Jo Daviess County Sheriff Receives STEP Grant Award

According to a recent press release, the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office has received a federal Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant for fiscal year 2026, giving the department additional resources to enhance traffic safety across the county. The grant period runs from October 1st, 2025, through September 30th, 2026, and will support increased traffic enforcement at times and locations where crashes and serious accidents are most likely to occur.

STEP grants are designed to help local law enforcement focus on high-risk driving behaviors, including impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to wear seat belts. These grants provide the funding needed to supplement routine patrols with extra enforcement operations, especially during high-traffic periods, holidays, and other times when crashes are statistically more frequent. For residents, this means more visibility of law enforcement on rural roads, in small towns, and along major highways, with a clear focus on preventing accidents before they happen.

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In Jo Daviess County, the STEP grant allows deputies to conduct targeted campaigns that emphasize safe driving habits. Programs such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Click It or Ticket,” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” aim to raise awareness while actively discouraging dangerous behaviors. Beyond issuing citations, these campaigns are about sending a consistent message to the community: everyone has a role in keeping roads safe, whether behind the wheel or as a passenger.

The grant also strengthens the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to act proactively. With additional staffing and resources, deputies can focus on areas with higher crash risks, monitor problem intersections, and conduct enforcement operations when traffic volumes and accident potential are elevated. Residents may notice more patrols, occasional checkpoints, and increased signage or messaging highlighting safe driving practices. These efforts are designed to both prevent crashes and educate the public, creating a safer environment for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

“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.' Our top priority is the safety of everyone on our roadways, and we will continue holding those who break the law accountable.”

-Lt. Kirk Raab, Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office

For the people of Jo Daviess County, the STEP grant represents a commitment to community roadway safety. By combining enforcement with education and outreach, the Sheriff’s Office seeks to reduce the number of serious accidents, protect families on the road, and foster a culture of responsible driving. The grant ensures that deputies can be present where they are needed most, providing peace of mind to residents and visitors traveling through the county.

In short, the STEP grant empowers the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office to take a proactive stance on traffic safety, making the county’s roads safer for everyone and reinforcing a shared responsibility for protecting lives on the roadways.