Case Study :
Operation Snap
Overview of the approach
Operation Snap is a project based on an online submission tool that provides a streamlined process for members of the public to supply the Police with evidence of dangerous road user behaviour . It was developed in response to an increasing amount of video and photo footage of traffic offences being submitted to Welsh police forces . It is coordinated on behalf of the four Welsh police forces by GoSafe - the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership .
Individuals visit a portal from the GoSafe website and upload personal information and details of the incident along with footage of the offence they wish to report . Submitters are asked to indicate whether they are willing to attend court ( should it prove necessary ) and are advised that all behaviour captured in the footage ( including their own ) will be assessed by a police officer . Offences reported have included contravention of traffic signals , failure to wear a seatbelt , careless driving , dangerous driving , and mobile phone use . Much of the submitted footage is from dash and helmet cams , but all forms of video recording footage are accepted .
A trained officer then reviews the information and offers the response that they would have chosen had they personally witnessed the event . This could include no further action being taken , an educational chat with the driver or written warning , diversion into an education course where appropriate , a Notice of Intended Prosecution being issued , or a summons to court .
The provision of online reporting capabilities has not meant massively increased workloads for Go Safe . Previously , any footage submitted by the public meant a lengthy process involving obtaining additional information and questioning . With an efficient online reporting tool it is possible to gain access to the necessary information immediately .
The GoSafe website also offers FAQs in relation to Operation Snap and runs social media accounts which promote the resource and some of the outcomes made possible via third party reporting .
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