Crime & Safety

STOP-DWI Enforcement Begins This Week

Increased law enforcement efforts will be in place throughout Rockland County.

Rockland County STOP–DWI is warning all residents to think before they drink and drive during the upcoming holiday season. The night before Thanksgiving, the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, is known as being one of the biggest drinking nights of the year, said STOP-DWI Coordinator Leslie Chernin.

Local police departments, the Sheriff’s Department and New York State Police will all increase their efforts to enforce Rockland’s zero tolerance policy.  Sobriety checkpoints will be set up at various locations across the county.  In addition, the Rockland County Mobile Enforcement Unit, or “Command Van,” which enables police officers to process DWI arrests in the field without taking offenders to police headquarters will be in use during the holiday weekend.

“We urge people to make other driving arrangements if they plan to drink, saving everyone from a potentially life-altering outcome,” said Chernin.  “It’s not worth putting your life or the lives of others at risk.”

Chernin also reminded all bar owners to be cautious and closely examine patrons’ personal identification to ensure that everyone being served in their establishment is 21 years of age or older.  Bar owners caught serving alcohol to minors are subject to fines and possible suspension or even cancellation of their state-issued liquor licenses. Residents should call their local police department to report underage drinking and alert authorities to businesses that sell or serve alcohol to minors.



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