Centrex Traffic - Lokale Politie

Activity Report 2011
Centrex Traffic
An excellent first year of operation!
Activity Report 3
Contents
Foreword .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
1. Key figures .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Advices ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
Customers .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
2. Key moments .......................................................................................................................................... 18
3. Strategy ................................................................................................................................................... 20
Mission Statement .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Corporate Identity ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Internal Management .......................................................................................................................................... 24
Strategic Objectives ............................................................................................................................................ 25
Analysis of Activities ........................................................................................................................................... 26
External Communication ..................................................................................................................................... 27
Activity Report 5
4. Missions .................................................................................................................................................. 28
Advising the Authorities and External Partners .................................................................................................... 30
Advising Police Forces ........................................................................................................................................ 31
Managing Documentation ................................................................................................................................... 32
Harmonising Training ........................................................................................................................................... 32
5. Operations ............................................................................................................................................... 34
Steering Committee ............................................................................................................................................ 36
Team ................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Expert Networks ................................................................................................................................................. 38
Partnerships ........................................................................................................................................................ 39
6. Testimonials ............................................................................................................................................. 42
6 Activity Report
FOREWORD
The foundation of the knowledge and expertise centre ‘Centrex
Traffic’ was based on the observation that, in the field of traffic
law enforcement, the federal and local police forces used to
adopt distinct, if not sometimes conflicting, views. No less than
196 police forces are involved with traffic law enforcement. These
police forces are sometimes faced with a lack of information and
specialisation. Hence, the police did not speak with one voice
to the authorities concerned. Moreover, road traffic regulation
is subject to very rapid changes and road safety has received
particular attention from both the parliament and the population.
knowledge and expertise centre focused on traffic law
enforcement. The foundation of Centrex Traffic was pioneering
work which called for many preliminary discussions, the
formulation of a strategy and a large support basis. To this
effect, the art was to take the different views into account and
respect them whilst developing a common viewpoint for the
integrated police.
These points of attention have been officially confirmed in a report
on ten years of (Belgian) police restructuring (2009). This report
underlined the need for an integrated police policy in road traffic
enforcement matters. Moreover, one of the recommendations
was to introduce the principle of evidence-based policing in traffic
enforcement. The techniques applied to traffic law enforcement
should be based on statistics and research.
In order to meet this challenge, a steering committee was set
up in 2010. This body is composed evenly of representatives
from the local police and the federal police and it defines the
strategy of Centrex Traffic. The next step consisted in composing
a diverse team with operational and civil staff members. This
enthusiastic team is formed by two police officers specialised in
road traffic, an administrative assistant, a translator, two lawyers,
a strategic analyst and a documentation manager. They provide
clear, unambiguous and reliable information to the police forces
and the authorities.
In response to this issue, the Federal Highway Police and the
Standing Committee of the Local Police decided to create a
Centrex Traffic has been operational since 1 January 2011 and it
was inaugurated on 22 March 2011 in the presence of the
Activity Report 7
Secretary of State for Mobility, the General Director of the
Administrative Federal Police and the Chairman of the Standing
Committee of the Local Police. We can now look back at this first
year of operation and acknowledge that it was an excellent start!
2011 was marked by many achievements, both in terms of
service offer as well as internal management. These will be
described hereafter.
In addition to its daily activities of advising and providing
documentation, several strategic and other management tools
were developed within a very short time. As of the first quarter,
the centre had developed its own corporate identity, a mission
statement, a website and work procedures for registering and
processing questions and answers. The activities of Centrex
Traffic are analysed and visualized on a monthly basis in a
dashboard. Strategic objectives were developed during the
second quarter. These objectives aim to improve
communication, development of expert networks and filing of
documents and to contribute to the harmonisation of traffic law
enforcement trainings within the police.
8 Activity Report
Of course, a service can only be as useful as it is known. For
this purpose, we communicated extensively and regularly by
using electronic tools and making promotional visits.
More particularly, the Council of Governors offered us the
opportunity to organize a road show in the different provinces
whereby we could present our activities to the governors and
chiefs of local police zones. Our dashboard demonstrates that
these efforts were successful: 83 (42%) police zones and many
authorities have already called upon us. Another example is
parliamentary questions concerning road traffic policing. We
answer all of these questions in collaboration with our partners
and the policy support unit of the federal police.
Indeed, partnership and collaboration are key to our success.
At the level of the federal authorities, meetings were organised
regularly, mainly at the Federal Public Service of Mobility and
Transport. Besides these administrative authorities, the judicial
authorities are also an important partner for us. A structural
Activity Report 9
consultation was developed with the road traffic expertise unit of
the College of General Prosecutors.
in 2012: the regionalization of certain matters related to road
traffic, including the Road Safety Fund.
But ... we can always do better! Firstly, we want to optimize our
communication, and especially, the electronic communication
tools. We aim, in the very near future, to reach even better all the
local police forces! Secondly, we want to strengthen our
cooperation with external partners. The harmonisation of training
and the development of good practices concerning control
procedures and other enforcement techniques are still in their
infancy. This is the third goal that we set. Finally, we want to
further develop expert networks by extending them with
members of the local police. Another challenge awaits us
In short, 2011 was a positive start that brought us a lot of credit.
The expectations will undoubtedly be higher in 2012. We are
fully conscious of this and with the professionalism of our
steering committee, our team, our partners and our experts,
we want to take up this challenge!
Finally, this report would not have existed without the
commitment and enthusiasm of many people to whom we
express our sincerest thanks.
