Purpose of the Challenge
 

The Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge recognizes law enforcement agencies for outstanding traffic safety programs. Its goal is to enhance traffic safety education and enforcement to reduce crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities on Florida’s roadways. It follows the structure of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) National Challenge Program and aligns with Florida’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

Eligibility
 

State, county, municipal, and college or university law enforcement agencies involved in traffic enforcement in Florida are eligible to participate.

Benefits of Participation
 

Participation promotes a data-driven focus on traffic safety and provides public recognition for agencies with the most effective traffic safety programs. It also supports ongoing safety initiatives and encourages improved reporting practices.

Areas of Evaluation
 

Participating law enforcement agencies are scored using a points-based system across the following traffic safety categories:

Policy and Guidelines – Implementation and adherence to traffic safety and enforcement policies.

Training of Officers – Comprehensive traffic safety training provided to officers.

Officer Recognition – Agency recognition of officers’ contributions to traffic safety through education, outreach, or enforcement.

LEL Program Participation – Engagement with the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) Program and participation in campaigns such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Public Information and Education – Efforts to educate the public on traffic safety through outreach events, social media, and media coverage.

Traffic Enforcement Activity – Active enforcement of traffic laws.

Traffic Safety Effectiveness – Overall impact of traffic safety initiatives through measurable reductions in crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities within the agency's area of jurisdiction.

How to Participate
   

Applications are submitted through the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program website during the official application period. Submissions highlight traffic safety efforts from the previous calendar year. The application period typically runs from January 1 through March 31. 

Agencies are grouped into the following categories based on agency size and type:

• Category 1 – 1 to 15 officers
• Category 2 – 16 to 25 officers
• Category 3 – 26 to 35 officers
• Category 4 – 36 to 50 officers
• Category 5 – 51 to 100 officers
• Category 6 – 101 to 200 officers
• Category 7 – 201 to 400 officers
• Category 8 – More than 400 officers
• Category 9 – Florida Highway Patrol (Rural Troops)
• Category 10 – Florida Highway Patrol (Urban Troops)
• Category 11 – University Police Departments
• Category 12 – Champions Class (first place winners from the previous year)

The top three agencies in each category receive an official placement letter, plaque, challenge coins, and lodging for the annual Training and Recognition Event held in Orlando each July. Each placing agency will receive up to five rooms for the event, covered by the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program. The top agency in the Champions Class is awarded the Champions Cup, a perpetual trophy engraved with the agency’s name and retained for one year, along with a miniature version for permanent display.

How to Submit an Application
   

Agencies interested in applying for next year's Challenge should begin preparing to highlight their traffic safety efforts from the 2025 calendar year. Applications for the 2026 Challenge will be accepted from January 1 through March 31, 2026. 

For assistance in preparing your submission, please contact your District Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL).