Case Study Evaluation of Saturation and Corridor Enforcement Patrols

Abstract

Alcohol-related crashes in the United States have consistently accounted for roughly 30% of traffic-related fatalities in the past two decades. The combined efforts of researchers, educators, and law enforcement are needed to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities. Saturation patrols and corridor patrols are two tools that law enforcement agencies may use in their continued efforts. In the current economic climate, local law enforcement agencies and coalitions must operate as efficiently as possible. As a case study, this study focused on the patrol efforts of a task force dedicated to reducing operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) violations in Stark County, Ohio. Hot spot analysis was used to evaluate the at-risk areas in the county and to determine the need for saturation patrols and corridor patrols to cover the at-risk locations effectively. Performance results were found to be unique to each patrol style. Average stops per hour were found to be significantly higher for corridor patrols, whereas the stops per OVI arrest were found to be more efficient for saturation patrols.