Trenton Police Ramp-Up Holiday Patrols

Law enforcement officers in communities in 26 counties, including Trenton, will put in some extra time targeting impaired drivers during the holiday season.

The added enforcement is part of the holiday Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown being funded with federal traffic safety grants administered by the Office of Highway Safety Planning.

In Trenton, extra officers will be on duty Dec. 16 through Jan. 1 starting at 11 p.m.

Trenton Police Chief Jim Nardone said there will be an increase of patrol officers and homeland security.

"We have ramped-up patrols," Nardone said. "There are more officers on the road."

Those who plan to drink are always encouraged to designate a sober driver before consuming any alcohol or take a cab or spend the night where they are. After all, you don't want to blow your holiday season budget on a DUI offense, which can adding up to more than $15,000, according to the Michigan State Police.

"The inconvenience of a drunk driving arrest doesn't end with a trip to jail," OHSP Director Michael L. Prince said in a release. "When factoring in court costs, legal fees, bail, towing, license fees and increased insurance, a drunk driving arrest is a very expensive situation."

Out of the 11 people who were killed over last year's Christmas and New Year's holidays in crashes on Michigan roadways, four were alcohol-fueled incidents, according to the OHSP.

Nardone said he wanted to encourage residents to drive safely. However, if people choose to have too much to drink, Trenton Police will help put them in touch with local cab companies.

"We will do whatever we need to do to help them," Nardone said. "That’s our job. Obviously we are discouraging people to drive while intoxicated."

To see a complete list of participating communities, visit the OHSP website.