Holiday Alcohol Task Force Concludes

The officers of the Montgomery County Police Alcohol Holiday Task Force devoted their full time and attention to detecting alcohol-related offenses during the holiday season.  The eight-week task force began on Nov. 15, 2017, and concluded on Jan. 6, 2018.

During the eight weeks of the task force, task force officers arrested 205 people for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.

(It should be noted that the above arrests include only those arrests made by task force officers and do not include the additional arrests made by patrol officers in the performance of their duties.  Therefore, the number of total DUI arrests made by MCP officers during this time period is higher).

The Montgomery County Police Department reminds residents that they can assist in combating alcohol-related crime and collisions throughout the year:

If you plan on drinking, include a sober driver in your plans:

• If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.
• When you know you’ll be drinking, leave your keys at home or give them to someone else.
• If you have been drinking, do not drive—even a short distance. Call a taxi, Uber, phone a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.

If you believe you are observing a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs:

• Call 911. If possible, and without putting yourself in danger, obtain the license plate of the vehicle, the direction of travel of the vehicle, and a description of the vehicle (make, model, color).

If you have information on establishments that are selling alcohol to youth under 21 or over serving patrons:

• If it is occurring at the present time, you can call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.
• If you believe it is an ongoing issue, you can call Crime Solvers toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please provide as much information as possible. Tips will be forwarded to the Alcohol Initiatives Section.
• You can also call the Keeping it SAFE: Under Twenty-One Alcohol Prevention Coalition at 301-670-7233to report an ongoing issue of an establishment selling alcohol to minors. Tips will be forwarded to the Alcohol Initiatives Section.

If you have information on an underage drinking party:

• If it is occurring at the present time, you can call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.
• If you have knowledge of a party planned for a future date, you can call the Keeping it SAFE: Under Twenty-One Alcohol Prevention Coalition at 301-670-7233. You can leave a message and remain anonymous.  You can also call Crime Solvers toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).  Please provide as much information as possible.  Tips will be forwarded to the Alcohol Initiatives Section.

About Staff Writer

View all posts by Staff Writer