Article Contributed on: 8/24/2007 12:52:10 PM
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will be stepping up their efforts to apprehend intoxicated and impaired drivers during the Labor Day weekend.
On Friday, Aug. 31, from 8 p.m.to 3 a.m., the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, utilizing LEAF grant funds, will be conducting DUI checkpoints throughout unincorporated Douglas County.
These checkpoints will be on roadways that have been identified as problem areas for accidents and high incidents of DUI arrests. The sheriff's office will also have extra officers working throughout the weekend whose primary focus will be to apprehend intoxicated and impaired drivers.
The operation of the sobriety checkpoints will be conducted with the utmost respect for the safety of the officers and officials participating in the checkpoints as well as the motoring public. Priority shall be given to minimize the amount of time a motorist spends at the checkpoint to protect their constitutional rights.
Along with the checkpoint, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is actively participating in the "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest." national crackdown from Aug. 17 through Sept. 3.
The sheriff's office will have extra officers on duty to identify and arrest intoxicated and impaired drivers. The Colorado Department of Transportation Safety offers LEAF (Law Enforcement Assistance Fund) funding to assist law enforcement agencies in their efforts to enforce DUI laws within Colorado.
In 2007, the state awarded Douglas County $27,937, which is used to pay overtime hours worked during scheduled DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout Douglas County.