Law Enforcement Liaison

The PA Law Enforcement Liaisons (LEL) are a vital link between the PA State Highway Safety Office and law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania. Each LEL is assigned to a specific region of the Commonwealth to help promote and enhance state and national highway safety programs, initiatives and campaigns. They serve many roles and functions including including planning, organizing, networking, promoting, recruiting, implementing, reporting, and evaluating law enforcement’s role in traffic safety projects, activities and achievements.

The LELs coordinate with the Highway Safety Office to provide administrative and technical support for state and local law enforcement participation in grant-funded enforcement operations in alignment with National Law Enforcement Liaison Program standards and best practices.

Upcoming Enforcement Campaigns

2026 Teen Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization: October 5 – 17, 2026

The 13-day Teen Seat Belt Mobilization will lead up to National Teen Driver Safety Week scheduled October 18 – 24, 2026. The goal of the mobilization is very specific; save young lives by increasing belt use among drivers and passengers under the age of 18 through a coordinated enforcement and educational campaign. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States.

The focus is primarily on youth drivers (under the age of 18) on school campuses, select youth events, and targeted roadways around their high schools.

Drivers and passengers under the age of 18, regardless of seating position, are required to be secured in a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system. This is a primary offense, and an officer is authorized to stop the vehicle solely on that violation.

It is suggested that you schedule officers at times before or after school to reach the greatest number of students. Consider the use of Stationary Positions where officers will have a clear view into vehicles and offer safe pull-off locations to make the contact. Also consider Traffic Enforcement Zones (TEZ) or Roving Patrols that target school or teen event traffic. Use enforcement strategies that maximize motorist and officer safety.

Pedestrian Enforcement Wave 1: October 12 – 16, 2026

The 5-day Pedestrian Enforcement Wave will take place prior to National School Bus Safety Week scheduled October 19-23, 2026. Enforcement can focus on drivers, pedestrians, or both.

The focus of this campaign is Pedestrian Safety and School Bus Safety.

Participating agencies should use local data and site surveys to determine appropriate pedestrian enforcement strategy and location.

Aggressive Driving Wave 1: October 19 – November 8, 2026

Municipal police agencies and the Pennsylvania State Police are scheduled to participate in the enforcement campaign to reduce the number of Aggressive Driving (AD) related crashes, injuries and deaths on roadways throughout Pennsylvania.

The focus for this 3-week enforcement campaign will be Move Over Law, School Bus, Speeding and Following Too Closely (tailgating).

Coordinated Enforcement with PA State Police – October 21st
Operation Safe Stop – October 21st
- Focused on illegal passing of school buses.

Participating Agencies should consider using Traffic Enforcement Zones, Saturation Patrols, Speed Enforcement Details, School Bus observation officers, and coordinated multi-jurisdictional activities to identify and contact aggressive drivers.

“Click It or Ticket” CIOT Thanksgiving Mobilization:

November 9 – 30, 2026

The 14-day Thanksgiving Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization will include the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The focus of the mobilization is to maximize both day and nighttime seat belt use by targeting roadways with high unbelted crashes, injuries and deaths.

Participating Agencies should consider using Traffic Enforcement Zones, Saturation Patrols, Speed Enforcement Details and coordinated multi-jurisdictional activities to identify primary vehicle code violations and address secondary seat belt violations.

Meet The Team

Chris Lengle

LEL Coordinator

Chris Lengle is a dedicated advocate for traffic safety, with an extensive career in law enforcement and executive leadership focused on improving roadway safety. As a retired Lieutenant with the Pennsylvania State Police, Chris brings 25 years of experience to his current role as Executive Director of the Highway Safety Network and coordinator for the statewide Law Enforcement Liaison Program.

Throughout his career, Chris has concentrated on highway safety and traffic enforcement. He served as a commercial motor vehicle inspector and a crash reconstructionist, earning full accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR). His practical experience in these areas has been instrumental in advancing highway safety initiatives and enforcement strategies.

After retiring from the state police in 2017, Chris joined the Highway Safety Network as a Community Traffic Safety Project (CTSP) Coordinator and then coordinator for the Buckle Up Pennsylvania occupant protection enforcement project.

In 2020, Chris became the coordinator for the Law Enforcement Liaison program, furthering his commitment to fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies and promoting high-visibility enforcement countermeasures. His role emphasizes the importance of effective communication and partnership in achieving traffic safety goals.

Chris also conducts Traffic Incident Management (TIM) and Below 100 training. His expertise is widely recognized and respected among peers and professionals dedicated to traffic safety. His approachable and confident demeanor, coupled with a proven track record of impactful leadership, make him a valuable resource and driven by a passion for saving lives on our roadways.