DWI Enforcement and Security Patrols Increased During Thanksgiving Holiday

WESTCHESTER COUNTY POLICE TO INCREASE DWI ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY PATROLS DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY PERIOD

Increased police presence planned for county parkways, airport, and other locations

            Westchester County Police will deploy increased patrols this Thanksgiving holiday season to enforce DWI laws and enhance security around the Westchester County Airport, public transit hubs, houses of worship and retail shopping areas.

Beginning Wednesday, County Police will be participating in a statewide STOP-DWI enforcement campaign that will continue through the Thanksgiving weekend. In addition, uniformed officers and tactical teams will be stepping up inspections and critical infrastructure patrols around railroad and bus stations, major retails hubs in Mount Kisco and Cortlandt, houses of worship and other sensitive locations.

“Thanksgiving is a time of year when a great many people are traveling through Westchester’s airport or on our parkways,” County Executive George Latimer said. “The County Police will be deploying extra resources to ensure that everyone can reach their destinations as safely and efficiently as possible. Our police will ensure that all traffic rules are enforced and they will be there to help any distressed motorists.”

Public Safety Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason said the DWI enforcement effort will include roving patrols and sobriety checkpoints along the Bronx River, Cross County, Saw Mill and Hutchinson River parkways as well as in several municipalities.

 “We have seen an increase in impaired driving in recent years in the days around Thanksgiving,” Gleason said. “I remind everyone that there is zero tolerance in Westchester when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

The County Police will also be participating in Operation Safeguard, a public safety and counter-terrorism initiative. Law enforcement agencies in Westchester and Putnam counties will be working together to conduct security checks of religious facilities, train stations, commuter parking, bus routes, shopping malls and public gathering places.

Under this initiative, more police officers may be observed, including heavily armed tactical teams.  The public is reminded that this increased presence is not in response to any specific threat but is simply part of ongoing security and counter-terrorism efforts.