July 4th DWI Initiative

The Dallas Police Department DWI Squad will be conducting a DWI initiative over the upcoming Holiday weekend. During the July 4th Holiday Weekend, there is an increase in serious accidents due to intoxicated drivers. Officers will be working throughout the City of Dallas in those areas where high volumes of DWI offenses and accidents have occurred.
The Department is committed to addressing those persons who operate motor vehicles while intoxicated and preventing serious accidents and loss of life from these incidents.
If you plan to go out and drink, please consider the below tips:
• Always have a designated driver
• Call a taxi or download a rideshare app on your phone
• If visiting a friend or relative, spend the night
• Never enter a vehicle with someone who has been drinking
• Consider drinking non-alcoholic beverages
• Take away the keys from those who have been drinking
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in significant financial costs, legal expenses, potential medical costs, increased insurance premiums, property damage, jail time and loss of life. Remember, drunk driving is a choice with easily avoidable consequences.

A Message from Chief David O. Brown

Over the past two years the DWI Enforcement Unit’s manpower has dwindled to its current size. Efforts made to staff the unit proved unsuccessful; therefore, the duty fell mostly to patrol officers.

In 2007, the state mandated every officer entering the academy be trained in the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing process as part of their basic peace officer license.

The number of DWI arrests has dropped even though there are more officers qualified to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Test.

Therefore, effective Friday, February 12, 2016, the DWI Enforcement Unit will be staffed with 18 additional officers and operational, working 8:00p.m.- 4:00am.

No Refusal DWI Initiative

dwiThe Dallas Police Department will conduct a No-Refusal DWI Initiative for the Labor Day weekend holiday beginning 6:00 P.M., Friday, September 4, 2015 and will conclude at 6:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 8, 2015.

During this initiative, officers will secure a search warrant for a blood sample from all persons arrested for DWI who refuse to voluntarily give a breath and/or blood sample.