FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2025

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) is proud to announce the winner of an award recognizing the contributions of individuals and/or teams who have exhibited excellence, innovation, and initiative to help improve road safety through education, enforcement, training and/or community-based programs.

This year’s CACP National Police Award for Traffic Safety, sponsored by Accident Support Services International Ltd., was presented to the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit (CVIU) of the  Edmonton Police Service for their program Option 4 – Commercial Vehicle Training Program.

The Option 4 program is a free, voluntary educational initiative designed to improve highway safety among drivers of mid-sized commercial vehicles (4,500–11,793 kg).

Traditionally, drivers who were issued an Offence Notice had three choices: pay the ticket, plead not guilty, or plead guilty and request time to pay. Option 4 offers a fourth path—participating in a tailored training session. Successful completion gives drivers essential knowledge of legislation and safety practices, while their eligible Offence Notice(s) are withdrawn.

The CVIU developed the program after identifying a significant knowledge gap among smaller commercial operators, many of whom lack formal training and were unfamiliar with Canadian regulations. Officers often encountered legally licensed drivers, sometimes on temporary work visas, operating heavily loaded trucks and trailers without instruction in safe operation, load security, or trip inspections.

While these drivers were legally permitted to operate the vehicles, their lack of knowledge posed serious public safety risks and exposed both themselves and their employers to potentially business-ending fines.                                                                                      

Launched in 2023, Option 4 replaces purely punitive measures with proactive, preventative education. It creates a positive, non-confrontational way for police and partner agencies to work with drivers and small businesses, building a culture of safety on Alberta’s roads.

As of December 31, 2024, 581 drivers have been offered the program, with 354 completing it. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the relationships forged are expected to deliver safer roads in Alberta through ongoing awareness, dialogue and training for years to come.

"The winner of this award reflects the exceptional dedication and innovation across our Canadian policing community. This year’s winning program not only helps improve public safety, but strengthened relationships and helped small businesses and workers succeed while staying compliant with the law. This team’s leadership in traffic safety is truly commendable." - Chief Superintendent André Phelps, Co-Chair CACP Traffic Safety Committee.

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For further information or to arrange a media interview, please contact:

Natalie Wright
Communications Manager
communications@cacp.ca 
613.838.8807