Law enforcement agencies joining efforts to deter DWIs over July 4th weekend

article

Several Central Texas law enforcement agencies are joining efforts to curb impaired driving on the roadways and impaired boating on waterways. The DWI initiative began at 9 a.m. on July 3 and ends at 5 a.m. on July 5.

The initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe and to conduct blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to give a breath or blood specimen as required by law.

Agencies will be focusing their efforts in a variety of ways, including extra staffing over the July 4th weekend in a focused effort to detect and arrest impaired drivers and boaters. Many agencies, including Austin police, will also be conducting a “no refusal” initiative during this period as well. “No refusal” means that should a suspect refuse to provide a breath or blood sample, and the officer has evidence of impairment, the officer shall apply to a judge requesting a search warrant for a blood sample.

The following agencies are participating in the initiative: