On Aug. 26, law enforcement agencies across Merced County conducted the first County Integrated Traffic Enforcement (CITE) Team operation, targeting unsafe driving in school zones and high-risk areas.

The inaugural effort brought together officers from the California Highway Patrol Merced Area, Merced Police Department, Atwater Police Department, Gustine Police Department, and Los Banos Police Department. Responding to community concerns, the team focused on school drop-off zones, enforcing violations such as speeding, cell phone use, and seatbelt noncompliance.

After morning traffic cleared, officers shifted to crash-prone corridors identified through public input and collision data. The goal: immediate impact in areas residents say need it most.

Officials say this is the first of many rotating CITE operations aimed at improving traffic safety and driver awareness throughout Merced County.