Decatur Police Department awarded IDOT traffic enforcement grant

     The Decatur Police Department is proud to announce it has been awarded a federal fiscal
year 2026 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grant. Funded by federal highway
safety dollars through the Illinois Department of Transportation, the grant will support
increased traffic safety enforcement efforts aimed at saving lives and reducing crashes.
     “We are grateful for this grant, which allows us to step up enforcement of impaired
driving, seat belt, speeding and other traffic safety laws under the banners of ‘Drive
Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ ‘Click It or Ticket’ and ‘Drive High. Get a DUI,’” said Sgt.
Steve Hagemeyer. “Our top priority is the safety of everyone on our roadways, and we
will continue holding those who break the law accountable.”
     The STEP grant year runs from October 1st, 2025, through September 30th, 2026. During
this time, Decatur Police will conduct additional enforcement operations, particularly
during high-risk periods. These operations will focus on dangerous driving behaviors,
including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, failure to yield, disobeying
traffic signals and seat belt violations.
     Key statewide campaigns such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or
Ticket” will be emphasized during some of the deadliest times of the year to raise
awareness and encourage safer driving habits. These high-visibility efforts are part of our
ongoing mission to keep Illinois roads safe for all.