Overview
The Colorado Governor’s Task Force on Responder Safety “One scene. One culture. Save Lives” began in September 2017, as a collaboration between Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado’s First Responders. Two recent CSP line of duty deaths (LODD) in 2019 that resulted from struck-by roadway incidents underscored the critical nature of the agency focus on planning, strategies and deployment. The CSP initiated a comprehensive review of agency operations and practices in regard to Traffic Safety Management Operations (TSMO) and Traffic Incident Management (TIM), through an external expert investigation. The CSP responded to 19 specific recommendations through implementation of a Struck-by Incident Review Action plan. The CSP became the first law enforcement agency worldwide to complete the National TIM Training Certificate (NTTC), created by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) in partnership with the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (CVFFA). The NTTC is a 10-module, 10-hour certificate curriculum covering comprehensive TIM practices and lessons learned, delivered through web-based remote learning through the First Responder Learning Network (FRLN) and ResponderSafety.com. As of December 8, 2021, all Colorado Peace Officers Standards Training (POST) Board certified, sworn law enforcement officers at the CSP have successful attained their individual NTTC.
In this case study you will learn:
- How the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and Colorado DOT recognized the need to increase training and awareness for their first responders to prevent struck-by incidents
- How SHRP2 Training Modules were deployed and additional training was encouraged
- How the CSP became the first law enforcement agency worldwide to complete the National TIM Training Certificate (NTTC) training with all their law enforcement officers
Background
The Colorado Governor’s Task Force on Responder Safety “One scene. One culture. Save Lives” began in September 2017, as a collaboration between Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado’s First Responders. From the initial task force, a core action that has been undertaken is the funding and operation of a permanent, multi-disciplinary standing committee on first responder safety, led by CSP and CDOT. The Colorado Standing Committee on First Responder Safety is responsible for achieving a one scene culture. This continues to emphasize unified and comprehensive updates to training, operations, policies and procedures, communications, and infrastructure, including technological advances.
TSMO Planning, Strategies and Deployment
Two recent CSP line of duty deaths (LODD) in 2019 that resulted from struck-by roadway incidents underscored the critical nature of the agency focus on planning, strategies and deployment. The CSP initiated a comprehensive review of agency operations and practices in regard to Traffic Safety Management Operations (TSMO) and Traffic Incident Management (TIM), through an external expert investigation. This effort resulted in a completed study and recommended actions completed in 2020. Also in this year, the CSP responded to 19 specific recommendations through implementation of a Struck-by Incident Review Action plan.
Communications Planning and Execution
The CSP Struck-by Incident Review Action Plan has resulted in significant specific actions executed by the CSP in the year 2021, including formation of an agency wide task force, supported by the CSP Project Management Office (PMO) to execute measures in response to 19 key recommendations. Those recommendations were directed at improving member awareness, education, revised procedures, and full organization focus related to contemporary TSMO and TIM practices. This has resulted in implementing a 3-tier TSMO strategy that is consistent with the NHTSA NextGenTIM framework, targeting roles and responsibilities, continuous learning, and awareness. These efforts have been directed primarily toward CSP members with primary roadway safety responsibilities, middle level management, and executive leadership.
These efforts have resulted in significant engagement with our key partner CDOT, in leading and supporting the statewide Colorado TIM program, increasing participation and capability among regional TIM teams. This has resulted in robust and frequent communication and training completed by Responders. Training has included the SHRP2 4-hour National TIM training course as well as Train-the-Trainer (TtT) courses, growing the Colorado cadre of Responders certified to provide the base SHRP2 National TIM training course.
In the area of performance measurement and management, the CSP in partnership with CDOT provides ongoing training and workshops in the use of the Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX) measurement and execution framework, created by Franklin Covey. The 4DX framework has provided methods for Colorado TIM teams to sharpen focus on critical goals, with leading and lagging measures that provide visibility into priorities and effectiveness of TIM team efforts.
Outcome, Benefit and Learnings
Of great achievement in 2021, the CSP became the first law enforcement agency worldwide to complete the National TIM Training Certificate (NTTC), created by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) in partnership with the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (CVFFA). The NTTC is a 10-module, 10-hour certificate curriculum covering comprehensive TIM practices and lessons learned, delivered through web-based remote learning through the First Responder Learning Network (FRLN) and ResponderSafety.com. Through a special agreement with the Federal Highway Administration, the RSLN offers the NTTC, which requires full completion of 10 program modules and a passing score on a skills challenge test for each module.
As of December 8, 2021, all Colorado Peace Officers Standards Training (POST) Board certified, sworn law enforcement officers at the CSP have successful attained their individual NTTC. This represents the entire cadre of over 670 active duty CSP law enforcement officers, from the newest Troopers up to the Chief of the CSP, Colonel Matthew Packard.
Looking forward in 2022, the CSP already has a formal program in place to sustain and support workforce development and agency-wide cultural embracement of TSMO and TIM practices, through formal continuing education of current POST certified law enforcement officers, trooper academy cadets, and including CSP Ports of Entry (POE) Officers and Communications Officers.
As a traffic safety focused agency, the CSP has learned that constant vigilance, awareness and investment in member well-being is closely tied to the effectiveness of our practices in TSMO and TIM. This was clearly indicated by the comprehensive review of agency policies, practices and procedures, as well as the measurable improvements and outcomes experienced over the past 24 months.
The CSP is extremely proud of its organization capabilities in achieving agency improvements toward TSMO capability maturity. Moreover, the CSP is grateful to CDOT and Colorado TIM partners in our mutual effort to improve the safety of our citizens and First Responders on Colorado roadways.