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 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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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.