Michaël Jonniaux & Bart Van Cleuvenbergen
Director of the Federal Highway Police & Local Police Chief of Brasschaat
Chairmen of the steering committee
representing respectively the Federal Police and the Local Police
INTRODUCTION
Activity Report 11
This report gives an overview of our activities and
achievements in 2011. It is divided into six main
sections which are detailed below.
The first part (Key Figures) provides a statistical picture
of the activities of Centrex Traffic. The second part
(Key Moments) presents some of the milestones
achieved by our centre of knowledge and expertise. Thereafter, an overview of strategic activities of
Centrex (Strategy) highlights the mission statement,
corporate identity, internal management and external
communication. This strategic overview is followed
by a description of the delivered services (Missions).
The services of advising the police and the authorities
and managing documents are explained. Next, the
harmonization of training courses about traffic law
matters within the integrated police is explained. The
fifth part provides a description of how Centrex Traffic
(Operation) operates, covering, in turn, the committee,
the team, the networks and the partnerships. Finally,
translation is discussed as a critical success factor for
the smooth operation of Centrex Traffic.
After reporting on our activities, we turn over to the
authorities, customers and partners (Testimonies).
It may seem surprising to integrate the vision of
stakeholders in an activity report. Hereby, Centrex
Traffic wishes to emphasize that it is driven by a spirit
of collaboration and openness to change. The
development of a strategic document such as this
report is an example thereof. What others say about
us is equally and perhaps even more important for us
than we could say about ourselves.
1. KEY FIGURES
Activity Report 13
❝ Centrex Traffic
received
609
requests for advice in 2011.
❞
❝ The average response time
was
7,6
days.
❞
14 Activity Report
Advising
In 2011 Centrex Traffic received no less than 609
requests for advice. The average response time was
around 7.6 days. Most advices (57%) were related to
traffic legislation. Operational procedures accounted
for 12% of the questions and 11% concerned
parliamentary questions. Other topics handled by
the team members were related to statistical data,
documentation, new technologies and training.
Parliamentary questions
11%
Other
5%
Documentation
9%
New technologies
1%
Operational procedures
12%
Statistics
5%
Training
1%
Legislation
57%
Activity Report 15
Customers
Our centre of knowledge and expertise responded to
requests mainly raised by the local police, the federal
police and the authorities. Roughly 42% of the
advices were provided to the local police and 30%
of the advices sought accounted for the federal police.
The coverage of Centrex Traffic in the local police zones
is illustrated by a map on the page hereafter.
Besides the police, the authorities, mainly the Federal
Public Services of Mobility and transport, Interior Affairs
and Justice as well as the judicial and provincial
authorities, accounted for 22% of the advices issued
by Centrex Traffic. Even foreign police forces have
requested our advice.
Other
5%
Authorities
22%
Local Police
43%
Federale Police
30%
16 Activity Report
Legend
4 or more questions (14)
3 questions (13)
2 questions (20)
1 question (36)
no questions (112)
Illustration 1.
Number of advices requested by the local police forces from Centrex Traffic.
2. KEY MOMENTS
Activity Report 19
JAN 27
Discussion on collaboration with the Documentation
Centre of the Federal Police
SEP 28
Presentation to the Governors and the Local Police
Chiefs of the Brussels Capital Region and the provinces
of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant
FEB 17
Discussion on collaboration with the Belgian Institute for
Road Safety (BIRS)
MAR 22
Inauguration of Centrex Traffic
OCT 03
Presentation to the Governor and the Local Police Chiefs
of the province of East Flanders
APR 24
Presentation at the Forum of Directors-Coordinators of the
Federal Police
OCT 04
Presentation to the Governor and the Local Police Chiefs
of the province of Liège
MAY 4
Presentation at the Conference of Governors
OCT 10
Meeting with FPS Mobility about the new traffic code
MAY 11
Presentation at the National Convention on Road Safety
OCT 13
Discussion of draft regulation on end of year alcohol campaign with BIRS and the authorities
MAY 20
Workshop and informational stand at the Thematic Day
of Excellent Policing with partnership as theme
OCT 17
Meeting with FPS Mobility on the draft catalogue of fines
related to exceptional transport
MAY 26
Presentation to the Governor and the Local Police Chiefs
of the province of Limburg
OCT 27
Presentation to the Governor and the Local Police Chiefs
of the province of Luxemburg
JUL 14
Presentation to a German police force (Polizei Nordrhein-Westfalen)
NOV 22
Presentation at the Annual Police Convention of the
Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde
AUG 22
Presentation to the Governor and the Local Police Chiefs
of the province of West Flanders
NOV 25
Presentation to the Deputy General Director of the Sûreté
du Québec
SEP 16
Presentation to the Forum of Directors of Police
Academies
DEC 09
Presentation at a study day on knowledge management
and good practices
SEP 26
Presentation to the Governor and the Local Police Chiefs
of the province of Antwerp
DEC 16
Presentation to the Traffic Pedagogical Committee of the
Federal Police
SEP 27
Visit of a Libanese delegation related to automatic
number plate recognition (ANPR)
DEC 21
Consultation with FPS Mobility on a bilateral agreement
between Belgium and France (Eucaris)
3. STRATEGY
Activity Report 21
Mission Statement
The objectives of Centrex Traffic were defined by
the steering committee in 2010 and were confirmed
and enriched in a mission statement. This instrument
clearly determines the goals that Centrex Traffic aims
to achieve (vision), the way these goals will be reached
(mission) and the attitudes which will guide their
realization (values).
