Chicago residents should be aware of increased police activity this weekend as the Chicago Police Department sets out to conduct DUI Saturation Patrols in two districts. According to the department's website, the 16th (Jefferson Park) district is on the schedule from Friday, August 30, at 6 p.m. through Saturday, August 31, until 2 a.m. Officers will be on high alert for impaired drivers, ready with speed detection equipment and focusing as well on seat belts and other traffic violations.
The DUI Saturation Patrol is not limited, to Jefferson Park. Starting from Saturday, August 31, the 24th (Rogers Park) District will also face rigorous monitoring. This patrol is planned to last until 2 a.m. on Sunday, September 1. The Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit may be present to expedite DUI charges and issue I-Bonds right at the site, as detailed in the police department’s announcement.
Past patrols indicate a sharp eye for a variety of infractions. The DUI Saturation Patrol in the 14th (Shakespeare) District earlier in August resulted in a total of 61 citations, including 13 for unsafe vehicle violations, 5 for insurance violations, and 8 for seat belt violations, among others, though no DUI arrests were made, as per the Chicago Police Department. There were also no vehicles towed.
Similarly, the 7th (Englewood) District patrol, which took place in early August, netted 42 citations, as reported by the CPD. There were 11 unsafe vehicle violations, 8 insurance violations, and even an open liquor violation among the charges. Speeding did not make the list this time, however, distracted driving did make a solitary appearance. None of the motorists stopped were charged with DUI.
