March 11, 2023 - Merced Police Department officials reported that the Merced Police Department was awarded a grant in the amount of $573,636 from the California Highway Patrol from the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program. The grant is used to conduct saturation patrols, checkpoints, educational presentations, attend court, attend training, and to purchase supplies to assist with completing the grant’s goals and objectives. The primary goal of the grant is to enhance traffic safety and to educate the public regarding the dangers of driving impaired.

On Friday, March 3^rd, the Merced Police Department attend the Dream Big Parent Institute hosted by the Merced County Office of Education. Officers shared information regarding the effects of driving impaired while under the influence of marijuana. There was approximately 100 people in attendance that learned about cannabis and its effect one’s ability to drive a vehicle. After the presentation, those in attendance were able to walk through the grant funded Mobile Incident Command Vehicle. MPD personnel discussed its abilities, its purpose, and how it was acquired.

The grant period is July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023. Additional operations will be completed during the remainder of the grant period.

Source: Merced Police Department