NYSACOP TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

October 16, 2024 11:00 A.M. (Zoom)
Meeting Minutes

  • Meeting Called to Order – 11:00 A.M.
  • Roll Call: Inspector David Regina, Suffolk County PD, Director of Public Safety Richard Tantalo, Monroe County, Chief Kenzie Spaulding, Corning PD, Chief William Worden, Port Jervis PD, Commissioner Kenneth Jackson, Garden City PD, Chief (ret.) Daniel Denz, West Seneca PD (NYSACOP Traffic Safety Services Coordinator), Chief (ret.) Michael Geraci, Schenectady PD (NYSACOP TSOL), Frank Galerie (NYSACOP GTSC LEL), Assistant Chief (ret.) William Georges, Albany PD (NYSACOP TSOL & TSC Chairman).

Chief (ret.) Joseph Sinagra, Saugerties PD: Leave of Absence.

  • No guests this meeting.
  • Approval of August 28, 2024 Committee Meeting Minutes (No meeting in September):

1st:      Commissioner Jackson
2nd:     Inspector Regina

 

  • Updates/Status on Previous Agenda Topics/Events:
    • NYS TAP Committee/DRE Issues:

Nothing new to report.

 

    • Oral Fluid Testing:

Chairman Georges reported that there are currently 27 agencies in NYS that have either started, or are planning on starting, a Roadside Oral Fluid Testing Program. He also stated that we are in the process of establishing a Roadside Oral Fluid Testing Program working group through our Traffic Safety Points of Contact. TSSC Denz reported that the work group currently consists of 8 volunteer agencies, however, we are going to attempt to get more involvement.

Chairman Georges reported that a document created by the NYSP, “NYSP -Toxicology - Evidential Oral Fluid Testing – FAQs” was distributed to the POC list. A second document, “New York State Police’s Evidential Oral Fluid Testing Pilot Program” will be distributed to the POCs in the future, but for now, he is only going to send it to the TSC members for their review.

Chairman Georges related that the overall desired outcome of this endeavor is to collaborate with our traffic safety partners to compile best practices, policies and procedures and then conduct an informational webinar sometime in the spring of 2025. More to follow.

 

    • Agencies Using Warning Tickets:

Chairman Georges reported that we are still in the process of compiling a list of agencies currently using warning tickets and that we are having ongoing discussions with the NYSP personnel re: their possible involvement with recordkeeping.

 

    • Crash Data Review:

Chairman Georges reported on 2022/2023 motorcycle crash data provided by ITSMR.

Inspector Regina reported that motorcycle crashes and pedestrian crashes in his jurisdiction have increased over the past 2 weeks. It appears the contributing factors most associated with the spike are high rates of speed, reckless operation, and driver inattention.

Chairman Georges stated that the Traffic Safety Team has attempted to get data on wrong way crashes in NYS however it appears that no agency is recording data on this type of crash.

 

    • Outreach to Regional Chiefs of Police Associations & Major City Chiefs: 

Chairman Georges reported that the NYSACOP Traffic Safety Team is looking into conducting Traffic Safety Executive Leadership Training in Herkimer, Franklin, Nassau and Suffolk counties.

NYSACOP/GTSC LEL Galerie reported on his outreach visit to Haverstraw PD and the possibility of conducting a Traffic Safety Executive Leadership training in Rockland County as well.

 

    • Traffic Safety Engagement and Equity in Enforcement Programs:

Nothing new to report.

 

    • GTSC Update/Issues: 

TSSC Denz reported on the continuing reorganization of the GTSC office, the FY25 NYSACOP/GTSC grant approval and the FY24 GTSC Final Progress Report and Claim for Payment due dates.

 

    • DCJS Public Safety Symposium, Empire State Plaza, Albany, N.Y., September 17-20, 2024:

NYSACOP/GTSC Liaison Galerie reported that he attended, however, there were no traffic safety related topics covered at the event.

 

    • Other:

Nothing further. 

 

  • Upcoming Events:
    • IACP Annual Conference, Boston, MA., October 19-22, 2024:

Chairman Georges, Chief Spaulding and Chief Worden are planning to attend and will report at the next TSC meeting, which is scheduled for November.

IACP Roadway Safety Committee meeting to be held on Sunday during the Conference. Chairman Georges will attend the meeting.

 

    • N.Y. Highway Safety Symposium, Lake Placid, N.Y., October 21-24, 2024:

NYSACOP/GTSC LEL Galerie and TSOL Geraci are planning to attend and will report at the next TSC meeting, which is scheduled for November.

