result of district officers issuing traffic summons, the traffic division is now
o The number of car crashes has decreased in 2022. Taking District 3 as an example, by this time in 2021 there had been 58 crashes. In 2022, there have only been 42 crashes. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities are consistent compared to last year.
o The largest issue in terms of traffic enforcement is drivers who don’t stop for any reason. It is the city’s policy that police officers do not pursue vehicles for traffic violations. Since COVID-19, the number of drivers fleeing from traffic violations has increased substantially. Each district has been tasked with tracking how many cars do not pull over. The St. Louis County police department is doing the same. Approximately 200-300 cars flee daily. Dr. Isom suggested that it is these cars that are causing the largest issues
o The city is coordinating its traffic enforcement efforts with state highway enforcement and St. Louis County. In the past, it was common for the city and county to focus on intersections close to each other at the same time. Now, coverage is coordinated so it is spread out.
o Judith Arnold suggested via the chat function that Delmar and Boyle should be a focus intersection as well. Liz Kramer asked what the best way is for residents to share where they would like to see traffic enforcement. Dr. Isom reported that the police department is exploring a traffic safety suggestion portal. The police department has an active social media account, but this topic is very important for many citizens, so it probably needs a dedicated system.
o Aubrey Bryon asked via the chat function is there an efficient way for cyclists to report a crash after the fact so that traffic data can be accurate and used for calming efforts. Aubrey knows of several cyclists involved in crashes that were not reported – whether because the cyclist was not able to catch a license plate, they were running late and needed to leave the scene before the police could arrive, or they have a skepticism of police and are wary to call them to their neighborhood. Dr. Isom reported that individuals can always call after the fact to report the crash. Legally though, people should stay at the site to report. Calling afterward from a different site can negatively affect the police report and hurt the investigation. Dr. Isom encouraged people to call the police at the site immediately after the hit occurred.
o Liz Kramer asked via the chat function if there are any national best practices from other police departments or public safety organizations in addressing reckless drivers and those who flee. Dr. Isom reported that drivers fleeing is national trend. The city needs to continue to explore traffic calming. St. Louis is a small city but there are many long corridors that promote reckless driving. It is a long-term solution, but re-engineering will have a significant impact.
o Patrick Van Der Tuin asked via the chat function if there is any education tied to enforcement. Dr. Isom reported that there are no education initiatives in place, but there could be. Tackling this issue will take a multi-prong approach.
o Kea Wilson asked via the chat function if there has been any discussion of updating the public-facing crash reporting website. Compared to other communities, the current website offers very scant details about individual crashes and no aggregate data about crash patterns. Liz Kramer added that the accident language currently in use places the blame on the general situation
instead of specific design elements or individuals. Liz asked if there has been any discussion about updating the language. Dr. Isom reported that there has not been any discussion, but he would love to work with a group of people to do so. Liz will follow-up with Dr. Isom after the meeting to coordinate such an effort.
▪ A sub-group will meet about this topic in the fall.
▪ Kea Wilson added via the chat function New York City’s crash data (https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Public-Sa ... lisions-Cr ashes/h9gi-nx95) vs. St. Louis’s (www.slmpd.org/accidentreports.shtml)
● George Karnezis added via the chat function a heat map GIS tool that Calgary uses to visualize crash locations (https://data.calgary.ca/Transportation- ... ap-Based-o n-all-Traffic-Incidents/yj8z-ptzu)
▪ Kea Wilson added via the chat function two templates for police press releases
(www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/p ... 8222001294#) (https://usa.streetsblog.org/2022/08/22/ ... to-write-b etter-crash-reports/)
▪ Jacque Knight emphasized that language must be centered around crashes and not accidents. They also asked if factors such as high-risk road users, injury related crashes, and high property value crashes are being looked at when selecting intersections to focus on. Dr. Isom reported that the police department is only looking at the number of crashes and number of fatalities when selecting intersection. Dr. Isom would be interested in exploring the factors previously mentioned. They asked that the list be emailed to them.
● Patrick Van Der Tuin asked via the chat function if traffic crashes are the best practices to use for targeting areas and if something like density of population or popularity of an area serve better.
● This list was shared with Dr. Isom via email following the meeting.
o Christie Holland asked via the chat function what road designs has been piloted to slow and guide traffic.
▪ The CMC will host an update on traffic calming projects at a fall 2022
meeting.
o Taylor March asked via the chat function if public safety officials are involved in the discussion of using ARPA funds to redesign high crash corridors like Kingshighway and Grand. Dr. Isom confirmed that all departments are involved in the discussion of ARPA funding. Betherny Williams from the Streets Department may have a longer report on what is currently being repaired and what is in the pipeline.
o Dan Isom reported that there has been some discussion about bringing back traffic cameras.
▪ Taylor March added via the chat function - Hannibal, MO is still using red light cameras and cite a major decrease in fatal crashes as part of the
reason they are still pursuing an automated strategy:
(https://khqa.com/news/local/red-light-c ... n-hannibal) o Patrick Van Der Tuin asked via the chat function for an update on the recent hit
and runs on pedestrians and if there is any way for the community to assist the police department. Dr. Isom reported that there has been an arrest made for the recent hit and run out front of Ted Drewes. The police department is in in the investigation phase for the hit and run on Grand. In terms of helping the police department, if a citizen sees something, they should say something. Hit and runs are easier to solve when the police receive information from the public. This is how the Ted Drewes hit and run was solved so quickly.
