Crime & Safety
St. Patrick’s Day Revelers Fly Under West Des Moines Police Radar
With an increased presence on the street, West Des Moines police report only minor alcohol violations during the Wearing of the Green.
St. Patrick’s Day revelers didn’t cause any problems for West Des Moines Police, Sgt. Ken O’Brien said.
Police made three arrests for drunken driving and two for public intoxication – normal weekend activity, O’Brien said.
“We just had a huge presence on the streets and doing bar checks,” he said.
West Des Moines police announced earlier in the week that extra patrols would be on duty during the St. Patrick’s holiday weekend. The Iowa State Patrol also had an increased presence.
O’Brien also thinks liquor establishments are doing a better job promoting responsible St. Patrick’s Day revelry.
“There was a lot of organization at liquor establishments,” he said. “They’ve built safe rides and taxis into this, and people who want to celebrate are doing a better job of planning their day. We’re glad to see that.”
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