Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.G
Meeting Date: October 22, 2025
From: Chief George Crum
Title: 2025-2026 Office of Traffic Safety STEP Grant
RECOMMENDATION:
To accept the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant in the amount of $55,000.
BACKGROUND:
Recognizing the ongoing traffic safety challenges in Cathedral City, the Police Department applied to the California Office of Traffic Safety for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant.
The purpose of the STEP Grant is to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions involving alcohol, drugs, and other primary crash factors by utilizing best practice enforcement and educational strategies.
DISCUSSION:
The OTS STEP Grant is a one-year grant funding opportunity, beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026.
The grant will provide funding for personnel overtime costs to conduct targeted safety and enforcement operations. Planned activities include:
DUI Enforcement: DUI saturation patrols, DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints, warrant service operations for repeat DUI offenders, and collaborative DUI enforcement with neighboring agencies.
Traffic Enforcement: Operations focusing on primary crash factors (unsafe speed, right-of-way violations, and other unsafe driving).
Specialized Operations: Motorcycle safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety enforcement, and distracted driving.
Education & Awareness: Traffic safety presentations and participation in state and national campaigns to raise awareness.
These strategies are designed to increase deterrence and public safety through enforcement visibility, public education, and media attention.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the City’s General Fund. The OTS Grant provides up to $55,000 in funding to cover the overtime costs of the personnel involved in the program.
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2025-2026 OTS STEP
Expenditures
247-300-310-
311-8XXX-
8XXX
G0XXXX $55,000 One-Time
2025-2026 OTS STEP
Revenue
247-300-310-
311-6700-
67XX
G0XXXX $55,000 One-Time]
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal E-3: Continue Police Engagement with the Community.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. OTS Grant Agreement PT26013.