Video Series Features Hopkins 'Lights On' Traffic Safety Initiative

Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson

Five short videos highlighting police agencies across the country were recently produced by The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each segment profiles an agency’s innovative approach to engaging the public through traffic safety initiatives. These efforts can be replicated in other communities, improving the quality of life for all. 

Hopkins Police Officer Chris Harriman speaks
 to community members about the
Lights On traffic safety program.

In total, there were five cities across the United States that were highlighted in the IACP traffic safety initiative video series: Alexandria, Virginia; Donalsonville, Georgia; Harrisonville, Missouri; Round Rock, Texas; and Hopkins, Minnesota.                  

Transparent and active

Hopkins is a small, but very diverse Minnesota community. The police department has focused on being transparent by educating community members on what officers do in the community, why they do it, and local policies, procedures, and state laws. Throughout the year, the Hopkins Police Department has built community trust and engagement through public outreach and participation in relationship-building initiatives like Lights On, a grant-funded program that provides vouchers for minor vehicle repairs in lieu of citations. 

The city has also formed the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) and the Community Outreach and Relationship Enhancement Team (CORE), and is involved in the Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP) with several nearby communities to support their efforts.

In addition to the Hopkins Lights On traffic initiative, viewers of the video series can learn about efforts to educate the public on traffic safety using: 

• Social media videos.
• Peer-to-peer school safety messages.
• An innovative traffic reporting program.
• A community-wide traffic safety collaboration. 

View the video series on traffic safety innovations that can be replicated in other communities. 

 If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at tstille@lmc.org or give me a phone call at (651) 215-4051. 

Remember: Responder Safety = Public Safety

In the meantime, stay safe and be careful - 

Tracy