T
N
E
M
E
C
ENFOR
AVAILABILITY
KNOWLEDGE
team spirit
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
partners
AU
REFERENCE
TRAFFIC
TH
expert
ORI
TIE
S
QUALITY
DEVELOPMENT
police
22 Activity Report
To be an effective instrument, a mission statement
needs to be conveyed and supported. The basis for
this document was developed in a methodological
manner. This qualitative process was set in motion by
a team member with experience in the field of process
support and quality management. The development of
this mission statement was carried out in six stages: a
brainstorming exercise, a first draft, a first project
consultation with the steering committee, a second
project and a second consultation with the steering
committee followed by the approval of the final draft by
the steering committee. Finally, the finishing touches
were added to the layout of the document.
Once finalised, the document was communicated to
the leaders of the federal and local police forces. It was
also distributed during presentations given by Centrex
Traffic and other events, such as the Thematic Day on
Excellent Policing.
Activity Report 23
Corporate Identity
Centrex Traffic is a new service. Precisely therefore
it needs to be easily recognisable. In order to attain
this objective, a catchy corporate identity was
developed along a methodology similar to the one
used for developing the mission statement. In addtion,
we collaborated closely with the graphic design
experts of the federal police.
The most important elements of our corporate identity
are the logo and a template for presentations. The logo
is based on symbolism expressed in three elements:
❯❯ The ‘C’
The capital letter ’C’ comes from Centrex and is
dark blue because Centrex Traffic stands for a
knowledge and expertise centre of the integrated
police. This dynamic C has to be seen as an arc
shaped line going upwards. The fading end of the
line symbolizes the fast moving environment in
which Centrex Traffic positions itself. The head of
the C represents the finding of clear solutions.
❯❯ The road
The road through the logo symbolises the traffic.
Blue (watermark) symbolises the focus of Centrex
Traffic (traffic law enforcement). The road has a
wide and solid basis and has an open end. This
element illustrates our dynamism.
❯❯ The balls
The small balls accompanying the logo symbolize
the customers of Centrex Traffic. The colours are
those of the integrated police at two levels (dark
blue), the local police (light blue), the federal police
(ochre) as well as authorities and other partners
(green). The colour green also symbolizes
durability. The order and the number of balls are
not logical but reflect an intuitive choice. The
meaning behind this symbolism is our aim to link
logic with creativity to offer tailor-made solutions to
our customers.
The logo is a fixed element in our communication.
It is present in the letterhead, the signature and as a
watermark in all our correspondence.
24 Activity Report
Internal Management
The administration of the services is managed by
means of registration software and two management
processes.
All the documents are registered by Centrex Traffic in
the programme ‘RIO’ made available by the Federal
Police. This application offers many possibilities to
ensure the monitoring and archiving of incoming and
outgoing correspondence.
A first management process consists of a rigorous and
systematic registration of questions and answers.
This procedure is described and known to all team
members. This approach ensures a qualitative
registration and the continuity of service.
A second management process relates to the smooth
processing of received questions and their follow-up.
After registration, the questions are dispatched among
the team members: legal issues are transferred to the
lawyers according to the language in which they are
raised. Requests for statistical data or analysis are
addressed to the strategic analyst and sometimes involve
collaboration with the policy support unit of the
Federal Police. Technical legal issues are dealt with by the
lawyers. The coordinators are responsible for legal issues
related to policies. The quality of advices is optimized by
consulting expert networks and other sources.
For some issues such as parliamentary questions, the
answers are validated by the chairman and vice-chairman
of the steering committee. Answers to parliamentary
questions are translated into the national languages by
the internal translator.
All advices and other forms of correspondence can
be viewed by the steering committee via a secure
account. This working procedure helps to ensure that
the execution of core missions by the team is
transparent towards the steering committee.
In general, all administration work is done virtually. Out
of respect for the environment, we strive to minimize
paperwork.
Activity Report 25
Strategic Objectives
Strategic objectives have been developed in accordance
with the four core missions of Centrex Traffic. These
objectives are subdivided in operational sub-objectives.
We aim at achieving these projects in the (middle) long
term. These objectives are achieved by the team
members with the support and guidance of the
coordinators. The intention was to involve the whole
team in the project-based development of the service.
This approach contributes to the effect of each team
member supporting the strategy.
One such project is the development of a
communication plan. Centrex Traffic is a new
service, and it needs, if only for this reason, a strategy
of intensive communication. The timeliness and clarity
of communication are essential to the performance of
the service. Secondly, we aim to make an inventory of
all the expertise in traffic law enforcement within the
integrated police. We want to continue to develop this
expertise and to make it available to the police and
authorities. In addition, we will develop a good
practice of filing documents. Finally, we will devote our
attention to the harmonization of the different training
programmes on traffic law enforcement provided by
the police schools.
26 Activity Report
Analysis of Activities
The core activities of Centrex Traffic are analysed on a
monthly basis. A dashboard was created to this end.
Several test versions were developed before a final
version was adopted in September 2011. This implies
that some data are missing for the year 2011 but this
lack will no longer be a problem in 2012.
The dashboard has two parts: the first part gathers all
incoming requests (input) while the second shows the
offered solutions (output). The first part describes the
communication channel (E-mail, phone, etc...), the
subject (legislation, statistics, etc.) of the questions and
the number of translations. The second part reflects
responses and served customers. The dashboard also
shows the average response time to requests.
The dashboard is completed by following several steps.
Raw data are extracted from the programme in which the
administration is recorded (RIO). These data are fed into a
database and analyzed with a statistical programme. The
results of the analysis are fed into the dashboard which is
then communicated to the steering committee and to the
team.
