FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Retonjah Burdette
Communications Director
City of Clarkston
404-834-2211
rburdette@cityofclarkston.com
City of Clarkston Police Department Launches S.T.E.P. Unit to Promote Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Enforcement
Clarkston, GA (July 23, 2025) – This week, the City of Clarkston Police Department officially launched a new initiative focused on enhancing roadway safety and promoting responsible driving throughout the city. The Safety Traffic Enforcement Patrol (S.T.E.P.) is a dedicated unit designed to increase traffic law compliance, reduce accidents, and protect pedestrians in high-traffic areas.
The development of the S.T.E.P. Unit was spearheaded by Assistant Chief Xavier Todd, who envisioned a strategic and targeted approach to traffic enforcement in Clarkston. After months of careful planning and data review, the unit was built to address specific safety concerns and provide sustained support to the community.
“This program was created with purpose and precision,” said Assistant Chief Todd. “We took the time to assess community needs, study traffic patterns, and build a unit that could deliver real results. The S.T.E.P. Unit is not just about enforcement. It is about saving lives and reinforcing a culture of safety across Clarkston.”
Sgt. Sarwar, a seasoned officer with extensive certifications in traffic enforcement and investigation, will lead the patrol. The S.T.E.P. Unit represents the department’s latest effort to create a safer environment for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The unit will focus on proactive patrols, increased visibility in school zones and pedestrian corridors, and the enforcement of common traffic violations that pose a risk to lives.
The program’s rollout comes at a time when pedestrian safety is a growing priority. Clarkston’s compact, walkable layout makes it essential to prioritize traffic enforcement that protects those on foot. The S.T.E.P. Unit aims to serve as both a deterrent to reckless driving and a reminder that public safety is a shared responsibility.
“The launch of the S.T.E.P. Unit reflects our department’s ongoing commitment to protecting lives and promoting safety throughout Clarkston,” said Chief Christine Hudson. “By increasing enforcement in key areas and addressing dangerous driving behaviors, we are taking a proactive approach to prevent accidents and keep our community safe and accessible for everyone.”
As Clarkston continues to grow, the need for intentional traffic enforcement and pedestrian protection has never been more critical. The S.T.E.P. Unit serves as an investment in the city’s long-term safety strategy, reinforcing the importance of adhering to traffic laws and prioritizing the shared use of public streets.
Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to stay alert and travel safely through all areas of Clarkston. Public safety remains a shared responsibility, and the City continues to promote its Three Cs campaign, Come Correct through Clarkston, which encourages everyone to approach our streets with caution, care, and compliance.
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