Skip to main content

Local police plan stepped up DWI enforcment for St. Patty's weekend

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Program announced today that Genesee County police agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on March 15th and will end on March 18th. St. Patrick’s Day week is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. This year St. Patrick’s Day is on a Monday and that will extend the weekend until Tuesday for many people. The New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths during this period.

Batavia City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch stated, “The City of Batavia Police Department encourages everyone celebrating to do so safely and have a designated driver. Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have been drinking. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend.”

Genesee County Undersheriff William Sheron stated, “St. Patrick's Day is well known as of day of celebration. Please celebrate responsibly. Avoid tragedy; Don't plan on the luck of the Irish, arrange for a designated driver.

The St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers stated, "Enforcement efforts like these have contributed to the steady decline in DWI accidents since the program was established. Families in Genesee County are safer while traveling the roads with a program like STOP-DWI funding extra patrols by our fine law enforcement professionals."

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol- and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Scott Ogle

"great another police state exercise weekend in the name of safety!"

Saving lives and keeping the roads safer -- those police-state bastards!

"what grant funds these?"

Who cares? It's money well spent. The drivers around here aren't so talented as to be able to afford .08, let alone beyond.

Thanks, you officers on watch.

Mar 14, 2014, 1:11pm Permalink
Bernie Thompson

I am not sure I understand your comment CJ,are you saying that stopping someone for a DWI is wrong?
If indeed it’s a way to prevent an accident or worse a death because someone chose to drive under the influence is that wrong?
In my opinion I say KUDOS to the Batavia P.D for doing this.
DON’T DRINK & DRIVE IT’S THAT SIMPLE!!

Mar 14, 2014, 1:23pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

CJ is against any use of law enforcement for anything. I say do this 3 days before til 3 days after St. Pats. It doesnt take a genius to make arrangements so that you dont drink and drive.

Karma will really prove itself valid if we get to see CJ's name in the blotter for this offense.

Mar 14, 2014, 1:28pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

For the record, additional law enforcement hours for DWI details are paid for by the people previously arrested for DWI. It's all fine money. Nothing else.

Mar 14, 2014, 4:45pm Permalink
cj sruger

I dont drink and drive, its just annoying to go thru the road blocks and answer questions and get the eye ball of the inside of my vehicle. And i thought I read a while back that the state or federal govt' funded these crack downs. are they really busting that many people?

Mar 14, 2014, 5:02pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

CJ, I agree that road blocks are a pain, but you can turn around and when the police pursue you, simply ask, am I under arrest, am I being detained, if the answer is no, simply tell the officer you want to be on your way. If the officer continues to hold you,
then you stop cooperating and ask for an attorney to be present.That usually works as long as you have broken no laws.
The supreme court upheld checkpoints, it did not say you have to stop and be subjected to gestapo like tactics.
The best advice, don't drink and drive.The cost of a dwi conviction is very steep, but
nothing in comparison to killing someone because you made a poor decision.
Once the drug alcohol is shutting down your frontal lobe, your ability to think clearly
is gone, make arrangements before you consume, and while you still can think clearly.
The same is true for any drug consumption.
As far as cost goes, you can't really put a price tag on human life and suffering.

Mar 15, 2014, 12:40pm Permalink
david spaulding

like it or not, this country is a police state. you will do as you are told, some law enforcement agency is watching every move you make. i.e. NSA, plate scanners,video cameras. now it comes down to police road blocks and demands to show your papers.
we have the "i don't have anything to hide" kinds and the "if it saves one life" kind.

let's make it easy on the "police state" and not allow anyone except the police to drive on holidays. most of the vehicle and traffic laws are for the stupid people who pay the bills while the holier than thou police are exempt..
tip your hat and bow to the police, they are your rulers.....

the uprising in the Ukraine will soon be here in America and the police will be killing us with the military grade machines and munitions they now have stock piled.

Happy St. Patricks day to you Batavia, i'll stay home and protect what i still have.

Mar 15, 2014, 2:28pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

"like it or not, this country is a police state."

It's obvious, Dave, you've never been to a police state. I have, and believe me, I know the difference. Maintaining our liberties is important, and is ever an essential ebb and flow of a work-in-progress (read up on the Wilson administration's repression during WWI); however it's helpful to have an historical perspective, and not engage in hysterics.

Mar 15, 2014, 3:52pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

David, if what I read a couple weeks ago comes true, even your home and property
won't be safe from the police and other agencies of law enforcement,via the neighborhood sweep program.
Batavia is becoming the prototype "busybody state". The lyrics from Monster, by Steppenwolf hold truer today than when it was released in the 60"s.
Give it a listen, it's downright ironic.

Mar 15, 2014, 9:20pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

WOW, didn't realize so many don't like Steppenwolf, lol : )
The videos on you tube are great as well.
Only 7 thumbs down, I'm losing my touch!!!

Mar 16, 2014, 11:11am Permalink

Authentically Local