For years, residents of the District have complained about speeding, red-light running and other forms of aggressive driving. Problems were noted but effective solutions were lacking. Over the past six years, Inspector Patrick A. Burke has directly overseen the development of DC’s automated traffic enforcement program – one of the largest in the United States. Inspector Burke has been instrumental in identifying locations for DC’s red-light cameras, developing protocols and procedures for program implementations, and spearheading public education and information efforts.

In 2000, Burke initiated the Automatic Enforcement Program to improve traffic safety. He worked tirelessly to ensure a high-level of community and legislative support to allow the program to expand from red-light cameras to speed enforcement. Prior to the program, the District’s fatality rate linked to speeding was more than twice the national average, responsible for 60% of traffic-related deaths each year. Because of the Automatic Enforcement Program, speeding dropped approximately 80%; and fatalities dropped 35% percent in 2004.

Inspector Burke has also improved the success of several other traffic safety initiatives of the Metropolitan Police Department. (MPD) He initiated the Checkpoint Strike Force to strengthen efforts against impaired driving. In 2003, MPD conducted a record 38 sobriety checkpoints. His efforts in coordinating the Click It or Ticket campaign, has resulted in an 87% seatbelt usage rate in the District. The District is first in-the-nation in seatbelt usage. In addition he has established four permanent car seat fitting stations within the District.

Another program established under his leadership is “Stopping Underage Drinking” (SUDs) which places undercover police officers equipped with sophisticated scanners at the door of restaurants and bars to detect fake identifications. He also started the “Cops in Shops” program to deter use of fake identification in liquor stores and to stop adults from procuring alcohol for minors. A recognized national expert, Inspector Burke has spoken at numerous safety conferences throughout the country. He is also the recipient of several awards including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s achievement award and the law enforcement award from the National Capital Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking.

He is active with many organizations that dedicate their efforts to traffic safety and serves as a board member to several non-profits including: DC Safe Kids, The Smooth Operator Program, and The Washington Regional Alcohol Program.
An active participant in the Palisades community, Inspector Burke resides with his wife of 13 years and their four children.