DATE: September 2, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Police Department
TITLE: APPROVAL TO ACCEPT $250,000 IN GRANT FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council accept $250,000 in grant funds from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program 2026-2027; approve the grant budget; appropriate the funds to the Police Department; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all related grant documents.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
In January 2026, the Oceanside Police Department (OPD) submitted a grant application to OTS for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) 2026-27. In May 2026, OTS notified OPD that the grant application had been accepted for funding in the amount of $250,000. The grant funds are to be expended during the grant period of October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
The goal of this grant program is to reduce the number of fatal and injury collisions involving alcohol and other primary collision factors within the City. Strategies include, but are not limited to, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoints, DUI saturation patrols, warrant service operations, stakeout operations, court stings, educational presentations, and the Know Your Limit Awareness Campaign. The program also allows concentration on speed, distracted driving, seat belt enforcement, and special enforcement operations encouraging motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian safety. The strategies are designed to draw media attention, thus enhancing the overall deterrent effect.
OPD’s Traffic Services Unit has an extensive and successful history of working with the OTS with the goal of making Oceanside’s streets safer. This grant will allow the Department to continue its efforts in removing DUI drivers from City roads, and holding drivers and motorcyclists accountable for operating their vehicles s...
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