The purpose of the dashboard is to provide an overview
of the activities of the team of the Centrex Traffic. It is also
serves to make the operations of the service more
transparent and hence it is a reporting tool for the
steering committee.
Activity Report 27
External Communication
Our customers are reached by diverse communication
channels. Information is conveyed by E-mail, via a
platform, a website and sporadically by internal
newsletters (InfoRevue, InfoFlash). Teamware, a mailing
programme, and Poldoc, an information platform are
used to send advices and other information within the
police. An external messaging system is used to send
large files and E-mails in large quantities. Centrex Traffic
also developed its own website to communicate.
Despite our efforts, we observe the need to continue to
further establish our visibility. We also note that some
of our partners need more communication. We wish to
solve this challenge with a communication action plan.
4. MISSIONS
Activity Report 29
Centrex Traffic has 4 core missions:
❯❯
formulate advices for the authorities and external partners;
❯❯
give advice and solve questions for the police forces;
❯❯
manage and provide documentation;
❯❯
contribute to the harmonisation of police training in traffic law enforcement.
30 Activity Report
Advising the Authorities and External Partners
Providing Integrated Advice
Proactive Work
Centrex Traffic positions itself as the reference point
between the authorities and external partners. We are
asked to give advice on behalf of the integrated police
in traffic enforcement. Next, we also take part in various
consultation meetings and working groups on a
strategic policy level. In this way, Centrex Traffic
aims to add value in terms of efficient and rapid
decision-making.
Centrex Traffic identifies issues and needs and
communicates them to the authorities. We play this
proactive role by looking for solutions together with the
competent authorities and partners. One example is the
use of sampling tests to detect alcohol and the debate
about its legality. Centrex Traffic consulted the judicial
authorities and communicated their viewpoint via the
circular “BOB campaign 2011-2012”. The challenge for
2012 lies in creating − together with the relevant
authorities and partners − a legal framework that
regulates the use of these devices.
Another example is the project “rush-hour lanes”. After
having learned that the Flemish government intended
to use the emergency lanes of the highways for traffic
during rush hours, we performed a thorough analysis of
this measure. First, a literature search was conducted.
Based on the gathered information, the legal and
practical implications were analyzed. These findings
were shared with the Flemish Minister for Mobility.
Activity Report 31
Advising Police Forces
Legal and Technical Advice
Proactive Role
Centrex Traffic solves legal and technical questions
raised by the Local Police and the Federal Police.
The various questions concern the legislation and its
application. To formulate solutions, we rely on several
sources: basic legislation, case law, doctrine but also
circulars, guidelines and internal memos. To this end
the lawyers work very closely with the documentation
officer who provides reliable sources of information.
The expert networks also provide significant support
with their expertise in complex traffic matters.
Centrex Traffic also plays a proactive role within the
police. New legislation, government directives and other
relevant information are communicated to the Local
Police, the Federal Highway Police, the directors-coordinators, judicial authorities and other partners. This
information is also made available via the intranet of the
integrated police. Adapted versions are placed on the
website of Centrex Traffic.
32 Activity Report
Managing Documentation
Collecting and making documentation available in the
field of traffic is a third mission of Centrex Traffic. This
includes:
❯❯
developing and implementing a
documentation fund;
❯❯
providing documentation at the request
of customers;
❯❯
exchanging information with our partners;
❯❯
distributing recent and relevant information
which is important to our customers.
Centrex Traffic ensures that reliable answers are provided
to respond to documentation requests. Thus, legal advice
is supported by documentation research, for example
research of case law and doctrine. Therefore, different
Harmonising Training
sources are used, including the library catalogue of the
Federal Police, the intranet of the integrated police
(Portal) and legal databases. In addition to general
documentation support, Centrex Traffic performs
specific searches and composes documentation files.
Our service includes the collection of good practices,
presentations, analyses and studies. Once this
documentation has been reviewed and validated by
our experts, it is made available to our customers.
Moreover, we are contributing to the development of a
common archival policy for the traffic police. This project
is conducted in collaboration with the Federal Police and
the National Archives of Belgium.
Contributing to the harmonization of training is a fourth
mission. The first steps towards achieving this mission
have already been taken. A critical factor for the success
of this ambitious goal is the partnership with the Training
Department of the Federal Police as well as the
provincial and federal police schools.
Centrex Traffic supports the organization of continuing
training for and at the request of the police. We have
amongst others responded to the need for training
about the ‘drinking and driving’ procedure. The second
training programme we supported concerns the
legislation on ‘driving emergency vehicles’.
Activity Report 33
Translation
Translation is a primary support process underlying the
realization of our core missions. In 2011, 315 documents
were translated. Providing high-quality translations in a
trilingual country like Belgium is essential. In addition to
translations from and into French, German and Dutch
some documents are also provided in English and
Spanish. Quality work is delivered within the shortest
possible time. Team members can also consult the
translator for linguistic and technical questions about
using the appropriate terminology. Documents relating
to legislative changes, answers to parliamentary
questions and internal memos are systematically
formulated in French and Dutch. Specific customer
questions are solved in the language in which they
were raised.
5. OPERATIONS
Activity Report 35
Centrex Traffic has a clear organizational structure consisting of a
steering committee
This structure is strengthened by expert networks and partnerships.
and a
team
.
36 Activity Report
Steering Committee
The steering committee is evenly composed of
members of the Federal Police and of the Local Police
of the three regions. The Standing Committee of the
Local Police is also represented. The two coordinators
of the team participate in the meetings. This committee
is chaired by the Director of the Federal Highway Police
and by a police chief who, in turn, take up the role of
chairman every six months.
