BPD Receives $225K Grant For Traffic Enforcement Program

BERKELEY, CA — The Berkeley Police Department has been awarded a $255,000 grant for a Traffic Enforcement Program aimed at increasing safety on roads.

The grant is from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and runs through September 2025.

"We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety," Berkeley Police Traffic Officer Dave Harston said. "By increasing enforcement of traffic laws and focusing on high-risk areas, we aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone."

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
• High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
• Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
• Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
• Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
• Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE)