*PRESS RELEASE* Cops to saturate area over long weekend

Law enforcement agencies throughout Stanislaus County will be joining together to conduct DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols in Oakdale and Stanislaus County this Memorial Day weekend as part of the Avoid the Twelve campaign. DUI saturation patrols will occur Friday, May 23, and Sunday, May 25, throughout Stanislaus County. DUI checkpoints will be conducted on Saturday, May 24, and Monday, May 26, in the City of Oakdale.

The Avoid the Twelve campaign consists of numerous DUI checkpoints and several high intensity strike teams including officers from all twelve law enforcement agencies in Stanislaus County. The goal of the Twelve is to reduce alcohol related injuries and deaths within Stanislaus County. According to statistics distributed by the California Office of Traffic Safety, 159 people were killed in Stanislaus County and 2,661 people were injured due to alcohol involved collisions from 2002 to 2006.

Police officials throughout the county are encouraging citizens to be extra cautious throughout the Fourth of July weekend. Officials hope that heightened enforcement with the Avoid the Twelve campaign will remind drivers to make wise decisions when drinking and not drive while under the influence.

The Avoid the Twelve grant targets holiday periods including Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, the Stanislaus County Fair, and Labor Day. This special enforcement effort is made possible through a $516,052.99 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

disclosures: Press release prepared by:

Sergeant Craig Gundlach
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations
(209) 572-9579
(209) 652-3184