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REPORT RAPPORT |
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REPORT RAPPORT |
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DATE:
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22 November 2011 |
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TO/DEST:
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Executive Director, Ottawa Police Services Board |
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FROM/EXP:
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Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service |
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SUBJECT/OBJET: |
RESPONSE TO OUTSTANDING INQUIRY #I-11-03 –PROGRESS REPORT ON ANTI-IDLING PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDATION
That the Ottawa Police Services Board receive this report for information.
A presentation on the OPS Anti-Idling Initiative was made at the Board’s meeting on 22 June 2009. A subsequent update was presented to the Board at its meeting on 31 May 2011. At that meeting, the Chief indicated that another update on the progress of the program would be brought forward in six months. This report provides an update.
In 2009, the OPS became the first police service in Ontario to initiate an anti-idling program for its fleet. Although police patrol vehicles are exempt from the City of Ottawa Idling Control By-law No. 2007-266 when used for operational purposes, nonetheless idling these vehicles contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter in the environment. The anti-idling program offers several benefits. In addition to reducing the impact on the environment, the anti-idling program reduces fuel consumption and increases the overall lifespan of the vehicle.
The OPS has had to seek out its own solutions because, in general, the automotive industry has not provided environmentally-conscious equipment or alternatives to reduce idling for police vehicles. The industry has only very recently started to look at the idling issue more closely.
Idling and Police Vehicles
Idling is a particular concern in the police sector. Presently, a police patrol vehicle engine has to be continually running in order to provide power to all auxiliary and in-car electronic equipment. The patrol vehicle serves as the mobile office for a patrol officer. Accordingly, the vehicle engine is typically kept running, even when the vehicle is stationary, in order to power the in-car equipment and to provide safety and comfort to the officer.
Patrol vehicles are routinely left idling by officers in the course of performing typical patrol functions, such as:
· Crime scene outdoor site security
· Traffic accident investigation
· Street closures due to events and protests
· In-car preparation notes and reports
· Traffic enforcement.
For example, the annual National Capital Marathon requires numerous road closures to ensure the safety of the participants during the event. In order to correctly perform point duty at a road closure, an officer must idle the engine in order to supply the required electrical power for the emergency lights and in-car equipment. The vehicle’s battery is depleted very quickly if the engine is shut off and the lights and equipment are left on.
As noted in the 31 May 2011 Board report, one vehicle equipped with anti-idling equipment is expected to save 1,764 litres of fuel and reduce carbon emissions by 4,235 kilograms annually. Based on current fuel prices and the estimated cost of the technology, it is expected that the payback on the investment is approximately three years.
Partnership with NRC
In April 2011, the OPS entered into a partnership with the National Research Council (NRC). The NRC is conducting research and developing anti-idling solutions to enable police vehicles to save fuel, reduce green house gas emissions and extend maintenance intervals of the fleet vehicles. The OPS’ goal in this collaboration is to implement a system that meets the operational needs of its police fleet.
On 3 June 2011, the OPS received a letter sent by the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA) which alleged that the NRC solution being tested by the OPS infringes upon technology developed by CEEA through Fleet Challenge Ontario (FCO). The OPS is confident that the allegations are without merit and have been actively communicating with CEEA to address the issues raised.
Test Units – (2)
Currently, NRC idle reduction technology is being tested by the OPS in two front-line patrol Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) units. The latest version of the technology has been developed as a commercial grade solution that is more easily transferable from vehicle to vehicle and is estimated to have a working life of up to ten years. Parts are also more easily replaceable, providing additional sustainability. The technology and equipment installed in these units include:
· Auxiliary batteries to run electronics
· Small in-car combustible motor to provide heat and in-car comfort
· Automatic vehicle start-up and shut-off technology to maintain minimum charge levels to operate the vehicle.
2011/2012 Implementation – 40 Vehicles
An additional ten (10) CVPI vehicles will be equipped with anti-idling technology over the next few months, with another thirty (30) vehicles planned for 2012. The resulting fuel savings per vehicle depends on the fuel price, but is also largely dependent on the driver engaging the technology rather than idling the vehicle with the engine. As the technology continues to be improved and refined, the OPS anticipates a broader implementation to other fleet vehicles after 2012.
Officer Awareness and Education
An integral part of the program’s success is increasing patrol officer awareness of the anti-idling program. Ottawa Police Fleet Services has been educating officers and members on unnecessary idling. The awareness strategy included holding training day and information sessions, having stories published in internal communications such as “The Broadcast” as well as local news media, and communicating a clear and concise policy regarding the reduction of idling of police vehicles. Awareness of the anti-idling initiative is viewed as being as important as the technology itself, as Fleet Services strives to make integration of anti-idling techniques a part of the patrol officer’s daily activities.
Staff in Fleet Services plan to continue awareness efforts, which will be augmented by:
· Policy changes in support of the OPS “Green Fleet” initiatives
· Ongoing messaging to OPS members
· Solicitation of feedback from front line users of the technology.
Future Research and Development
The OPS continues to benefit from its partnership with the NRC. The NRC is conducting research and developing solutions on how to install and sustain anti-idling technology in a variety of vehicles. This research will further simplify this transferrable technology, resulting in on-going future savings with lower capital cost investments. The NRC envisions that this technology will eventually be shared and implemented by other government and private industry fleet, including City of Ottawa and Canadian military vehicles in support of their anti-idling initiatives.
A coolant option is also being researched and developed. Currently, there is no technology to address the issue of cooling/air conditioning the vehicle in the summer. Running the air conditioning in a vehicle to maintain a comfortable interior temperature increases carbon emissions by 13%. By developing technology to aid in the efficient cooling of the vehicle, the anti-idling initiative will realize even further benefits throughout the year.
Ford ceased production of the CVPI in 2011, replacing it with a new Ford Police Interceptor. The OPS is presently evaluating vehicles to be the successor to the CVPI. As the OPS gradually replaces the CVPI vehicles in its fleet, the ease with which the anti-idling technology can be transferred to another vehicle will be an important feature.
In May 2011, OPS staff attended and consulted with other police fleet professionals at an international conference which examined the development of solutions to address police vehicle idle issues. OPS continue to consult with other police services to establish best practices on officer awareness and education.
Not applicable.
CONCLUSION
OPS Fleet Services, in partnership with the NRC, is continuing to expand and enhance the anti-idling initiative. This technology is generating significant interest among other fleet industries, with its delivery of viable and sustainable anti-idling solutions. The OPS is optimistic that the research will yield even better technology solutions in the near future.
An important key success factor is to educate officers about the benefits of this initiative. This awareness will increase the officers’ adoption of the use of the anti-idling equipment in their daily patrol activities. Extending this program to officers using unmarked covert vehicles will realize further benefits to the OPS.
Staff believes that the collaboration with the NRC combined with further efforts in educating front line officers will provide the OPS with significant fuel savings as it plans a broader rollout after 2012. Solutions developed will be shared with the City of Ottawa Fleet Services and the policing community.
(Original signed by)
Vern White
Chief of Police
