Residents of Chicago's 9th (Deering) District can expect to see a stronger police presence on their roads. In a recent announcement, the Chicago Police Department has stated that it will be conducting a DUI Saturation Patrol, lasting from Friday, September 29, 2023, at 6 p.m. to Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 2 a.m. to deter impaired driving and promote safety for all.
This program aims to saturate the district with roving police officers, continually monitoring vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving, while also keeping an eye on speed, alcohol-related, and safety belt violations. To apprehend speeding violators, police vehicles equipped for speed detection will be deployed throughout the area.
The Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit may also take to the streets in this effort, allowing officers to quickly charge individuals with Driving under the Influence (DUI) before transporting them to the nearest lockup for bonding. This mobile unit not only expedites the process but also offers the opportunity for those accused to be issued Individual Recognizance Bonds (I-Bonds) right at the site of the patrol.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the DUI Saturation Patrol conducted in the 12th (Near West) District on September 22-23, resulted in zero arrests for Driving Under the Influence. That weekend, a total of twenty-one citations were issued, eight of which were for unsafe vehicle violations, three for insurance violations, one for a driver's license violation, one for distracted driving through cellphone use, and eight for other traffic violations. No vehicles were towed, and no other arrests were made.
