40 law enforcement agencies out in force as part of the Wisconsin Impaired Driving Task Force
GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Greenfield police are one of 40 law enforcement agencies out in force this holiday weekend, as part of the Southeast Wisconsin Impaired Driving Task Force. CBS 58 got to ride along on Friday, May 24.
We suited up for day one of the OWI task force's summer season. Watching these officers in action, we can give our own warning to drivers, because these guys are good at their job.
We watched a late afternoon traffic stop at 56th and Forest Home from inside the squad car.
"Hello. Officer Franco, Greenfield Police Department. Reason I want to talk to you, when you passed me, you didn't have your seat belt on," said Officer Adan Franco, Greenfield Police during the traffic stop.
Back inside the squad, a quick run of the man's driver's license, and it's clear this officer's highly trained.
"This individual has had a few OWI convictions in their history, from a long history. But today, I have no indicator of impairment, no odors or anything, his speech is fine," said Officer Franco.
And away he goes, as we continue down Forest Home with an eye out for suspicious driving.
"Slow speeds, lane deviations, erratic behavior with a vehicle. The most obvious tell is when somebody's passed out behind the wheel at a red light," said Officer Franco.
Officer Franco says he sees a mixed bag of impaired drivers, some alcohol, some drugs, and for some, it's both.
"Our drinking culture in Wisconsin, sometimes it's a little more common than we'd like to see with people that think they're ok to drive," said Officer Franco.
The day began at roll call at 51st and Layton. Squads from all over. A quick meet up and encouraging words.
"The work that you guys are out there doing over the holiday weekend and beyond is important," said Captain Matt Borchardt, Greenfield Police and Public Information Officer for the Southeast Wisconsin Impaired Driving Task Force.
Last year's task force stopped more than 1,900 suspected impaired drivers, writing more than 150 citations in June and July alone.
"Here are extra law enforcement officers on the roads this weekend and well into the summer months because there are more people traveling," said Captain Borchardt.
So far this year, the task force has made over 500 stops issuing nearly 400 citations.