**GUSTINE Police Department Teams Up for Major Traffic Safety Operation**
The Gustine Police Department, in partnership with the Merced County CITE (County Integrated Traffic Enforcement) Team, conducted a coordinated traffic safety operation on Tuesday aimed at improving roadway safety and addressing community concerns.
The operation began with a 7 a.m. briefing before officers from the Gustine Police Department, Atwater Police Department, Merced Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol deployed across multiple locations in Gustine.
### Focus on School Zones
This high-visibility enforcement effort was combined with education initiatives targeting violations identified by data and residents as ongoing safety issues. The morning enforcement concentrated on school zones at Gustine High School, Gustine Middle School, and Gustine Elementary School.
During student drop-off times, officers specifically monitored speeding, stop-sign violations, cell phone use, and other vehicle code infractions. Crosswalk safety was a top priority, with officers ensuring drivers yielded to pedestrians at high-traffic intersections. Additionally, plainclothes city employees acted as decoys to identify motorists who failed to stop or were distracted.
Officer Eddie Gonzales of the Gustine Police Department explained, “The goal of this detail is to reduce crashes, improve safety around our schools, and address ongoing concerns raised by our community. By partnering with our allied agencies, we’re able to saturate critical areas and make an immediate, positive impact on roadway behavior.”
### Afternoon Enforcement on Key Roadways
Once traffic around the campuses cleared, enforcement shifted to speed patrols along Highway 33, Highway 140, Sullivan Road, Hunt Road, and the Gustine Airport corridor. These locations were selected based on collision data, community complaints, and persistent safety concerns.
Officers targeted violations such as speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield in crosswalks, seatbelt infractions, and other primary factors contributing to collisions.
### Operation Results
By the end of the day, officers conducted 83 traffic stops, issuing 68 citations, 18 warnings, towing three vehicles, and making two arrests. These numbers highlight both the extensive scope of the operation and the ongoing need for vigilance on local roadways.
The operation involved 16 personnel and 11 enforcement vehicles from multiple agencies, including:
– Atwater Police Department
– California Highway Patrol Merced Area
– Gustine Police Department
– Merced Police Department
– CHP Central Division Commercial Unit
Officials emphasized that the collaboration enabled broader coverage and a stronger law enforcement presence in areas experiencing the most pressing traffic safety challenges.
### Collaborative Impact
A statement from the CHP Merced Area office read, “When multiple agencies come together for a shared mission, the entire county benefits. These operations allow us to address community concerns, reduce collision risks, and create safer conditions for families who live, walk, and drive in these neighborhoods. The teamwork shown by all participating agencies demonstrates how collaboration leads to meaningful results.”
### Addressing Community Concerns
Residents have long expressed worries about speeding near schools and pedestrian safety at busy intersections. Tuesday’s operation was designed to directly tackle these issues while promoting responsible driving habits.
Officer Gonzales added, “This was about education as much as enforcement. We want drivers to think twice before picking up a phone in a school zone or rushing through a crosswalk. Those decisions can have serious consequences.”
### Ongoing Commitment
The Gustine Police Department plans to continue focused enforcement efforts throughout the year to combat dangerous driving behaviors and enhance community safety. Officials also acknowledged the vital support from community partners, including local schools and city staff, in coordinating the effort.
“Thank you to our partners and to the City of Gustine for their continued support,” CHP Merced said. “Working together strengthens safety across Merced County.”
### Looking Ahead
The Nov. 18 operation was one of the largest coordinated traffic safety details in Gustine in recent years. Organizers noted that the success of this effort underscores the value of multi-agency collaboration and lays the groundwork for future operations.
“We may not be able to prevent every crash,” Gonzales said, “but by showing up in force, educating drivers, and enforcing the laws, we can make our roads safer for everyone—especially our kids and seniors.”
https://www.westsideconnect.com/news/crime-records/gustine-police-lead-countywide-traffic-safety-operation/
