Crime & Safety
Gwinnett Police Out in Full Force on NYE
The DUI task force will have an additional 20 officers on duty throughout Gwinnett County.
Since more people will be out and about--and drinking--on the merry holiday that is New Year's Eve, more police officers and volunteers will be patrolling the streets, according to the Gwinnett Police Department.
"Everyone will be paying special attention to traffic and DUIs on New Year's Eve in an effort to keep motorists safe," said Cpl. Jake Smith of the Gwinnett County Police Department.
According to Cpl. Smith, the DUI taskforce will have 20 extra officers throughout Gwinnett. Each precinct will be fully staffed and specialized units, such as the Community Emergency Response Teams and the Crime Suppression Unit, will be in on the action, too.
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There's no way of knowing if DUIs will be up or down this year compared to other years, but 21 DUI arrests were made by the Gwinnett Police Department last New Year's Eve, according to Cpl. Smith. That number doesn't include the DUI reports by city precincts. There's no change in DUI policy for the occasion, either.
Another unique factor also comes into play as the year ends: the lack of radar gun use as of Jan. 1, 12:01 a.m. Because of a debacle between the counties and cities regarding a services agreement, Gwinnett is not permitted to use radar or laser gun for speeders starting at midnight. This may sound like a downfall for trafficking roads, but don't get your hopes up. Cpl. Smith says it shouldn't prevent DUI enforcement.
Find out what's happening in Norcrosswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Most DUI arrests are made after the officer actually observes the suspect vehicle violate a traffic law," said Cpl. Smith. "As often as not, it is something simple like drifting over a lane line or rolling through a stop sign." Investigations for driving under the influence usually take place after the vehicles are pulled over for another violation, such as reckless driving.
If you do plan to drink on New Year's Eve but end up with no designated driver, call a taxi. AAA offers a free service called Tow To Go, where AAA drivers will drive individuals and their car home. All members and non-members have to do is call their phone number, 1-800-AAA-HELP.
