S.T.E.P. Towards Zero
FDOT District 1 • Polk County Pilot
Strategic Traffic Enforcement Program
The Strategic Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.) is a data-driven traffic safety initiative focused on reducing serious injury and fatal crashes through high-visibility traffic enforcement in identified high-crash corridors throughout Polk County.
The pilot runs May 22 through September 7, 2026 (15 weeks). Participating agencies earn points for qualifying enforcement activity that can be redeemed for traffic safety equipment.
How It Works
Enforcement Detail Process
Every S.T.E.P. detail follows the same five-step process, from conducting enforcement at an approved location through redeeming points for traffic safety equipment.
Conduct Detail
Minimum 2 officers × 3 hours OR 3 officers × 2 hours at assigned high-crash locations.
Fill Out Form
Complete the paper activity form in the field. Record warnings and citations by emphasis area.
Submit Online
Enter detail data online weekly via the S.T.E.P. Reporting Portal.
Earn Points
Earn 15 points per qualifying detail submitted.
Redeem
After the 15-week pilot, redeem points for traffic safety equipment from the approved catalog.
What Counts as a Qualifying Detail
One qualifying S.T.E.P. detail consists of:
3 officers
working 2 hours
2 officers
working 3 hours
All enforcement activity must occur at approved S.T.E.P. locations to qualify for participation and equipment eligibility.
Program Goals
- Reduce fatal and serious injury crashes
- Increase high-visibility traffic enforcement
- Improve interagency coordination
- Provide traffic safety equipment to participating agencies
- Reduce speed-related crashes
- Improve seatbelt and child restraint compliance
- Enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety
- Reduce impaired driving incidents
- Support data-driven traffic safety strategies
Emphasis Areas
- Speeding / Aggressive Driving
- Impaired Driving (DUI)
- Occupant Protection
- Distracted Driving
- Work Zone Speeding
- Pedestrian-Related
- Bicycle-Related
- Motorcycle-Related
Upcoming High-Visibility Enforcement Waves
The S.T.E.P. enforcement period aligns with several statewide and regional traffic safety campaigns; strong opportunities for coordinated enforcement and public education efforts focused on speed, occupant protection, and impaired driving.
Click It or Ticket
May 18 – 31
Visit Campaign Page for Click It or Ticket
Operation Southern Slow Down
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
August 19 – September 7
Visit Campaign Page for Drive Sober or Get Pulled OverParticipating Agencies
- Auburndale Police Department
- Bartow Police Department
- Davenport Police Department
- Haines City Police Department
- Lake Alfred Police Department
- Lake Hamilton Police Department
- Lake Wales Police Department
- Lakeland Police Department
- Polk County Sheriff's Office
- Winter Haven Police Department
- Florida Highway Patrol
Program Documents
STEP Program Overview Flyer
Program summary, goals, emphasis areas, and participating agencies.
Download PDF
STEP Program Details Flyer
Program timeline, enforcement detail process, weekly limits, and equipment categories.
Download PDF
STEP Activity Form (Printable)
Field-friendly clipboard form to capture detail activity before reporting.
Download PDF
Florida QRG App
The Florida QRG App is a free quick reference tool for Florida law enforcement. Instantly look up Florida traffic statutes and related traffic enforcement resources from any device in the field. Scan the QR code or visit FloridaLELApp.com (opens in new tab) to access it from any device.
Open Mobile App (opens in new tab)S.T.E.P. Reporting Portal
Once a S.T.E.P. detail is completed, submit your activity using the reporting form below. Please submit reports promptly so activity and participation can be accurately tracked throughout the pilot program.
If the reporting form does not display properly on your screen, click here to access it directly.
Program Kickoff
LEL Program Contact
Janice Martinez
Law Enforcement Liaison, FDOT District 1
dist1@fl-lel.org