Crime & Safety

Austin Police Launch 'No Refusal' Weekend Halloween Weekend

Police will be able to secure bench warrants in order to draw blood from intoxicated people who refuse to do so willingly.

AUSTIN, TX-- Through the Halloween weekend, the Austin Police Department is conducting a No Refusal DWI initiative.

What this means is that the police will be out in full force on the lookout for drunk driving. For those refusing to take a breathalyzer or have blood drawn voluntarily to test for intoxication, police will be able to search bench warrants for forcible blood draws -- hence the "no refusal" part of the equation.

The initiative kicked off Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. and ends Nov. 1 at 5 a.m.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"This announcement is to encourage everyone to make the responsible choice not to drive if they are impaired in any way," police said in a prepared statement. "Know before you go, to get home safe. APD is focused on saving lives and making roadways safe for everyone through education and enforcement."

Last year, 41 people were arrested during the Halloween 2015 No Refusal initiative.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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