This report summarizes a study of the long term experience of six law enforcement agencies with enforcement programs coupled with public information and education (PI&E) designed to deter driving while intoxicated (DWI). Six communities were identified which had implemented DWI enforcement programs coupled with PI&E in the late 1970s or early 1980s and had been deemed to be successful by their state highway safety office. They were: Redondo Beach, California; Fort Collins, Colorado; Wichita, Kansas; Omaha, Nebraska; Lexington, Kentucky; and Clearwater, Florida. In each community, DWI enforcement activity increased greatly with the advent of the specially funded programs. In three sites, arrests went down after funding ceased but remained well above pre-program levels. Two sites sought and received additional enforcement funding and were able to maintain a high arrest rate. PI&E efforts tended to cease when funding ran out. The intent of such projects is to initiate programs that the communities will continue on their own. The reduced activity after funding ceases is attributed to increasing volume of work (as indicated by calls for service) in the face of stable staffing levels, changing command emphasis in response to constituent demands in other areas (other drug, gangs, etc.) and officer burnout. (A)
Abstract