The Garland Police Department will step up DWI patrols starting Saturday, March 4, and run them through Tuesday, March 21.
The increased Driving While Intoxicated patrols are for an Impaired Driver Mobilization project. The project is funded through a TXDOT grant program which targets DWI along with Driving Under the Influence by Minors. The patrols will be active in the night time hours by utilizing both marked and unmarked police cars.
Officers may apply for blood search warrants for those drivers who refuse to consent to giving a specimen of their breath or blood when arrested for Driving While Intoxicated related offenses.
Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver’s license for up to a year and serve 180 days in jail. Safety officials say other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.
In 2015, on Texas Highways, there were 1,446 people killed in motor vehicle crashes where the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
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About GPD: The mission of the Garland Police Department is to enhance the quality of life for our community by reducing crime and the fear of crime.
- The members of the Garland Police Department shall seek to provide first-class public safety services for our community:
- while maintaining the highest level of ethics, integrity, and accountability to the law-abiding citizens and stakeholders of Garland;
- through fair and impartial enforcement of the law;
- while working in partnership with all segments of our diverse community in proactive efforts to reduce crime and address conditions that may foster the fear of crime.