The Ripon Police Department recently participated in the Saturation Traffic Enforcement Program.

STEP is a collaborative effort between local police agencies and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office designed to enhance road safety by targeting specific violations that may lead to collisions, such as unsafe driving and impaired driving.

Altogether, 12 officers including those from Manteca police, Stockton police and SJC sheriffs, to name a few, were involved in the Aug. 19 operation held in Ripon.

Police Chief Danny Sauer said at the Sept. 9 Ripon City Council meeting that 131 traffic stops were conducted that day, resulting in 117 citations over a period of about eight hours.

“STEP is a rotating monthly initiative in which law enforcement focuses on different cities throughout the county to improve traffic safety,” he noted.

STEP also promotes responsible driving.