The role of law enforcement in traffic enforcement in America is at a crossroads. Despite reduced travel during the pandemic, traffic fatalities have surged past 42,000 annually, yet traditional enforcement faces unprecedented challenges. Jurisdictions across the country have restricted certain low-level traffic stops, while agencies nationwide grapple with severe staffing shortages and evolving public expectations about police contact. Some jurisdictions are pioneering alternative approaches such as civilian enforcement programs, automated technologies, and infrastructure-based safety strategies. However, guidance on when and how to implement these innovations remains limited.

This comprehensive 36-month research project tackles these challenges head-on by systematically examining what works, what doesn’t, and what’s possible. The research combines rigorous policy analysis with direct input from those most affected: law enforcement officers, community members, and safety advocates. Through focus groups, a national survey of 1,000 residents, and intensive stakeholder workshops, the project will produce a first-of-its-kind roadmap that agencies can actually use. The research encompasses local, state, and rural jurisdictions nationwide, ensuring the roadmap recognizes diverse operational needs while exploring innovative approaches that will define the future of traffic enforcement and safety.