The steering committee determines the strategy and
policies of the knowledge and expertise centre. It
decides on future projects, investments and staffing.
Further, because of its joint composition it adopts
standpoints on behalf of the integrated traffic police
structured on two levels.
The steering committee also validates complex policy
issues and specific parliamentary questions. Whenever
an urgent response is required, the validation is
provided by the chairman.
Activity Report 37
Team
The daily operations of Centrex Traffic is ensured by an
eight-member team. It is composed of:
❯❯
two coordinators: an officer of the federal
highway police and a seconded officer of
the local (traffic) police;
❯❯
a webmaster secretary;
❯❯
a documentation officer;
❯❯
a translator;
❯❯
a strategic analyst;
❯❯
two lawyers.
The bilingualism of the team contributes to offering
optimal services to the customers.
38 Activity Report
Expert Networks
Centrex Traffic relies on the support of traffic specialists
of the police.
Centrex Traffic manages five national networks of
specialists, namely:
❯❯
dangerous transportation (ADR);
❯❯
tachograph driving and resting periods;
❯❯
passenger transportation;
❯❯
securement of the load;
❯❯
exceptional transportation.
These networks were set up in the period 2008-2010
within the Federal Highway Police and consist mainly
of members of the Federal Highway Police. They are
currently extended to include members of the Local
Police. Furthermore, we support creating new
networks for specific subject matters.
The main purpose of the networks is sharing
knowledge and good practices. In addition, the
networks organize targeted traffic law enforcement
actions across the country. The logistical and
administrative operation of these networks is facilitated
by Centrex Traffic. Communication with the networks
is ensured by the chairmen of the networks. The latter
inform Centrex Traffic of any issues in the application of
traffic legislation.
Activity Report 39
Partnerships
For the execution of its activities, Centrex Traffic works
closely with internal and external partners. The
following is a non-exhaustive list of our key partners.
Internal Partners: Police
Centrex Traffic considers any colleague who wants to
share knowledge and good practices as a full partner.
Through our integrated nature we are the point of contact
for members of the local police and federal police.
DSEK
The Documentation Centre of the Federal Police is an important partner in the field of knowledge management. They
provide us with the necessary information and involve us in developing the road traffic section in the Field Intervention
Manual and writing articles for Infolegis and other publications managed by the documentation centre.
DSE
The Training Department of the Federal Police is important to us. Indeed, one of our main objectives is to provide support to
optimize police training in traffic matters. A critical success factor to this objective is the collaboration with the provincial and
federal police schools.
DSI
DSI significantly contributed to the design of our corporate identity, including to the development of our logo. This support
was important to make Centrex Traffic visible to the targeted audience.
DSJ
The Legal Department of the Federal Police supports us with long-standing expertise. We can contact them for a second
opinion and rely on them when legal issues fall outside our scope.
CGOP/B
To measure is to know. And when it comes to statistics, the Policy Support Department from the Federal Police is our key
partner to deliver them to us. We can exploit these data to solve (parliamentary) questions and perform in-depth analyses.
VCLP-CPPL
The Standing Committee of the Local Police is one of our parents. One of their representatives sits on the steering committee.
The standing committee provides for the hosting of our website and, where necessary, grants support to our webmaster.
DAH
The Directorate of the Federal Highway Police is, so to say, our host. Our offices are located in the same building as the
office of the directorate. Close contact with the directorate is evident. For complex issues, it is possible to rapidly consult
with the director of the Federal Highway Police who is also the (vice-) chairman of the steering committee.
40 Activity Report
External Partners: Authorities
FPS MOBILITY
This partner develops the legal provisions on road traffic and is therefore one of our key
partners. Both the contacts with the administration and the cabinet of the Secretary of State
allow us to keep abreast of any future legislative changes. The monthly meetings with the
liaison officer of the Federal Police are crucial.
FPS HOME AFFAIRS
Especially when it comes to the operation of the police, the Federal Public Service Home
Affairs is a key partner. The numerous parliamentary questions posed to the minister
related to road traffic regularly give rise to consultation of the integrated police.
FPS LABOUR
We are involved in the composition of the handbook about transport which is a reminder for
agencies of traffic law enforcement. An electronic copy of this document is also available
in our documentation.
FPS JUSTICE
Centrex Traffic was consulted several times and participated in numerous meetings
regarding saliva tests and saliva analysis. Advice was provided on the legislative
provisions and the practical use of the saliva test in the field. Furthermore, we seek
advice from the Traffic Expertise Unit of the College of General Prosecutors as we did
for the use of sampling tests.
AWV
The Roads and Traffic Agency is, as road manager, our point of contact for infrastructural
issues. We are represented amongst others in their Advisory Group on Safety of Flemish
Regional Roads.
Activity Report 41
Other Partners
IBSR-BIVV
The Belgian Institute for Traffic Safety is a privileged partner. We signed an agreement to exchange documentation and
we take part in the network of traffic coordinators and the working group on statistics.
VSV
The collaboration with the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Knowledge is running smoothly. We participate in the Flanders
Road Safety Forum and there is regular consultation and exchange of information in specific cases.
VSG AND UCVW
The associations of cities and towns are surely an important partner for the local police. For example, the hot item of
municipal administrative sanctions requires close collaboration.
CRR-OCW
The Road Construction Research Centre provides documentation and expertise on infrastructural aspects. It does not
involve the core business of Centrex Traffic, but it certainly offers an interesting source of information and advice.
