Tempe DUI and Drunk Driving News

Michael Ferraresi
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 16, 2007 02:43 PM

With all the Guinness and Irish whiskey toasted Saturday in the name of St. Patrick, expect to see additional police patrolling Scottsdale's streets.

Those who take the wheel with too much liquid courage could draw the attention of officers patrolling Scottsdale and Tempe as part of the East Valley DUI Task Force.

This year's task force, hosted by Scottsdale, includes nearly 20 officers from the Scottsdale and Tempe police departments and the Department of Public Safety. Arizona State University's DPS officers will also help.

Drivers stopped on suspicion of DUI could be taken to a temporary command post at Scottsdale Church of the Nazarene, 2340 N. Hayden Road, for blood draws or other sobriety tests. Another post will be set up in Tempe.

"Folks have to make that decision (to drink responsibly) before they ever even go out," said Scottsdale police Lt. Frank O'Halloran, who oversees traffic enforcement. "Everyone's metabolism and tolerance is difference, but it's pretty easy to get beyond the legal limit."

Officers are on patrol tonight throughout Scottsdale but the focus will be on the downtown Craftsman Court nightclub district, where bars are open for a St. Patrick's Day block party.

Last year, more than 250 drivers were cited for DUI as part of the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety's Valley wide DUI task forces.