Folsom PD gets $248K CHP pot grant for motorcycles, DUI checks

The Folsom Police Department was awarded $248,000 from the CHP marijuana tax fund, the city announced last week. The Folsom City Council is scheduled to officially accept the Cannabis Tax Fund grant this week offered by the California Highway Patrol. Through statewide marijuana taxes, the program helps local agencies reduce impaired driving, provide DUI enforcement and buy special drug-related equipment and squad cars. Part of the funding will go toward two new motorcycles and a PD truck, Folsom Police said. From 2019 to 2023, Folsom experienced an increase in collisions involving impaired drivers, resulting in injuries and fatalities, authorities said. However, thanks to proactive saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints in 2024, the city saw a 19-percent decrease in DUI-related traffic collisions. Officers made 204 arrests for driving under the influence during patrol operations and dedicated enforcement efforts. To further these safety goals, Folsom PD successfully applied for a state grant from the CHP. The department was awarded $248,391 in June, authorities said. The crucial funding will be used for: · DUI checkpoints and other enforcement activities. · Educational presentations for school groups to promote safe driving. · Specialized equipment for checkpoints, including scene lighting. · Three new police vehicles, two motorcycles and one pickup truck, used for traffic and DUI enforcement. The grant will allow the police department to continue its proactive approach to road safety, building on the progress already made and ensuring Folsom remains a safe community, staff said. Law enforcement grants provide financial assistance to allied agencies for the education, prevention and enforcement of laws related to driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, including cannabis and cannabis products.