TISPOL
This association of 27 European traffic police forces is supported by the European Commission. They exchange
knowledge and good practices and organize seminars. Centrex Traffic participates in the drugs and alcohol working
group and thus has access to the latest developments in the enforcement of drunk driving laws
KLPD
The Nederlandse Koninklijke Landelijke Politiedienst and the Belgian police have been working together for years. In a similar
vein, Centrex Traffic colloborates with them as illustrated by our participation in a project focused on motorcyclists safety.
BOERENBOND
With the support of the network ‘exceptional transport’ Centrex Traffic contributed to drafting a document issued by the
Boerenbond. We also participated in the consultations on the legislation on exceptional transport and its implications for
the sector.
42 Activity Report
ANNEMIE TURTELBOOM
JOËLLE MILQUET
Minister of Justice
6. TESTIMONIALS
Minister of Home Affairs
for road
atic police centre
em
th
t
rs
fi
e
th
c,
fi
af
emplary
Centrex Tr
mendable and ex
m
co
ry
ve
a
is
ty
traffic safe
e centre is a
of road safety. Th
between
initiative in the field
llent cooperation
ce
ex
of
s
rm
te
in
reference
e.
d the Federal Polic
the Local Police an
ntact par
fic is a point of co
af
Tr
x
re
nt
Ce
n,
tio
and the
In addi
traffic knowledge
of
eld
fi
e
th
in
e
nc
months,
excelle
ad safety. In recent
ro
on
ion
vis
d
te
integra
Traffic fully
rved that Centrex
se
ob
ly
ed
at
pe
re
I have
knowledge,
ctations regarding
pe
ex
y
an
m
e
th
meets
ultation.
training and cons
to
e Affairs, I also wish
As Minister of Hom
the large
in
s
es
cc
re for its su
nt
ce
e
th
e
lat
tu
ra
cong
d in this report
d activities detaile
an
s
ct
oje
pr
of
r
be
num
ive collaboration
inue our construct
nt
co
to
pe
ho
I
d
an
in the future.
Like my colleague, the Minister of Home Affaris, I, as
Minister of Justice, find it important for the police to work
in an integrated way and in synergy with the partners.
Centrex Traffic is a good example of optimal collaboration
between the Federal Police and the Local police as well
as between the police and the partners. Specifically,
the partnership between Centrex Traffic and the College
of Public Prosecutors adds value to the judicial
decision-making process related to road traffic. This
centre of knowledge and expertise endeavours to
translate these decisions in practice by informing the
police and giving advice in an accurate, clear and prompt
manner. Centrex Traffic is fully in line with the philosophy
of excellent policing and the guidelines of the National
Security Plan, in which integrated and intelligence led
policing is aimed for.
Centrex fully deserves my support and consideration!
Activity Report 43
MELCHIOR WATHELET
Secretary of State for Mo
bility
The strength of a good team lies
in the
appropriate distribution of tasks
based on the
various competencies. A team
only consisting
of thinkers will conceive the mo
st fantastic plans
which will probably never be exe
cuted. A team
only composed of achievers per
forms very well,
but it is doubtful whether it rem
ains on the right
track. The collaboration betwee
n my policy unit
and the knowledge and experti
se centre Centrex
Traffic can be depicted as a mo
del of a good
team.
I repeatedly called upon their insi
ghts and
experience for the development
of my strategy for
road safety. Their cooperation
not only yielded an
added value to the implementatio
n of this policy
but it also confirms that the cho
sen options will be
implemented in practice.
44 Activity Report
CATHERINE DE BOLLE
Commissioner General of
the Federal Police
to
ation I would like
e first year of oper
th
fic.
of
af
n
Tr
x
sio
re
ca
nt
oc
Ce
e
On th
le team of
ho
w
e
th
to
n
io
iat
express my apprec
owledge and
operation of this kn
e
th
on
ck
ba
ing
Look
e, I am pleased to
e integrated polic
th
of
of
re
nt
ce
se
rti
expe
a very short lapse
fic succeeded in
af
Tr
x
re
ing
nt
id
Ce
ov
at
pr
,
th
see
advising
activities such as
is was
time to develop its
fully aware that th
am
I
n.
io
at
m
or
inf
d
documentation an
not an easy task.
e to collaboration.
ch great importanc
ta
at
I
y,
lic
ial police
po
y
m
In
lice and the provinc
po
l
ca
lo
e
th
as
e
Partners such
e a key player in th
forefront. They ar
e
.
th
ng
at
e
ini
ar
tra
s
c
ol
ffi
ho
tra
sc
ization of
rd
da
an
st
d
an
n
io
professionalizat
place to initiate a
affic is the perfect
Tr
x
re
nt
Ce
e,
m
To
c matters. I am
e partners on traffi
th
all
ith
w
e
gu
alo
di
e will contribute to
ed that this dialogu
inc
nv
co
e
or
ef
er
th
ogrammes within
ty of the training pr
ali
qu
e
th
ing
ov
pr
im
lice.
the integrated po
y. The pool of
ctive policing polic
oa
pr
a
of
ur
vo
fa
Traffic is a major
I am also in
esent at Centrex
pr
ge
led
ow
kn
d
ers and partners
expertise an
vice to all custom
ad
e
id
ov
pr
to
r
o in a proactive
asset in orde
a reactive but als
in
ly
on
t
no
,
rs
te
ill be able to
in traffic mat
, Centrex Traffic w
se
rti
pe
ex
is
th
on
way. Based
ding role!
fully take on its lea
JEAN-MARIE BRABANT
Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Local Police (CPPL-VCPL)
In 2010 already, the CPPL-VCLP had given the green light to work with the
Federal Police to create a centre of knowledge and expertise of the integrated
police in the field of road traffic. A steering committee was set up with even
representation from the Local Police and the Federal Police. A permanent
collaborator of the CPPL-VCLP and a chief of police were mandated to
contribute to the success of this project.
