Police to conduct DUI task forces over Memorial Day weekend

PHOENIX — Several police departments around the Valley will conduct DUI task forces during Memorial Day weekend.

Police departments in Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa and Tempe, along with the Department of Public Safety, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and ASU Police will attempt to find people driving under the influence from May 25 to May 28.

Last year, 552 people were arrested by a statewide task force over Memorial Day weekend, according to the Arizona Governor’s Office for Highway Safety.

In 2016, there were 499 arrests.

Police departments often use task forces on holidays in an attempt to prevent drivers under the influence from using the road.

During Cinco de Mayo earlier this month, 325 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence. There were 504 arrests during this weekend in 2017.

In contrast, St. Patrick’s Day saw slightly more arrests this year than last. In 2018, there were 358 arrests, which was nine more than in 2017.

“The goal of the officers assigned to the Task Force is to contact those drivers that have made the disastrous decision to dive impaired and remove them from the roadway before they hurt themselves or others,” a Scottsdale Police statement said.

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