Suffolk County Police To Beef Up DWI Enforcement for Memorial Day Weekend

The Suffolk County Police said Thursday it will crack down on unsafe boat and motor vehicle operation. Police officers will pay special attention to the threat of drunk drivers during the Memorial Day Weekend. 

"Every community is going to see stepped up traffic enforcement on this Memorial Day weekend," said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer, of his desire to keep the road and waterways safe. "Officers are going to be looking for inappropriate driving, dangerous driving, and people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  [This is] the first big holiday of the season, which signifies the unofficial start of the summer season."  

According to a May 27 press release, officers will employ helicopters to spy anyone operating a boat that shows signs of the symptoms of intoxication. The Selective Alcohol Fatality Enforcement Task force (S.A.F.E.-T) will work in conjunction with the Aviation Unit and the Marine Bureau to enforce safe driving and boating practices.

In addition, the Community Oriented Police Enforcement (C.O.P.E) unit, which is commonly affiliated with neighborhood watch programs across the county, will also have an expanded role in the program this weekend. Undisclosed checkpoints setup throughout the area will bolster the daily and nightly patrols.

"We're sending a message that drinking while driving or operating a boat will not be tolerated in Suffolk County," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy in a press release. "Suffolk Police will be out in full force to take DWI offenders off our roads and waterways this weekend."

Citizens are also encouraged to help keep the community safe.  "If [anyone sees] any dangerous driving, or they see someone driving inappropriately, dial 911," Dormer said.  "Get the location, the direction of travel, a description of vehicle, and let the police handle it."