PIMA COUNTY, AZ

Deputies are in the middle of a yearly enforcement program developed to snag speeders across Pima County.

Every year, they patrol random places across Pima County to look for drivers breaking the law.

The difference with this enforcement?

No warnings. Anyone who gets pulled over gets a ticket.

“This is meant to be a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement,” said Sgt. Dawn Barkman of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. “We want people to slow down. That’s the bottom line.”

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, or STEP, is funded by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

Deputies started STEP a few years ago to combat complaints they received related to speeders on the streets.

“Collisions occur when people speed,” Barkman said. “They occur when people don’t pay attention to what’s happening in front of them.”

She said harsh consequences really protect everyone. It makes people think twice before they head out and hit the pavement, which lessens everyone’s chance of a crash on the daily commute.

“Definitely we have our share of collisions, injuries and fatalities,” Barkman said. “We’re trying to stop those from happening.”

Many drivers told KOLD News 13 that they believe speeding is a problem in southern Arizona.

“There are some pretty bad drivers around here,” Sylvia Simpson said.

Others said they agree with the zero-tolerance approach.

“One-hundred percent, it would make you think about speeding,” Herb Crowley said. “I have friends who have already gotten speeding tickets.”

“I think it does make me feel safe,” Rachel Tapp said. “I think we should increase the patrol around town.”

PCSD is one of 53 Arizona law enforcement agencies who use government funds for similar programs.

STEP is set to last through May.