Nassau County - Long Island, New York

Mangano Announces “STOP-DWI” Labor Day Patrols

Enforcement Initiative Planned to Keep Drunk Drivers off Nassau County Roads

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas V. Dale today announced a centralized STOP-DWI Enforcement grant initiative by the Police Department for the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

The Nassau County Police Department’s Highway Patrol Bureau will coordinate and plan the DWI saturation enforcement strategy that will target areas throughout Nassau County. These additional funds will be used to add patrols in specific spots throughout Nassau. “We will be targeting drunk drivers and looking to prevent the kind of senseless alcohol-related accidents that often occur during a holiday weekend. There will be additional police patrols all around Nassau County and chances are if you drive drunk this weekend, you will be arrested,” said County Executive Mangano.

In 2011, from 7 p.m. on Friday, September 2, through 7 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, there were 54 DWI arrests. The STOP-DWI program is funded by DWI fines collected in Nassau County and will be used by the Nassau County Police Department as well as police departments throughout the county to implement an effective DWI program. During the holiday weekend, Friday, August 31, Saturday, September 1, and the following Saturday, September 8, additional officers will be added for patrols.

Police Commissioner Dale said that violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “There will be no leniency shown to those who choose to drink and drive or those under the influence of drugs. Our police force will be vigilant in conducting a centralized STOP-DWI initiative and ensuring the safety of all law abiding citizens.”

County Executive Mangano and Commissioner Dale remind everyone:

  • If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver before going out
  • Take mass transit, a cab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home
  • Spend the night where the activity is being held
  • Always buckle up – it is your best defense against a drunk driver

“We want everyone to enjoy this holiday weekend but also to also make responsible and smart decisions during their celebrations,” said County Executive Mangano.