The San Diego Police Department has been awarded a $428,000 grant as part of a statewide initiative to combat impaired driving, it was announced Tuesday.
“This grant allows us to take a well-rounded approach to traffic safety,” SDPD Sgt. Gregory Minter said. “By combining focused enforcement with officer training and community education, we can better protect our roadways and reduce the threat posed by impaired drivers.”
Police said the grant will be used to fund the following initiatives:
- DUI saturation patrols to increase high-visibility enforcement targeting impaired drivers across San Diego;
- Public education and outreach, to inform the public about the dangers of driving under the influence of cannabis or other substances and;
- Impaired driving detection equipment, to acquire specialized tools and resources to support officers in the identification and assessment of drug- impaired drivers.
The grant performance period will continue through June 30, 2026.
The grant was made possible through the California Highway Patrol via the state’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program. Funding stemmed from a broader $35 million investment announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom to support nearly 150 local agencies throughout the state to enforce stricter protocol for driving under the influence, according to the department.
The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program is administered by CHP to help law enforcement agencies prevent roadway injuries and deaths related to cannabis and other substance use.