DWI arrests far fewer in multi-agency saturated patrol by local law enforcement

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 November 2020 at 8:31 pm

Law enforcement agencies in Orleans County worked together in a county-wide DWI saturation patrol from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 3 a.m. today.

This year’s detail involved the same amount of patrol officers yet the amount of vehicle stops that were conducted was nearly half of what we have seen in past years, said Roland Nenni, police chief in Albion and Holley.

“This is attributed to the early closing of establishments that sell alcoholic beverages and persons taking safety precautions as a result of the ongoing pandemic,” Nenni said in a news release. “At times during the detail vehicular traffic was nonexistent. The reduction in persons utilizing highways on what is typically one of the busiest nights of the year also shows that people are taking the threat posed by Covid-19 serious.”

There was one person charged with driving while intoxicated during the patrols. Past details have resulted 15 in more arrests for driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.

“This is positive news in our efforts to reduce accidents caused by intoxicated drivers,” Nenni said. “The reduction of DWI arrests is a positive and motivating factor when these types of details are conducted. Many believe that law enforcement want to make more DWI arrests during these details, however we like to see the opposite.”

The agencies involved in the detail included the Albion, Medina and Holley police departments; Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.

In the past the detail has included logistical support from the Orleans County Probation Department, New York State Parole, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol. But due to the risk posed by Covid-19 on officers, the detail only utilized law enforcement road patrol personnel for this year’s detail.

This is the seventh year a Saturation Patrol was conducted and the 10th year a focused detail was done. Nenni said the local law enforcement agencies are committed to making the roadways safe for all who travel upon them.