Grand Prairie Police focus on speed/seatbelt violations and DWIs year-round
While some of the funding can be used for training, the bulk of it goes to pay officers overtime to conduct traffic enforcement with the focus on speed, seatbelt, and DWI enforcement.
"This is important to note, since most officers on the street are answering calls for service and usually don't have the time to focus on traffic enforcement. This allows for additional resources to patrol the streets looking specifically for these types of violations," said Sgt Eric Hansen, Traffic Division Supervisor.
The Grand Prairie Police Department has operated a STEP program with both state and local funding for over 25 years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recognized the Grand Prairie Police Department for using its STEP program to combat crime through increased traffic enforcement. From October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009, officers working STEP in Grand Prairie made 502 arrests, including 42 for DWI.
Source: Grand Prairie Police Department
