Heavy patrols find light new year

LAKE COUNTY — In terms of drunk driving, the holiday didn’t result in more cases than a typical weekend, local law enforcement officials said.

“We had a few DUIs, not much else,” Lake County undersheriff Jay Doyle said.

The Polson police had a similar story, with five drunk driving incidents, John Stevens, assistant police chief, said.

“We stepped up patrols to have more of a presence on New Year’s Eve,” Chief Doug Chase, of the Polson police, said.

 The tribe also had extra patrols out as part of a program that increases patrols during certain points of the year.

“I think people are learning that [law enforcement] is going to be out in full force,” Craig Couture, chief of Tribal Police, said. “Typically, we have double the patrol out.”

In addition to patrolling the busy, U.S. Highway 93 roadway, Tribal Police also concentrated on backroads.

“We’ve learned that people who are drinking and driving tend to use the backroads and avoid 93,” Couture said.

By getting the word out in radio spots and in newspapers, people will understand that the police will be out there watching for drunk drivers, Couture said.

The tribe is planning additional pushes in 2010 including over the holidays of Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.

The goal is deterrence, Couture said.

“If you’re going drink, that’s fine. Just don’t drive,” he said.