About Smooth Operator Program

Overview

Smooth Operator is a unique public safety initiative. It is a partnership of law enforcement, public safety officials and other experts in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Smooth Operator is a model for a coordinated, intra- and interstate program designed to combat the aggressive driving problem and find short- and long-term solutions for it. Law enforcement agencies, trauma experts, government officials and other professionals have worked together to educate motorists of the risks involved with aggressive driving, and to stigmatize aggressive driving behavior on our roads.

History of the Smooth Operator Program

In 1997, Smooth Operator was founded with 18 law enforcement agencies coordinating efforts to get tough on aggressive drivers in the greater Washington, DC area. It resulted in 62,000 citations that first year.

Officials felt more was needed to raise awareness and change behavior. A coalition was formed of elected officials, government agencies, private sector organizations and law enforcement agencies to develop a comprehensive program for reducing aggressive driving. As a result, in 2000, a public awareness and education component was added to the program, which aimed to inform people about aggressive driving and encourage them to be more aware of their potential to drive aggressively, particularly in congested traffic or when they are stressed.

Smooth Operator has become a model program for the nation, and it’s growing every year. The 2007 campaign involved law enforcement agencies from all around Maryland, Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania. It gave out more than 385,000 citations over the four periods of enforcement waves.

Since 1997, over 3.2 million citations have been issued to aggressive drivers.

Funding Partners

Participating Agencies and Organizations

Participating Law Enforcement Agencies

2009 Law Enforcement Agencies*

District of Columbia State of Maryland

Commonwealth of Virginia

Recognition Awards - Campaigns, Law Enforcement

The Smooth Operator Program has won numerous awards over the years. Below are
various regional, national and awards and/or recognition this program has received:

Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)
Peter K. O'Rourke Special Achievement Award: 2006 Smooth Operator Program

Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP) VACP’s Law Enforcement Challenge Award: Fairfax County Police Department: Outstanding Program, 2006 Smooth Operator

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Challenge:
Fairfax County Police Department: Outstanding Program, 2006 Smooth Operator

American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Public Affairs and Consumer Awards (PACE) Awards:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration:
Nine PACE Awards including: Regional Award for 2009 Smooth Operator Campaign Promotional Items; Regional Award for 2007 Smooth Operator Campaign Promotional Items; Regional Award for 2006 Smooth Operator Campaign Training Video; International and Regional Awards for 2005 Smooth Operator Campaign Radio; Regional Award for 2004 Smooth Operator Campaign Radio; Regional Award for 2003 Smooth Operator Campaign Billboard; Regional Award for 2002 Smooth Operator Campaign Poster; International and Regional Awards for 2001 Smooth Operator Marketing Campaign