NCJ Number
202522
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 70 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2003 Pages: 51-54
Date Published
September 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the Kent Police Department (Washington State) countered illegal street racing and associated crime.
Abstract
Smooth, wide boulevards have made Kent a popular place for illegal street racers to gather at night. This practice has brought with it an increase in criminal behavior and collisions. Crashes during these events have injured or killed spectators and participants, as well as caused considerable property damage. The Kent Police Department initiated partnerships with State and local law enforcement agencies, private property owners, local businesses, and the insurance industry to develop a high-profile enforcement action plan known as Curb Racing and Achieve Safer Highways (CRASH). Under this plan, uniformed and plainclothes patrol officers covertly target racing areas and identify racing events in progress. Once the events have been identified, uniformed officers are brought in to close off access from the areas and deal with the participants. Persons found operating vehicles illegally are contacted and, if appropriate, cited or arrested. Persons identified as trespassers on private property are also contacted and cited. Vehicles found abandoned on public roads in areas designated as tow-away zones are impounded. Vehicles operated by drivers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked are also impounded. Vehicles found abandoned on private property are towed when the property owner and the police department have endorsed towing and trespass agreements. The Kent Police Department adopted and publicized a policy of zero-tolerance for racing-related violations, and the policy has gained support from the public, the media, and the courts. Suggestions for law enforcement agencies considering similar racing-related enforcement programs are as follows: Have sufficient resources in place; employ undercover officers and vehicles; videotape and/or photograph the racing activities; develop interagency enforcement teams; work with the media to keep the problem before the public; develop an alternative site for street racing; and make Internet contact.