Introduction

Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) projects reimburse for overtime activities by local law enforcement to reduce crashes by focusing enforcement efforts on high-crash areas called Enforcement Zones. Officers should focus their enforcement efforts on reducing the incidence of speeding, failure to use occupant restraint systems, intersection traffic control violations, driving while intoxicated, and/or driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor, and enforcement of state and local ordinances on cellular and texting devices. Organizations eligible for STEP funds include the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), sheriff’s offices, constable’s offices, local police departments, and inter-governmental coordination entities, e.g. Councils of Government (COGs). STEP projects may only be proposed for a single year (yearlong) grant term.
All STEP yearlong proposals must include:
  • A problem identification, (see Chapter 2, Section 3).
  • A project plan, including objectives, performance measures and targets.
  • An operational plan.
  • A budget (See Section 6 of this Chapter for detailed budget instructions).