Police increasing DUI patrols this weekend

DOWNEY – The Downey Police Department announced it will deploy DUI saturation patrols this weekend and next in search of intoxicated drivers.

The patrols will be deployed this Friday and Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., and again next weekend, Jan. 11-12.

Police officers will be loking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment.

“When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes,” police officials said in a news release.

Police officials are reminding the public to designate a sober driver when going out to drink, or utilize a taxi or ride-share program to get home. Drunk driver should be reported by calling 911.

Over the past three years, there were 392 DUI collisions in Downey, police said.

Three people were killed and another 268 were injured.