▪ Adam Treaster asked via the chat function if there are any updates on a redesign of Chippewa in front of Ted Drewes. Scott Ogilvie reported that the Board of Public Service and the Streets Department are very engaged on this matter. Ted Drewes and other businesses in the area have been asked for their feedback. There are a few upcoming meetings this week to discuss what is possible to divert pedestrian traffic to a marked pedestrian crossing.
o Kea Wilson asked via the chat function if there has been any discussion about proactively encouraging drivers to keep their license plates up to date and researching the reasons why they don’t, e.g. including the way the personal property tax system impacts this issue.
▪ In discussion with state reps, we’ve learned that the implementation of
the 2021 legislation that changed how sales tax works at point of sale for vehicles has been slow to roll out due technology updates needed at the state level. Those improvements are imminent. Once the technology has been updated, there will be several years of transition. There may be opportunities for local enforcement of tags.
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We need more police officer patrolling. It’s that simple.
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^Having cars you can open and start with the click of a button probably helps with that. Just wait until someone figures out how to hack "smart" door locks. (If they haven't already, that is.) I guess brass keys aren't such a bad idea after all.
What are some things the city can actually do to reduce the number of car break-ins? It's not like they can hire a cop to patrol every single block. I'm not trying to sound petty with this but like are there any ideas on what can actually be done?
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Their go to move is to put a SkyCop camera trailer in a hotspot area, after a week or so the break in's stop and move to another area and the SkyCop is relocated and we go in circles
Deputize neighborhood militias to patrol, make arrests, etc. Not sure if that's actually a legal or political possibility, but if not, then its only a matter of time before concerned citizens take it upon themselves to start policing their own blocks/neighborhoods.alexstl wrote: ↑Oct 05, 2022What are some things the city can actually do to reduce the number of car break-ins? It's not like they can hire a cop to patrol every single block. I'm not trying to sound petty with this but like are there any ideas on what can actually be done?
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^ in Georgia that resulted in 3 people getting life sentence for murder because a black jogger looked “out of place” in their neighborhood.
Yep. Coming soon to your state/city/'hood.dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑Oct 05, 2022^ in Georgia that resulted in 3 people getting life sentence for murder because a black jogger looked “out of place” in their neighborhood.
In that case, three racist yokels chased down the victim for the alleged crime of running while black. The legal outcome may be different when its white guys shooting other white guys during the alleged commission of an actual crime.
Oh look, a St. Charles County politician recommending the state take over SLMPD, in addition to taking away sole control of STL.
https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/steve-ehlmann-the-record-st-louis/63-b14548d6-6515-4263-b69d-e5a77317a31c
https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/steve-ehlmann-the-record-st-louis/63-b14548d6-6515-4263-b69d-e5a77317a31c
If you loved that then you'll love this:reednavy wrote: ↑Oct 17, 2022Oh look, a St. Charles County politician recommending the state take over SLMPD, in addition to taking away sole control of STL.
https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/steve-ehlmann-the-record-st-louis/63-b14548d6-6515-4263-b69d-e5a77317a31c
Lots to address in this video, but I can't stop wondering when are these old farts going to pass the torch? The boomers have a figurative death grip on seemingly every public institution, almost all of which they've wrecked beyond redemption with their self-indulgent myopia.
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Ehlmann has been St. Charles County Executive since 2006 and this year he had no opposition in the primary or the general election. Weird that when anything bad happens in STL city or county Jones and Page get blamed but when there is a story about a crime in St. Charles County this guy who has been there forever never gets a mention.
Pure tribalism; it's really just a matter of which letter goes behind their name. (D)emocrat? Soft on crime, must be their fault. (R)epublican? Tough on crime, someone else's fault, probably the Democrats. The media is that lazy, and so are voters. This is not a partisan statement. Left v. Right is how the top divides the bottom. Red and Blue screw me and you.Baltimore Jack wrote: ↑Oct 18, 2022Ehlmann has been St. Charles County Executive since 2006 and this year he had no opposition in the primary or the general election. Weird that when anything bad happens in STL city or county Jones and Page get blamed but when there is a story about a crime in St. Charles County this guy who has been there forever never gets a mention.
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Average STL City police officer gets about $30,000 in pension contribution (city of Clayton $7000 or 23,000 less) but Clayton "pays" its officers more
Is there any way the city could transition new hires to regular retirement plans like in the private sector while increasing their pay?
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It cannot, one the local control happened the pension control stayed at the state level. Some have talked about suing the state for it being an unfunded mandate
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Shooting today at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School
Arsenal and South Kingshighway
Suspected shooter arrested and in custody
3 victims shot, alive, receiving treatment
School has been evacuated
City Police asking everyone to stay away from the area as they search the building
KSDK: Suspect in custody after shooting at St. Louis school
Arsenal and South Kingshighway
Suspected shooter arrested and in custody
3 victims shot, alive, receiving treatment
School has been evacuated
City Police asking everyone to stay away from the area as they search the building
KSDK: Suspect in custody after shooting at St. Louis school
Thanks, DB. Is the outsized pension contribution required by the state, then? Any idea their rationale? Is this like the "full funding" mandate set by Congress for the postal service whereby USPS had to fully fund 75 years of benefits up front?dbInSouthCity wrote: ↑Oct 21, 2022It cannot, one the local control happened the pension control stayed at the state level. Some have talked about suing the state for it being an unfunded mandate