Sheriff’s deputies, Carmel police to hold sobriety checkpoints over St. Patrick’s Day weekend
Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports that sheriff’s deputies and officers from the Town of Carmel Police Department will team up to conduct sobriety checks of drivers along area roads this weekend. Deputies and officers will set up the checkpoints as part of a statewide law enforcement effort aimed at stopping drunken driving.
The concerted statewide initiative is being funded under the “Crackdown Grant” obtained through the auspices of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and administered by the NYS Stop-DWI Foundation. The grant funds offset the salary costs of the municipalities for the deputies and officers who conduct the sobriety checkpoints.
This weekend’s DWI crackdown is timed to coincide with traditional St. Patrick’s Day festivities being held in the area, and is intended to deter revelers from driving after drinking. “We encourage the commemoration of St. Patrick and the community celebration of Irish heritage,” said Sheriff Smith, “but we are taking a tough stand against drunk driving on this or any other holiday.” The sheriff reminded residents to drink responsibly and to use a designated driver or call a taxi as necessary.
