Dorset Police has demonstrated a proactive and innovative approach to addressing impaired driving during the festive season through their ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign. This initiative, launched in conjunction with the national Operation Limit campaign, successfully combined enforcement, public engagement, and awareness efforts to target drink and drug drivers, resulting in significant outcomes that have enhanced public safety and community trust.
Public Involvement: The Cornerstone of the Campaign
The ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign aimed to actively involve the public in the fight against impaired driving by encouraging them to report suspected drink or drug drivers. In an effort to reinforce public confidence and demonstrate the impact of their contributions, every individual who reported a suspected impaired driver during December received a follow-up call from Dorset Police. These updates informed the callers about the police response to their reports, closing the feedback loop and fostering a sense of involvement in the process.
The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Inspector Joe Wheable, of Dorset Police’s Roads Policing Team, noted that callers appreciated the professionalism and transparency demonstrated by the follow-up calls. “The response from those we contacted was overwhelmingly positive, with people indicating that being updated on the outcome of their call made them feel involved in the process. They also stated that they felt the call was dealt with professionally and that they agreed with the response taken by police as a result of their contact,” he explained.
This feedback underscores the importance of building trust between law enforcement and the community. By showing accountability and responsiveness, Dorset Police successfully encouraged more people to report incidents and fostered a cooperative relationship with the public.
Campaign Outcomes: Calls, Arrests, and Beyond
Over the course of December, the campaign yielded impressive results:
- Public Reports: Dorset Police received 317 calls from members of the public reporting motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Police Attendance: Officers attended 129 of these incidents and located 90 of the vehicles involved.
- Arrests Made: These efforts led to 36 arrests, with over one-third of drink and drug-driving arrests resulting directly from public reports.
Notable Arrests
Among the arrests were several noteworthy cases that highlight the seriousness of impaired driving:
- School Run Incident: A woman was arrested after reportedly driving under the influence of cocaine while on the school run, putting the safety of children and other road users at significant risk.
- County Lines Connection: A man initially reported for suspected drink driving was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply. Further investigation revealed links to an organised county lines drug network.
- Multiple Offences: A man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, theft of a motor vehicle and was also wanted on a prison recall. Two passengers were also detained during the incident.
These cases underscore the broader risks and criminal activities associated with impaired driving, illustrating the importance of timely public reporting and effective police response.
Enforcement Under Operation Limit
The ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign was supported by robust enforcement activities conducted under the Operation Limit banner. This national initiative, aimed at reducing drink and drug driving, saw Dorset Police carry out a variety of targeted actions, including:
- Proactive Operations: Two major operations resulted in 11 arrests and the seizure of 10 vehicles. Additional traffic offences were also detected during these actions.
- Road Checkpoints: Over 100 vehicles were stopped at designated checkpoints to ensure drivers were fit to drive. These operations not only identified offenders but also served as a visible deterrent to potential violators.
- Testing: Across December, Dorset Police conducted 178 breath tests and 93 drug wipes. These tests played a crucial role in identifying drivers under the influence and removing them from the roads.
Raising Awareness: A Preventative Approach
While enforcement is critical, Dorset Police also focused on preventative measures by raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. Public information campaigns highlighted the following:
- Risks of Impaired Driving: Emphasising the severe consequences of driving under the influence, including accidents, legal penalties, and loss of life.
- Reporting Channels: Educating the public on how to report suspected drink or drug drivers, including providing details such as the vehicle’s make and model, registration number, and direction of travel.
- Reinforcing the Message: Reminding the community that their vigilance could save lives and that all reports would be taken seriously.
These efforts complemented the enforcement activities, creating a comprehensive approach to tackling impaired driving. By empowering the public with knowledge and the assurance of police action, Dorset Police reinforced their commitment to road safety.
Community Partnership: A Model for Future Campaigns
One of the standout aspects of the ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign was its emphasis on community partnership. By involving the public in reporting and keeping them informed about the outcomes, Dorset Police fostered a sense of shared responsibility for road safety. This approach not only yielded immediate results but also provided valuable insights for future initiatives.
Inspector Wheable acknowledged the importance of public participation: “Not only has the Festive Feedback campaign encouraged members of the public to report incidents to us, it has also provided us with invaluable data to use for future operations and campaigns. We would like to thank the community of Dorset for their fantastic response to this campaign.”
Year-Round Commitment to Road Safety
Although the ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign was specifically designed for the festive season, Dorset Police remains committed to tackling impaired driving throughout the year. The lessons learnt and the relationships built during the campaign will undoubtedly inform future efforts.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue reporting suspected impaired drivers. If you believe someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dial 999 immediately and provide as much information as possible, including the vehicle’s make and model, registration number, and direction of travel.
The ‘Festive Feedback’ campaign represents a significant step forward in community-police collaboration to address impaired driving. By combining enforcement, public engagement, and education, Dorset Police has set a high standard for future initiatives. The success of this campaign not only removed dangerous drivers from the roads but also strengthened public trust and demonstrated the power of collective action in enhancing road safety.
Through continued vigilance, collaboration, and innovative approaches, Dorset Police and the community they serve can work together to make the county’s roads safer for everyone.
