GUSTINE — The Gustine Police Department, working in partnership with the Merced County CITE (County Integrated Traffic Enforcement) Team, carried out a coordinated traffic safety operation Tuesday aimed at improving roadway safety and responding to community concerns.
The detail began with a 7 a.m. briefing before officers from Gustine Police Department, Atwater Police Department, Merced Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol deployed across multiple locations in Gustine. The operation combined high-visibility enforcement with education efforts, targeting violations that data and residents have identified as persistent safety issues.
The morning’s enforcement concentrated on school zones at Gustine High School, Gustine Middle School, and Gustine Elementary School. Officers monitored speeding, stop-sign violations, cell phone use, and other vehicle code infractions during student drop-off times. Crosswalk safety was also a priority. At high-traffic intersections, officers ensured drivers yielded to pedestrians. In some cases, plainclothes city employees acted as decoys to identify motorists who failed to stop or who were distracted.
“The goal of this detail is to reduce crashes, improve safety around our schools, and address ongoing concerns raised by our community,” said Gustine Police Officer Eddie Gonzales. “By partnering with our allied agencies, we’re able to saturate critical areas and make an immediate, positive impact on roadway behavior.”
After 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 areas were selected based on collision data, community complaints, and ongoing safety concerns. Violations targeted included speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield in crosswalks, seatbelt violations, and other primary collision factors.
By the end of the day, officers reported 83 traffic stops, resulting in 68 citations issued, 18 warnings, three vehicles towed, and two arrests. Officials said the numbers reflect both the scope of the operation and the need for continued vigilance on local roadways.
A total of 16 personnel and 11 enforcement vehicles participated in the operation. Agencies involved included Atwater Police Department, California Highway Patrol – Merced Area, Gustine Police Department, Merced Police Department, and the CHP Central Division Commercial Unit. Officials emphasized that the collaboration allowed for broader coverage and a stronger presence in areas where traffic safety issues are most pressing.
“When multiple agencies come together for a shared mission, the entire county benefits,” the CHP Merced Area office said in a statement. “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.”
Residents have long voiced concerns about speeding near schools and pedestrian safety at busy intersections. Tuesday’s operation was designed to directly address those issues while reinforcing safe driving habits. “This was about education as much as enforcement,” Gonzales said. “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.”
The Gustine Police Department said it will continue to conduct focused enforcement efforts throughout the year to address dangerous driving behaviors and promote community safety. Officials also credited community partners, including local schools and city staff, for helping coordinate 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.”
The Nov. 18 operation marked one of the largest coordinated traffic safety details in Gustine in recent years. Organizers said the success of the effort demonstrates the value of multi-agency collaboration and sets the stage 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.”
