DUI task forces to patrol metro Phoenix streets Thanksgiving weekend

PHOENIX – Have fun during the Thanksgiving break, but not too much. Beginning Wednesday night, extra patrol officers will be stationed on roads across metro Phoenix to watch for impaired drivers.

The state Governor’s Office of Highway Safety announced sobriety checkpoints would be in place through Saturday night. The patrols, made up of officers from 88 law enforcement agencies, will be statewide.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday festivities and to do so responsibly by having a designated driver, calling a friend, a ride service or taking a taxi home,” office Director Alberto Gutier said in a statement.

Police from Arizona State University, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community will be at work as the East Valley DUI Task Force.

Deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Arizona Department of Public Service troopers will also be in the unit.

The West Valley DUI Task Force will be made up of police officers from Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, Tolleson and Wickenburg, along with MCSO deputies and highway troopers.

Police in Phoenix and Glendale will be on duty in their cities.

A year ago, task forces across the state made 1,926 DUI arrests from Thanksgiving to Christmas, up 13% percent from 2017.

Law enforcement personnel made 53,154 traffic stops that holiday season.

[newsletter][/newsletter]

Related

DPS: 30 DUI arrests made in Arizona over New Year's holiday625 motorists arrested for DUI in Arizona during Labor Day weekendDUI arrests in Arizona over Memorial Day weekend increased from 2018Pedestrians hit by vehicle in west Phoenix, leaving 1 dead and 1 injuredSchnepf Farms adds new attractions for Pumpkin & Chili Party376-unit apartment complex proposed near IKEA in south Tempe