Extra Police Officers Patrol To Crack Down On Drunk Drivers In Tulsa

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- As part of a busy graduation weekend, the Tulsa Police Department had ten extra officers patrolling Saturday night to crack down on drunk drivers. 

In 2009, the Tulsa Police Department averaged 141 DUI arrests per month. From 2005 to 2007, there was a 19% increase in DUI arrests in Tulsa.

"It is sad because more and more people are risking their lives and everybody else's life," said Officer Craig Murray, Tulsa Police Department.

Saturday night, 30 TPD officers, plus a few Tulsa County Sheriff's Deputies, were on the lookout for drunk drivers.

"I think a lot of times what people think of as drunk drivers, what the stereotype is that they are weaving from curb to curb, all over the road, things like that and that's not necessarily the case," said Officer Murray.

"They might hesitate at a green light. They might stop a little short of a red light. They may take a longer sweep with their turn, or drive down the road with their turn signal on," said Officer Murray.

Federal grant money is paying for Saturday night's overtime, so other officers could perform their regular duties.

The final tally:

• 41 speeding tickets
• 10 red light tickets
• 1 seatbelt violation
• 38 other violations
• Officers made seven misdemeanor arrests and three DUI misdemeanor arrests.

"We want people who are out there with other activities going on to be able to get to where they're going safely and we can't do that if we've got people out there that are drunk driving," said Officer Murray.

Officers concentrated on the areas of Brookside, Cherry Street and other areas of Tulsa. They say they are always looking for drunk drivers, but the next big push will be the Click It or Ticket campaign. That kicks off for the Memorial Day weekend.

5/8/2010  Related Story: Extra Tulsa Police Officers Out Searching For Drunk Drivers