The Chicago Police Department is ramping up its efforts to combat drunk driving by launching a DUI Saturation Patrol in the city's 20th (Lincoln) District this upcoming weekend. Announced on the department's official website, the operation is slated to kick off on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 6 p.m. and will run through the wee hours until 2 a.m. on Saturday. This initiative is part of a broader crackdown aiming to curb impaired driving and traffic violations.

During this saturation patrol, police will be on high alert for signs of impaired driving, focusing on other offenses as well such as speeding, driving without seat belts, and alcohol-related violations vehicles equipped for speed detection will be deployed throughout the district, alongside the Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit, which can process DUI charges on the spot.

Notably, the Chicago Police Department's website states that the mobile unit also permits the issue of Individual Recognizance Bonds (I-Bonds) at the DUI Saturation Patrol location.

The urgency of such programs is underlined by the outcomes of a similar DUI Saturation Patrol held in the 9th (Deering) District the prior weekend April 19-20 which saw officers doling out a total of 42 citations, including six insurance violations, five unsafe vehicle violations, three seat belt infractions, and a range of other traffic violations like distracted driving tallying an additional 20 citations even though no DUI arrests were made, the stats underscore an ongoing fight against traffic-related offenses.

Despite not nabbing any drunk drivers in the last patrol, the sheer volume of other infractions indicates a persistent need for such enforcement measures in the city. The Chicago Police Department hopes that their continuous efforts will lead to safer streets and heightened awareness about the consequences of irresponsible driving habits.