BUILDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Creating and operating a permanent CPS inspection station requires support from the community. An active support system helps to insure a program’s longevity and prevent the “burn-out” of individual participants who might otherwise take on too many responsibilities.

It is important to identify a sponsoring organization whose leadership will be committed to the successful operation of a CPS inspection station. The CPS inspection station should fit within the core activities conducted by the organization so that it receives appropriate resources and support. Further, the sponsoring organization should be willing to join forces with the community to develop and operate a CPS inspection station.

When building a CPS community partnership³ that will help develop and implement an inspection station, consider including local opinion leaders and representatives from governing agencies, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, public departments of education, health and safety, civic groups, child care agencies and local businesses. Be sure the CPS community partnership also includes several experienced and certified CPS technicians from the community. Encourage members to take a CPS training course, preferably the NHTSA Standardized CPS Training Program. Regardless of their level of expertise, members of the CPS community partnership will find that there are many different roles to be filled when operating a CPS inspection station (Appendix B). The State Highway Safety Office’s occupant protection coordinator can provide information on national- and state-recognized CPS training programs, as well as help identify experienced and certified CPS technicians in the community (Appendix C). The state occupant protection coordinator can also provide information on possible funding sources to help support the CPS inspection station.

Potential partners from local businesses may include those in the immediate vicinity of the proposed inspection site, as well as businesses that cater to the needs of parents and young children, car dealerships, insurance companies, printing and graphics companies, and any other business that may provide resources or support for the inspection station. Support from community businesses may include promoting the CPS inspection station by placing ads, providing financial or in-kind resources, offering product discounts (e.g., child safety seats) or permitting the use of their property (e.g., dealerships, parking lots) as the permanent location for the CPS inspection station. Appendix D provides a list of materials that are routinely used to operate an inspection station. This “wish list” may be helpful when approaching local businesses for assistance.

Many organizations interested in CPS activities express concerns about liability issues. It may be helpful for the CPS community partnership to seek advice from an attorney and an insurance carrier familiar with liability issues. The sponsoring organization’s attorney and insurance carrier may be the best source of information, as they will have a vested interest in liability issues that could pertain to the operation of the inspection station. Experienced risk-reduction professionals can also provide valuable advice on developing a written set of policies for the safe operation of the CPS inspection station. Appendix E provides additional information on reducing the risk of liability.

While building community support, be sensitive to the racial and ethnic diversity of the community. If necessary, recruit bilingual technicians and volunteers from the community. Education materials should be made available (whenever possible) in the primary language of the clients. It is important to have bilingual members of the community review any translated education materials for linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness.

When choosing a potential location for the CPS inspection station, the CPS community partnership should be consulted before plans are finalized. There may be a variety of issues to consider such as traffic flow, vehicle accessibility for parents and CPS staff, community safety and socio-economic considerations (Appendix A). A diverse community partnership can help address these issues at the start of the process.

Once the CPS inspection station is ready to operate, be sure local media are informed. Consumer and traffic reporters would likely be interested in the CPS inspection station story. Invite them to a “kick-off” event or to take a tour of the inspection station. Keep the media aware of how the program is operating (e.g., number of seats inspected each month, observed misuse) and be certain to let them know of any success stories resulting from CPS inspections. It’s a good idea to have a one-page fact sheet available for the media and for other public inquiries. Include information such as:

• Purpose of the CPS inspection station
  
• Benefits of a permanent location
  
• Location(s) and directions
  
• Hours of operation
  
• Contact name (CPS Coordinator)
  
• Phone number and web site address
  
• Fee, if applicable
  

Finally, don’t expect everything to be perfect from the beginning. It may be better to start small and to expand services over time, so that staff and resources are not overwhelmed. Be flexible in operating the CPS inspection station without compromising the safety of clients or staff. Be receptive to suggestions for improvements. Periodically, ask for feedback from inspection station clients and the community at large.

It may also be useful to periodically review the contributions made by members of the CPS community partnership. Are all of the member organizations committing resources (financial or in-kind) to the inspection station effort? Can member organizations be called upon to expand their initial commitment of resources? How are members being recognized in the community for their contributions? Do they feel invested in the successful operation of the CPS inspection station? Do they have suggestions for improvement?

³ This Guide uses the term "CPS community partnership" to generally refer to diverse members of a community who join together to implement a CPS program that includes the development and operation of a CPS inspection station. NHTSA recognizes that community-based CPS groups are known by a variety of terms and does not intend to redefine such groups in the Guide.

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