Burke Drunk Drivers Beware: Fairfax County Police Unveil Special DWI Squad

BURKE, VA — Fairfax County Police are unveiling a new, nine-officer squad specifically to combat drunk driving in Burke and elsewhere in the county.

Beginning Thursday, the new squad will be deployed to "reduce impaired-related crashes through aggressive enforcement and prosecution of driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated (DWI) cases," according to a statement from Fairfax County Police.

Police hand-picked officers who had a combined total of 241 DWI arrests over the last seven years. The squad will operate from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. on four-day rotations countywide.

"Their assignments will be based on statistical data, citizen requests, and requests from station commanders, etc," the statement reads. "The officers on the squad are assigned to the Traffic Division of the Operations Support Bureau. Squad members will receive advanced training in DWI detection, drug recognition, and effective testimony to ensure successful prosecution."

The squad is paying for its equipment and salaries through a federal grant via the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, although the county will have to pay for vehicle maintenance and fuel.

This story originated from Patch staff writer Dan Taylor

Image via Fairfax County Police