Audio By Carbonatix
Keep Dallas Observer Free
We’re aiming to raise $10,000 by April 26. Your support ensures Dallas Observer can continue watching out for you and our community. No paywall. Always accessible. Daily online and weekly in print.
There’s no place like home for the holidays — right, Perry Como? The Dallas Police Department couldn’t agree more: At this most wonderful time of the year, DPD once again launches its Home for the Holidays DWI initiative — since, after all, “December, historically, is the highest month of the year for alcohol related crashes.”
At a press conference this morning, DPD announced it will triple the number of DWI officers on patrol between November 25 and January 5. Usually, there are 10 full-time DWI task-force officers. But this news: The department will not be implementing the controversial “no-refusal” blood-draw policy during the holiday season.
“We can, but we chose not to,” says Lt. Jimmy Vaughan, adding that it’s very possible the DPD will kick-start the initiative around New Year’s. Most officers at the conference suggested the no-refusal policy’s been shelved, for the moment, due to a lack of cash — maybe. “Could be funding,” says Vaughan. “Or it could be a lack of time.”