Centrex Traffic was officially launched on 22 March 2011.
To my great satisfaction, I observe that after one year of operation, Centrex Traffic
has proven to be the contact point of the integrated police for road safety and traffic
enforcement matters. For the Local Police, where there is not always sufficient
specialization and sometimes even contradictory and scattered information, it
proved to be more than a simple opportunity, the creation of this centre met a
genuine need. In a similar vein, there is now a single point of contact for all the police
forces providing one and the same answer to the authorities and our partners. It is of
equal importance that Centrex Traffic demonstrated that the collaboration between
the Federal Police and the Local Police not only works well, but it also clearly adds
value to the overall operation of the police.
In this sense, this centre of knowledge and expertise reflects the current philosophy
of the Standing Committee of the Local Police, namely: participate, together with the
Federal Police, in the co-management of all common areas.
We look very much forward to the further development of Centrex Traffic in close
collaboration with our committee.
Activity Report 45
LUC VAN AUSLOOS
General Counsel
Chief Coordinator of the Road Safety
Network Unit
of the College of General Prosecutors
OLIVIER LIBOIS
Director General Administrative Poli
ce
Centrex Traffic, the knowledge and
expertise centre
of the integrated police structured
at two levels is
an institution that was called for in
the landscape of
road safety.
As an organ of consultation and coo
rdination, it
offers in particular an opportunity to
standardize and
validate police procedures with the
guidance of the
College of General Prosecutors, ther
eby ensuring
the observation and the investigatio
n of violations.
Moreover, it a valuable channel of info
rmation for the
integrated police.
CATHY BERX
ovince of Antwerp
Governor of the Pr
story about the police, in
Centrex Traffic is a great
is a strong consultation
which I firmly believe. It
and federal police forces
platform where the local
hitherto fragmented
unite their excellent but
road safety. In a nutshell,
expertise on traffic and
integrated nature of the
Centrex Traffic reflects the
and is not just another
police out of conviction
ucture.
hierarchical top-down str
ly achieved results. For
Centrex Traffic very quick
deadlines it managed to
example, within very short
the sensitive issue of the
find a creative solution in
ex Traffic submitted the
missing drug tests. Centr
by alcohol tests can be
issue of sampling, where
to the College of General
performed much faster,
and
ntrex Traffic is a smooth
Prosecutors. To me, Ce
the
d
an
lice
po
both the
smart partner with whom
nt and safe in managing
de
nfi
co
l
fee
authorities can
lice
is benefits not only the po
traffic policy matters. Th
on
lati
pu
po
the
all,
d above
but also the authorities an
as a whole.
ry
neers and wish them eve
I congratulate these pio
success.
Even before celebrating
its first anniversary,
Centrex Traffic managed
to position itself towards
the authorities, custome
rs and partners, as a
particularly competent an
d valued partner in terms
of police expertise in roa
d safety. The numerous
requests demonstrate the
existence of a niche
in terms of knowledge an
d expertise focused on
topics related to road tra
ffic. More importantly, the
number of solved quest
ions demonstrates that
the philosophy, the princ
iples and the operation
of
Centrex Traffic is a succ
ess story.
It is my hope that this tea
m can keep
momentum to further gro
w and that it can
continue to develop, alo
ng its principles of
integrated nature, servic
e and partnership, its
success in this particula
rly rich and varied field
of expertise.
46 Activity Report
LUC GHEYSEN
Director Coordinator of CS
D Brugge
When Centrex Traffic wa
s created, I felt,
like quite a few others,
very curious about
how this initiative would
evolve in our
police environment. I ha
d the opportunity,
including through perso
nal contacts in
the context of specific
cases, to see how
much dynamism and hig
h quality is
emanating from it. As Dir
ector
Coordinator, speaking
on behalf of my
colleagues, we see in Ce
ntrex Traffic a
partner who, like us, ha
s a deep respect
for the terms “integrated
”, “added value”
and “support”. In my op
inion, this shared
vision opens the way for
interesting types
of collaboration. Opportu
nities and
challenges will no doub
t arise!
CLAUDE LEVAC
Deputy Director, Sûreté du Quebec, Canada
During a mission in Belgium in June 2011, I
attended a presentation given by Centrex Traffic
that was set up in Belgium. This proved to be
a very interesting experience that opened my
eyes to a different approach to a police system
structured at two levels. In Quebec, we also
have a similar system with its tensions and fears
related to the imposition of things by the upper
level. The establishment of a Centrex Traffic
as it was shown to me was a great way to find
a neutral zone concerning a particular topic of
police work. We are considering to develop a
similar system in Quebec. The aim is to share
resources on topics such as prevention, legal
advice or research.
MARC BORRY
Documentation Centre of the Federal Police
The excellent results achieved during this first year speak in favour of applying this model to other
areas of knowledge critical to the operation of the integrated police. The presentation of its activities
during the thematic day on networks offered participants a concrete illustration of the value of this
kind of structure. The objective for the future is to optimize the existing constructive collaboration
between Centrex Traffic and our documentation centre.
