Allen is taking steps to reduce traffic accidents on some of its most heavily-traveled roads. The Allen Police Department has applied for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant, which will allow officers to increase their presence along US-75 and the surrounding area.
The STEP grant reimburses local jurisdictions for police officer overtime, allowing officers to have a more constant presence in these areas. The State of Texas determines where the money is most needed based on the frequency of traffic incidents. The Allen Police Department has received the STEP grant yearly since 2005.
In past years the STEP grant has emphasized enforcement through speeding tickets. However, starting on October 1, the grant will shift focus.
“The focus has always been to lessen traffic crashes though enforcement,” says Allen Police Sergeant Jason Erter. “Now the focus will be on visibility.”
STEP grant funding will be awarded this summer. If Allen is chosen as a recipient, extra patrols on US-75 will begin this fall.