The Chicago Police Department is beefing up its fight against impaired driving with a new DUI Saturation Patrol in the 18th (Near North) District this week. Starting from 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024, and running until 2:00 a.m. the following Friday, the patrol will be out in force, scanning the streets for any signs of dangerous driving behavior.
According to the official Chicago Police Department release, the initiative is not just about nabbing those driving under the influence. Officers aim to crack down on a range of traffic offenses, from speeding to seat belt violations. The CPD will deploy speed detection-equipped vehicles, and operate the Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit, which expedites the process of charging and bonding individuals suspected of DUI. The unit also issues Individual Recognizance Bonds (I-Bonds) at the scene.
Chicago police seem encouraged by recent efforts. A similar patrol in the 1st (Central) District on March 10-11 yielded a total of 40 citations. These included 15 for unsafe vehicle violations, 8 for speed, and 8 for distracted driving, amongst other traffic infringements. Notably, though, no arrests were made for driving under the influence, open liquor, suspended or revoked licenses, or other arrests during this patrol.
The emphasis on safe driving is clear, but it's too soon to say whether these patrols will lead to a significant drop in traffic accidents or DUIs. With zero DUI arrests in the last patrol, the effectiveness of the saturation approach remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the CPD's message is unequivocal: they have zero tolerance for impaired and irresponsible driving on the city's streets.
