Westchester County Police Will Step Up Holiday Safety, DUI Patrols

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Westchester County Police Department will deploy increased patrols over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to enforce DWI laws and enhance security around the Westchester County Airport, public transit hubs, houses of worship and shopping areas.

Beginning Wednesday, Westchester 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 major retail hubs, railroad and bus stations, houses of worship and other potentially sensitive locations.

"Many people will be traveling on our parkways and through Westchester County Airport during the Thanksgiving holiday period," County Executive George Latimer explained. "The County Police will be deploying extra resources to ensure that everyone can reach their destinations as safely and efficiently as possible."

Acting Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said the DWI enforcement effort will include roving patrols and sobriety checkpoints along the Bronx River, Cross County, Saw Mill River and Hutchinson River parkways, as well as in various municipalities in Westchester.

He urged anyone who will be drinking alcohol to make a plan in advance for a sober ride home, whether by calling a taxi or ride-share service or having a designated driver.

The Westchester 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 other public gathering places.

Under this initiative, more police officers may be visible to the public, including heavily armed tactical teams. Police officials are reminding the community that this increased police presence is not in response to any specific threat.