DANIËL HAUTERA
Liaison Officer
Cabinet of Ministry
of
Home Affairs
The Cabinet of the Minis
try of Home Affairs
is calls upon the expertis
e of Centrex Traffic
for many oral and writte
n parliamentary
questions related to leg
islation and police
involvement in the field
of road traffic. The
ministerial departments
concerned can also
count on the high qualit
y service provided by
Centrex Traffic to prepa
re the draft guidelines
to the attention of the po
lice, including the
annual “BOB campaign”
circular.
Activity Report 47
FRANK DEBROCK
vernor
Liaison Officer to the Go
Province of West Flanders
ations on road safety of
At the provincial consult
st 2011), Centrex Traffic
West Flanders (22 Augu
tement, its service offer
explained its mission sta
r
re also asked about ou
and its operation. We we
for
confirmed the need
needs. The participants
rtise centre of the
this knowledge and expe
mised to further
integrated police and pro
vince and own
promote it within their pro
ed for provincial
ne
services. Meanwhile, the
d and Centrex Traffic is
statistics was discusse
up dealing with the
part of the working gro
ural vehicles.
improper use of agricult
nders is looking forward
The province of West Fla
nt and growth of Centrex
to the further developme
intain its support.
Traffic and wishes to ma
JACQUES VANDENBOSCH
Chief of the Police Area East Walloon Brabant
Several times we sought advice from Centrex and we
appreciated both the speed and completeness of their
answers. Their summaries and explanations of the
changes in legislation regarding traffic laws can be
distributed directly to the staff and provide a
valuable aid.
CHRISTIAN PAQUAY
Department Head of the Police Area Eifel
We can only congratulate Centrex Traffic for its
exemplary work. Their answers to our questions
were detailed, comprehensive, legally sound. We,
and hence our citizens, administrative and judicial
bodies, hope we can continue to consult Centrex
Traffic in the future. We wish them good luck and
fruitful collaborations.
THEO BONS
Koninklijke Land
elijke Politiedien
st, Netherlands
During a meetin
g between the
Belgian and th
Dutch police, C
e
entrex Traffic w
as
presented to us
We followed th
is presentation
.
with great intere
We noted their
st.
principles and
considerations
carefully and co
very
mpared them
to
the situation th
we encounter
at
in the Netherla
nds. We conclu
that, in our situ
ded
ation too, a sim
ilar centre of
knowledge and
expertise would
meet a strong
need. The reas
ons for the crea
tio
n of Centrex
Traffic is also fo
und elsewhere
in
th
This induced us
e Netherlands.
to introduce a
proposal to crea
similar centre of
te a
knowledge and
expertise tailore
to our needs. Fi
d
nally, we hope
that this fruitful
collegial exchan
and
ge can continue
and lead to man
positive results
y
in terms of (traf
fic) law enforcem
ent.
48 Activity Report
MIRAN SCHEERS
Director of Knowledge Ce
ntre for Road Safety
EDDY KLYNEN EN KURT MARQUET
Coordinator and Policy Officer
Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde
Centrex Traffic has always actively participated in the Vlaams Forum
Verkeersveiligheid and in the working group of the local police, which strives
for, amongst others, closer cooperation and exchange of knowledge. In
addition, we also relied on the effective collaboration with Centrex Traffic for
the organisation of the Police Convention. An interesting explanation was
given on the progress of work regarding the seventh basic principle of policing
(traffic). It is our great pleasure that Centrex Traffic wants to collaborate for the
organization of future Police Conventions. Finally, their expertise will remain
important in the coming years in view of developments in road safety. More
particularly, the regionalization will bring not only opportunities but also engage
the responsibility of various players. Our association fully supports further
collaboration with Centrex Traffic.
FREDERIC MARTIN
The Belgian Institute for Road Safety (IBSR-BIVV) has
always been convinced of the need to create a centre
of expertise dedicated to traffic within the integrated
police, because such an initiative contributes to the
professionalization of the enforcement of road traffic
laws. There is now a central body responsible for
translating new or changes in (existing) legislation into
operational language, so that this no longer needs to
be carried out by each local police area. There is also
a common view that emanates from the Local Police
and the Federal Police regarding important policy
developments as well as for the collaboration with the
Belgian Institute for Road Safety during campaigns
and research projects, like behavioural measures
of driving under the influence of alcohol. We greatly
applaud this initiative. Collaboration agreements have
been concluded between Centrex and the Network of
Traffic Coordinators of the Belgian Institute for Road
Safety. Our aim, through complementarity, is to
continue to provide quality support to the police.
Chairman of the Expert Network Tachograph
Our network of tachograph fraud is a privileged partner of Centrex Traffic. It is playing the role of facilitator
for our meetings and our actions by establishing the link between us and the participants concerned.
They establish the necessary contacts and send the invitations, operational orders, reports and results.
Moreover, they organise training courses on fraud with the tachograph and continuing education
programmes for our experts. Our network can also rely on the legal expertise of Centrex Traffic to
answer our questions and conversely, its staff can always rely on the expertise of our network. We wish
to maintain the good collaboration and, if possible, even improve it.
Activity Report 49
50 Activity Report
Colophon
Responsible editor: Michaël Jonniaux - Fritz Toussaintstraat 8 - 1050 Brussel
Coordination: Karianne Boer
Editorial staff: Santina Almonte, Jean-Pierre Blocken, Karianne Boer, Jurgen Decramer, Linda Dewolf, Celine Geradin, Ann Renaers and Nathalie Vantilborgh
Lay-out and photography: Jos Balcaen, Karolien Snyers and Lavinia Wouters
Translation: Linda Dewolf
April 2012