Extra DUI enforcement begins tonight

Courtesy of PCSO

December 29, 2011 - 3:28 pm

DUI Regional Taskforce partners from PCSO, DPS, Florence PD and Casa Grande PD pictured prior to the start of a recent operation. Photo by PCSO.

The Pinal County Regional DUI Taskforce begins its annual holiday crackdown for impaired drivers starting tonight and running through New Year’s Eve.

There will be checkpoints throughout the county including the city of Casa Grande where the operation command post will be located.

PCSO Traffic Sgt. Hunter Rankin, who also heads the DUI Regional Taskforce, said, “Plan your night before heading out. If you know you’re going to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver or take a taxi.

“Our ‘All hands on deck’ approach to finding impaired drivers means you’re much more likely to end the night locked up in the back of a patrol car if you decide to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office for Highway Safety announced Dec. 23, that up to that date, 42,918 DUI traffic stops had been made, compared to 31,788 last year. Those arrested for DUI numbered 2,644.

“The number of DUI arrests reflects 300 fewer than last year, a good sign since (officers) identified 1,088 sober designated drivers reflecting an increase of 100 over the previous year's total," Gutier said. More than 17,000 citations had been issued by that date.

The Governor’s Office for Highway Safety provides additional funds each year to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to pay for staffing checkpoints and extra patrols. PCSO is closing in on 100 DUI citations this holiday season alone.

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21 comments

Go get'em! Drunks have no place on OUR roads.

"Dec. 23, that up to that date, 42,918 DUI traffic stops had been made, compared to 31,788 last year. Those arrested for DUI numbered 2,644."

So we are proactively, aggressively policing drunk driving and by their numbers about 94% of the people they stop for DUI are completely innocent?

With policies like this and the glaring problems with our police force played out in our local media, is it any wonder why people may have misgivings about police, in general?

And what effect does the virtual police state in the name of DUI enforcement that's apparently in effect during holidays and weekends, have on local commerce in the industry of recreation?

There are nights when I'm coming home from work and there's a car stopped on just about every corner and in Fry's parking lot. Then further down you'll see the mobile processing unit, blue lights and all...

At what point do we say enough of this? 94% of the people they stop aren't arrested for DUI!

How many of those 94% are cited for other violations? If people didn't drive drunk, there would be no need for DUI enforcement. The "police state" is here because irresponsible scofflaws opened the door and let it in. It would please me to see a DUI gauntlet with checkpoints out every weekend. If first offenders would get 6 month jail time, the numbers would quickly change. Using a motor vehicle as a deadly weapon should be a serious felony, not a slap on the wrist.

Note: I was struck and injured by a drunk driver that fled the scene. When caught, that offender was never charged. Yes, I do have a VERY BIG problem with drunks. We should hang them!

We should hang you people texing and talking on the phone too

Thomas again has conspiracy theories brewing. DUI task forces have no negative impact on local business. Those caught pay fines which help the city/state. Whether they catch 1 or 2,644, they are helping save lives. That is what police do. At what point do people say "enough is enough" about your misguided rants?

I feel sorry for him.....

I feel sorry for the police officers in Maricopa! This is about the only thing that they can do. Seeing one of our police officers outside of his police car, its amazing the height/weight standards that they can get away with. I mean, I know there are great places to eat here, but sheesh! God forbid one of our officers has to pursue somebody on foot, I think 99% of people out there are capable of outrunning them.

I was stoped for no reason but the cop lied his way out when i went to court

Just like on the news last night, a fella was pulled over and detained for "driving under the influence" When he said he was just tired from working all day. Whether or not that's the case, it goes to show, that just because you get pulled over due to suspected DUI, doesn't mean it always pans out that way. Be glad that they're even out there, patrolling and pulling people over. I know in my husband's hometown in the Midwest, they are NOT doing any extra enforcement this weekend.

Thank goodness for the police! Who would we know who was tired or not?

The gene pool could use a little chlorine.

What a great observation!

Take your head out of your ass....it's your gene pool.

Good thing you exist to judge what genes are worth procreating. Oh, and sarcasm can be hard to pick up sometimes. In the future, I'll try and make my thoughts more direct, you know, for people like yourself.

Pull head out bubba....it's mighty dark in there.

And that ends this discussion. It might be a good New Years resolution to improve your critical and analytical thinking. Best of luck to you!

The god of hope wishes you will see some sunshine this year....

Perhaps you should list your height/weight and take the police physical exam. Then pass a polygraph, drug screening and personality assessment. They have a job that is very challenging both mentally and physically. Are you the type of person who complains about cops, but the first to call them for help.? What do you do for a living? Ever save a life or console a family who lost a loved one. What Im saying is don't be so quick to judge.

r3l4x... my last comment was to you. Police risk their lives each day.