Pinal County, DUI Task Force receive highway grant

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and Pinal County Regional DUI Task Force have been awarded $103,220 to fund overtime for DUI enforcement and collision investigation training.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety provided these funds to further support the continuance of the Pinal County Regional DUI Task Force and to help ensure those traveling the roadways of Pinal County are safer.

In addition to the overtime and enhanced training funding, GOHS awarded $27,500 to the Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of an additional motorcycle to support the growth of their motor unit whose purpose is public education and enforcement of traffic laws.

The Task Force, formed in March, has played an important role in removing many impaired drivers from Pinal County highways. Agencies participating in the Task Force include the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Casa Grande, Gila River, Apache Junction, Coolidge, Florence, Eloy, Ak-Chin and Maricopa Police Departments.

Since the Nov. 24 Pinal County Holiday DUI Task Force Kick Off, more than 160 people have been arrested for driving impaired. DUI Task Force saturation patrols will continue through the New Year weekend with a “zero tolerance” approach to impaired driving. Drivers found to be impaired by alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested and booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Facility in Florence, AZ.  Additionally, officers will be enforcing the “zero tolerance” policy toward underage drinking.

National statistics reveal that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s 38 percent of all deaths from auto accidents are alcohol-related.

In 2008, 849 people were killed in Arizona in fatal crashes. Of those killed, 294 involved drivers who had a blood-alcohol concentration over the .08 limit. This represents almost 34 percent and does not account for drivers impaired by drugs. 

“It is important for us, as law enforcement partners, to work together to educate the public and take a ‘zero tolerance’ approach when dealing with impaired drivers,” said Sheriff Paul Babeu.

“Gone are the days in Pinal County when a drunk driver is allowed to park their car or get a ride home after being stopped.  When we catch someone driving drunk or impaired by drugs; they will be cuffed and taken to jail.”

Submitted photo