Newark Cops Prep Holiday DWI Checkpoints For 2017

NEWARK, NJ — Since the beginning of the year, Newark police have made more than 6,000 motor vehicle stops and 100 DWI arrests as part of a city-wide “safety check operation.” And despite a recent police alert, this holiday season may end up padding that total.

Earlier this week, the Newark Department of Public Safety announced that local police will be deployed throughout the city during the 2017 holiday season as part of a DWI enforcement operation.

This holiday season’s operation hits home, according to Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

“Just last evening a police sergeant was injured after his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver,” Ambrose said on Saturday. “We will continue to arrest people who think they are going to drink and drive in the City of Newark, especially during the holiday season.”

Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Newark Facebook page.

The upcoming DWI deployments are funded by a $34,899 grant received through a Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund from the State of New Jersey, which local police used to create 126 checkpoints at crash and violation hot spots throughout Newark in January.

Newark police have conducted 6,070 motor vehicle stops, issued 4,516 summonses and 99 tows, and made over 100 DWI arrests at the 126 checkpoints so far this year, authorities said.

Anyone with information about a possible DWI can call the department’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4857). Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org or through its smartphone app.

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