Freeport, Long Beach Receive Funds To Assist With DWI Enforcement

MINEOLA, NY — A village and a city are getting a boost in summertime enforcement thanks to money from the Nassau County District Attorney's office.

The Long Beach and Freeport police departments are each receiving $55,000 that will fund enhanced DWI checks.

"Long Island is a summer destination. We have great beaches and nightlife, but unfortunately, we also have drunk drivers. These grants will allow the Freeport and Long Beach Police Departments to enhance their DWI patrols during this busy holiday season, taking proactive steps to combat drunk or drugged driving and save lives," Donnelly said.

From 2021 to 2022, the Freeport Police Department doubled the number of arrests made for people driving under the influence. The Department made 60 DWI arrests in 2022.

On March 1, a 24-year-old pedestrian was killed crossing Babylon Turnpike by an individual who was allegedly driving while more than twice the legal limit for alcohol.

"These additional officers on patrol will be assigned to enforce DWI-related offenses at strategic times and locations," Freeport Chief of Police Michael Smith said. "Additionally, the increased visibility of police officers should serve as a deterrent to those motorists who would consider getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol."

Over the past eight years, the Long Beach Police Department has made 976 DWI arrests, including 262 drug-related DWI arrests.

The stepped-up enforcement efforts will be staffed entirely by officers who are specially trained in field sobriety tests, breath analysis, and drug recognition.