The Regina Police Service announced its most recent statistics from the Report Impaired Drivers, or RID program at the monthly meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners today, Tuesday, April 5, 2011. The RID program came into effect in Regina in September of 2010. RID encourages members of the public to call 9-1-1, when it is safe to do so, if they see a driver they suspect may be impaired.
The following are the statistics for February of 2011 and the year-to-date numbers for the RID program:
Feb 2011 Year to Date 2011
Total RID calls received 169 347
RID letters issued 52 90
RID interceptions 13 22
RID total (letters plus interceptions) 65 112
RID impaired charges 13 28
RID other charges 6 8
The interceptions noted do not include every contact, but only those resulting in charges laid, execution of warrants, etc. In some interceptions, there is no evidence of impairment, but other charges/warrants may apply.
When a RID call is received in the Regina Police Service Communications Centre, a dispatcher will send an available police car to investigate. If a police car is not immediately available for dispatch, the caller is encouraged to give a description or license plate number of the suspect vehicle. Not every call results in apprehension of an impaired driver, but even in cases where police cannot attend and license plate information is obtained, then the registered owner of the vehicle is sent a letter which outlines the date, time and location the vehicle was observed being driven in an erratic manner. The letter doesn’t require further action but it makes the recipient aware of the RID program; it makes the registered owner aware of how the vehicle is being driven and it may serve as a reminder of the laws with respect to impaired driving.
The Regina Police Service wishes to thank the public for their interest in the RID program and their participation which, ultimately, helps to send the message that drinking and driving is illegal and will not be tolerated.