 

    • NYSACOP – NYSSA Leadership Summit/Police Executive Training, Rivers Resort & Casino, Schenectady, N.Y., November 7-8, 2024:

Chairman Georges reported on this training opportunity and that the NYSACOP Traffic Safety Team is planning to have a breakout meeting during the event to work on solidifying a strategic plan for 2025.

 

  • New Business:
    • NYS Bill A9923 & Pre-Filing of Complete Deadly Driving Bill for Next Legislative Session:

Chairman Georges reported that Maureen McCormick is working on re-introducing the “Deadly Driving” bill into the upcoming NYS Legislative session and NYSACOP is continuing to support her efforts. Chairman Georges also discussed the NYC CBS Channel 2 news story featuring Maureen and her mission to get the bill passed.

 

    • Recent Sideshows in Suffolk County:

Chairman Georges asked Inspector Regina to update the TSC on the recent “sideshow” activity in his jurisdiction. Inspector Regina stated that there has been a recent spike in the amount of this behavior in Suffolk County, discussed the videos he sent to the TSC members, and reported on SCPD’s continuing strategies to combat the problem.

 

    • NYSACOP Designee to NYS TAP Committee:

Chairman Georges discussed the possibility/reasons to re-organize the TSC representation on the NYS TAP Committee. Per his request, a motion was made by Chief Spaulding to appoint NYSACOP/GTSC Liaison Frank Galerie to become the new TAP Committee representative; 2nd made by Chief Worden; unanimous vote in favor of the appointment. Chairman Georges stated that he will notify the NYSACOP Board of Governors at their next meeting.

 

    • 2025 ESLETS Conference:

Chairman Georges reported that the ESLETS Planning Committee had its first meeting re: the 2025 ESLETS Conference. At this time, it appears that the conference will be held in early April of 2025 in the Syracuse area however this is subject to change. More to follow.

 

    • Traffic Safety Activities and Training Courses:

Chairman Georges informed the TSC on the Utica PD/New Hartford PD joint Pedestrian Safety initiative that TSSC Denz helped to coordinate. He also discussed a news article regarding a new California law which allows police officers to enforce traffic violations on driverless vehicles, he reviewed a recent “P” Series memo regarding defective NYS Inspection Stickers and went through the most recent traffic safety training postings.

Commissioner Jackson reported on the most recent “P” Series memo that was just issued earlier this date regarding a law update to VTL 511 – AUO 1st. TSSC Denz will distribute the memo to both the TSC members and send to the POC’s immediately following this TSC meeting.

 

    • Other:

TSOL Geraci asked the TSC members if they have been receiving pressure to change their respective police car fleets to “go green”. There was discussion amongst the TSC about their personal experiences within their jurisdictions. All agreed that there have been some local rumblings on the topic, but no specific pressure to purchase EV’s at this time.

TSOL Geraci also reported on a recent court case involving NYSP arresting an impaired driver. The stop was based on the Trooper’s observation of a broken taillight. The Judge ruled that a broken taillight is not sufficient to make a traffic stop, and the case was dismissed. All agreed that this may set a terrible legal precedent and the TSC should stay informed on this ruling and how it affects cases going forward.

 

  • Follow-up Activities/Assignments:
    • Schedule re: Future TSC Meetings

Chairman Georges polled the TSC members regarding the possibility of having the next TSC meeting scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on November 21, 2025 via Zoom; all are available.

Chairman Georges also polled the TSC members regarding the possibility of having the December TSC meeting in-person at the NYSACOP Board of Governors meeting in Albany on Thursday December 12, 2025; all will check their individual schedules and report back.

 

    • TSC Meetings with Traffic Safety Partners/Guests:

No partners/guests scheduled at this time.

 

    • NYSACOP TSC – Recruitment, Diversity and Succession Plan:

Nothing new to report.

 

    • Topics for “Intersections” , podcasts, etc., including guest contributors:

Chairman Georges encouraged TSC members to write, or find subject matter expert to write, an Intersections article.

 

    • Other:

NYSACOP/GTSC Liaison Galerie reported on the Traffic Team’s recent acquisition of 2 NYSACOP table covers for outreach events.

 

  • Next Meeting:
    • Next TSC meeting scheduled for November 21, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. via Zoom.

 

  • Motion to Adjourn:

1st:     Chief Spaulding
2nd:    Chief Warden

 

Mission Statement
Assist our members in enhancing traffic safety services to reduce crash related fatalities, injuries and economic loss, while also providing additional positive outcomes resulting in safer roadways and communities.