Labor Day is a Working Holiday for Some
By: Stephanie Sobic
Updated: September 6, 2010
People across the nation are celebrating this Labor Day, by enjoying a day off of work. However, for some organizations, this holiday is a working one.
Much like news never sleeps; crime doesn't seem to stop either.
"Over the holiday weekend we did have a few extra officers out," explains Sgt. Jason Lee with MPD.
As part of the DWI step program the Midland Police Department is able to have more officers patrolling the streets.
"The DWI Step Program targets weekends," says Sgt. Lee.
Especially when it's a holiday weekend.
"The DWI Step Program is very effective, where as the normal patrol officers may not have the time to seek DWI offenders," says Sgt. Lee.
Four extra officers volunteered to work the step program this weekend, which resulted in several DWI arrests.
"The person drives an average of 50 times before they ever get caught," says Charles Hodges with Stop DWI.
Hodges with Stop DWI is grateful for programs like Step because they heighten awareness and get some people to think twice before driving drunk.
"When there's more patrol out there, word gets around and people are more careful. I don't think they've stopped drinking and driving. I just think they're more careful with what they do," explains Hodges.
On a side note, the DWI Step Program is funded by the state and these extra patrol officers only look for those offenders.


